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You’ll be matched with your personal volunteer travel expert who’ll guide you every step of the way.
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Receive your welcome pack with everything you need: arrival info, contacts, visa and insurance help, packing tips, vaccines, language basics, and so much more.
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Choose your dream project and apply for free—no commitment, just excitement!
Pick Your Destination & Apply
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Once your dates are confirmed, pay your program fee—choose to pay in full or in easy installments.
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Want to volunteer as a Conservation Breeding Assistant in Indonesia? Our Travel Roots Conservation Breeding Assistant program invites you into the heart of one of the world’s most urgent conservation efforts.
Based at a renowned wildlife rescue and breeding centre in Java, this program is dedicated to preserving endangered Indonesian species through expert-led conservation breeding.
You’ll work alongside a committed team of conservationists and animal care professionals focused on breeding at-risk species such as the Javan slow loris, silvery gibbon, black-winged starling, and other critically endangered native wildlife. These animals are often unable to return to the wild due to habitat loss or injury, and the breeding program aims to ensure the survival of their species through long-term, scientifically managed population support.
Key Activities
• Assist with daily husbandry tasks including feeding and enclosure cleaning
• Monitor and record behaviour to assess compatibility and breeding success
• Support the maintenance of animal records and assist with genetic pairing software
• Help prepare and distribute enrichment to promote natural behaviours
• Participate in habitat and enclosure improvements
• Learn about species-specific needs and breeding challenges
• Observe animal introductions and help track their progress
• Assist with data entry, health checks, or veterinary procedures where appropriateThis is an ideal placement for anyone interested in conservation biology, zoology, or animal behaviour studies. You’ll gain meaningful field experience while supporting an organisation that plays a critical role in Indonesia’s conservation landscape.
By volunteering as a Conservation Breeding Assistant, you will:
• Help protect and preserve endangered species through hands-on conservation breeding
• Work directly with expert staff and endangered animals like slow lorises and silvery gibbons
• Contribute to research and record-keeping vital for genetic diversity and long-term survival
• Gain practical experience in animal care, behaviour monitoring, and breeding protocols
• Develop conservation biology knowledge in a real-world, high-impact setting
• Support the development of sustainable captive populations for future rewilding
• Be part of a collaborative effort that combines science, compassion, and local knowledge
• Live and volunteer in the heart of rural Java, surrounded by nature and cultureWhat to Expect: A Day in the Life of an Conservation Breeder Assistant in Indonesia
Volunteering in conservation breeding is both meticulous and rewarding. Your days will involve a mix of animal care, behavioural observation, and hands-on support for the centre’s expert team, all within a routine that ensures the animals’ health and reproductive success.
Here’s what a typical day might look like:
07:00 – Morning Briefing & Facility Check
Start your day with a team briefing. Check the enclosures of breeding species and review any behavioural or health notes.08:00 – Feeding & Enrichment
Assist in preparing and distributing tailored diets and daily enrichment for the breeding animals, such as fruit skewers, foliage, or puzzle feeders to encourage natural behaviours.09:30 – Enclosure Cleaning
Help clean enclosures and breeding spaces while observing animals’ responses to the environment—hygiene is critical in breeding success.11:30 – Behavioural Monitoring & Record Keeping
Spend time quietly observing breeding pairs, logging social behaviour, courtship displays, or nesting activity, and contributing to species-specific data tracking.13:00 – Lunch Break (provided)
Recharge with a traditional Indonesian meal and relax in the communal area or on the viewing deck.14:00 – Enclosure Maintenance or Breeding Projects
Assist in modifying breeding spaces or help build enrichment tools that simulate natural nest-making, foraging, or courtship stimuli.15:30 – Afternoon Feed or Team Projects
Wrap up the day with a second round of feeding, record updates, or join in on teamwork sessions like habitat upgrades, group training, or assisting the veterinary staff if needed.16:00 – Debrief & Free Time
The day winds down with notes and planning for the next day. Evenings are your time to socialise, explore, or rest.Volunteers work 6 days a week, with Sundays off to relax or explore nearby villages, nature spots, or enjoy downtime at the centre.
Your Impact as a Volunteer
Conservation breeding is a vital tool in the fight to prevent extinction—and your role in it is more valuable than you might imagine.
As a Conservation Breeding Assistant, you’ll directly support the preservation of critically endangered species. Your daily work—feeding, cleaning, behavioural monitoring, and enrichment—not only ensures the animals' welfare but also contributes to successful reproduction and long-term survival of vulnerable populations.
Every observation you log and every behavioural change you notice helps the centre make informed decisions about pairings and habitat design. Your contributions feed into global databases used by conservationists worldwide to manage breeding programs and improve species protection plans.
But the impact isn’t one-way. You’ll leave with a deeper understanding of endangered species biology, practical field skills in animal care and monitoring, and a renewed passion for conservation. These experiences will enrich your academic or career journey, making you a stronger advocate for biodiversity wherever life takes you.
You're not just helping save species—you’re helping shape a future where conservation, science, and empathy go hand in hand.
Your Home in Java
Your home during the program is nestled within the grounds of the wildlife rescue centre itself, giving you full immersion in the natural rhythm of life at the sanctuary. Expect simple, rustic living in a peaceful rural setting surrounded by forest and rice fields.
You’ll stay in one of two wooden long-house dormitories—separated by gender—with private partitioned areas for each volunteer. Each section includes a single bed, cabinet, and basic privacy, offering just enough comfort to rest and recharge after a rewarding day of hands-on work.
