We received feedback that one of the links did not work in our previous posting. Below is more information (and hopefully functioning links!) about OFI's open Sun Bear Husbandry and Rehabilitation Volunteer positions. If there is continued difficulty with the links, please email us at [email protected] and we will make sure to get the necessary information to you!
Orangutan Foundation International is seeking self-motivated, dedicated volunteers to work with sun bears in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia. Two positions are available: 1) Sun Bear Husbandry Volunteer to work with the Malayan sun bears currently housed at OFI's Orangutan Care Center and Quarantine (OCCQ) facility. The OCCQ currently takes in and houses all animals in need including the local subspecies of Malayan sun bear. These bears sometimes arrive at OFI's facilities injured or traumatized after being captured from the wild; many have been confiscated by local authorities after being kept as pets in poor conditions. OFI has built a one hectare forest enclosure at the OCCQ which now houses several adult and juvenile bears we are unable to reintroduce into the wild. OFI's Sun Bear Rehabilitation Program selects and rehabilitates any bear cubs that are healthy and deemed fit for reintroduction back into the wild. The Sun Bear Husbandry Volunteer will work at the OCCQ facility with local staff and other sun bear Rehabilitators to care for these adult and juvenile bears as well as any cubs involved in OFI's sun bear rehabilitation program. Volunteers will help with feeding, enclosure cleaning, enrichment, repairs, and monitoring of all bears at the OCCQ. Position duration: 4 to 6 months with possibility of extension Application deadline: rolling For a full job description and how to apply: http://orangutan.org/take-action/volunteer/long-term- volunteering/ 2) Sun Bear Rehabilitator to participate in the reintroduction of young bear cubs back into the wild. The OFI Sun Bear Reintroduction Program started in May 2011 and has progressed with the continued influx of orphan bears into OFI's Indonesian-run OCCQ facility. OFI's sun bear rehabilitation so far has been based on the proven "walk-release" method, in which the bear is walked daily in the forest by a "bear walker" (or Rehabilitator). This companionship enables the young bear to adapt to living in the wild and develop the foraging skills necessary to survive, while also functioning to establish a forest territory for the bear. Previous sun bear releases suggest that human presence during this critical time helps deter wild bears from displacing or attacking the young naive cubs during the rehabilitation process. Position duration: Minimum 6 months, ideally 1 year or more. Starting immediately. Application deadline: rolling For a full job description and how to apply: http://orangutan.org/take-action/volunteer/long-term- volunteering/ These positions are ideal for animal keepers, ethologists, carnivore enthusiasts, and those with an interest in gaining hands-on experience in animal care and wildlife reintroduction. If you do not have the time to commit to these positions but still want to help OFI help Borneo's wildlife, consider applying to our Summer Construction Program: http://orangutan.org/take- action/volunteer/construction-program/ Please direct inquiries to: OFI Volunteer Committee 824 Wellesley Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90049 USA Telephone number: 310-820-4906 Website: http://www.orangutan.org Email address: [email protected]