Facilities Include:
• Traditional squat toilets and cold-water bucket showers (typical of Indonesian rural areas)
• A communal viewing deck with a stunning overlook of the surrounding rice paddies—perfect for relaxing, journaling, or socialising
• Daily cleaning and a laundry service to help you stay fresh and focused
• Home-cooked Indonesian and Sundanese-style lunches and dinners prepared by local women from the village
• Vegetarian, vegan, and other dietary preferences can be accommodated with prior notice
• Breakfast is self-catered—there’s space to store simple groceries or snacksLife here is grounded, meaningful, and authentic. The accommodation mirrors the spirit of the project: practical, eco-conscious, and deeply connected to the local way of life.
History
Founded in 2001, our local conservation partner is a non-profit organisation based in West Java that has grown into one of Indonesia’s most established wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centres. Originally created to assist in the care of confiscated animals from the illegal wildlife trade, the centre now operates as a multi-faceted conservation hub.
With facilities that support everything from wildlife rescue and conservation breeding to sustainable farming and environmental education, the centre has become a lifeline for hundreds of animals across Java. It currently cares for over 250 animals—including sun bears, gibbons, hornbills, orangutans, crocodiles, and other critically endangered species.
Many arrive in poor condition, having suffered from neglect, injury, or trauma. With veterinary care, enrichment, and expert rehabilitation, the centre helps these animals recover and—whenever possible—return to the wild.
Mission & Vision
The centre’s mission is to protect Indonesia’s native species while restoring ecosystems and promoting coexistence between people and wildlife. Their work is built on five foundational pillars: animal welfare, rehabilitation, sustainable living, education, and species conservation.
Animals that can no longer be released are given a permanent, safe sanctuary that mimics their natural environment as closely as possible. Beyond the centre’s rescue work, they also lead public education initiatives and community engagement programs to raise awareness and foster a future generation of wildlife protectors.
Through hands-on conservation, innovation, and compassion, the centre strives to create a sustainable future for both animals and people—where biodiversity is celebrated, protected, and given a chance to thrive.
Program Fees & What’s Included
Program Fee
Duration Fee (EUR per week)
1–6 weeks €163
6+ weeks €147
3+ months €131
5+ months €115
Visa Support: Assistance with visa processing is provided to ensure a smooth and stress-free arrival. Visa fees are separate and subject to your length of stay and nationality.
What’s Included
✔️ Accommodation in gender-separated longhouse dorms with private partitioned areas
✔️ Two freshly prepared Indonesian meals per day (lunch & dinner)
✔️ Drinking water, tea, coffee, and basic kitchen supplies
✔️ Laundry service and weekly transport to Sukabumi town for shopping
✔️ Access to a communal viewing deck and peaceful rural surroundings✔️ Visa Support
✔️ All cleaning, upkeep, and facility maintenance
✔️ Certificate of completion at the end of your placement
✔️ Welcome pack full of useful program and travel information
✔️ Full support before, during, and after your journey
✔️ 100% Cancellation Money-Back Guarantee
✔️ So much moreYour Investment in Conservation & Career Growth
Your program fees don’t just cover food and lodging—they help fund the vital work of species preservation. Each euro helps support enclosure upgrades, medical supplies, enrichment materials, and the long-term care of endangered animals.
And for you? It’s a hands-on opportunity to gain real-world conservation breeding experience, develop skills in data recording and animal behaviour, and connect with a global community of wildlife defenders. Whether you’re building your CV or simply following your passion, this is a truly impactful investment in your future.
Where You’ll Be – The Lush Hills of West Java
Tucked away in the rural heartland of West Java, the rescue centre is nestled near the town of Sukabumi—about a 5-hour drive south of Jakarta. Surrounded by dense forest, rice paddies, and traditional villages, this off-the-beaten-path destination offers a truly immersive Indonesian experience.
You’ll wake up to birdsong, fall asleep to the hum of the jungle, and spend your days working in the open air. Despite the remote feel, you’ll be part of a vibrant community of local keepers, conservationists, and volunteers from around the world. The setting is quiet, authentic, and purpose-driven—perfect for anyone seeking meaning in nature.
The centre’s location also makes it ideal for cultural exploration. Whether it’s visiting local markets, sharing meals with villagers, or learning Sundanese customs, your experience extends well beyond animal care.
Indonesia – Diversity, Culture, and Conservation
Indonesia is one of the most biodiverse countries on the planet—home to ancient rainforests, volcanic landscapes, and more endemic species than almost anywhere else. But with this richness comes responsibility. Deforestation, habitat loss, and illegal wildlife trade have placed tremendous pressure on ecosystems here.
Java, the world’s most populous island, is a land of contrasts: vibrant cities and quiet villages, ancient traditions and modern struggles. It’s where conservation is most urgently needed—and most meaningful.
As a volunteer, you’ll step into a role that’s more than supportive—you become part of a growing movement to protect what remains and rebuild what’s been lost.
When you are not looking after the wildlife, you can explore a variety of activities that showcase the region's natural beauty and cultural heritage:
Waterfall Visits: Discover and swim in nearby natural waterfalls, some reaching heights of up to 100 meters.
Caving Adventures: Embark on guided tours of local caves, including a 1,500-meter-long cave suitable for vertical caving.
Tea Plantation Walks: Enjoy guided walks through the scenic tea plantations typical of West Java.
Bird Watching: Engage in birding activities to observe the diverse avian species in the area.
Local Cooking Lessons: Participate in cooking classes to learn traditional Javanese recipes.
Night Walks: Join guided night walks to experience the nocturnal wildlife and sounds of the jungle.
Cultural Excursions: Visit nearby towns such as Sukabumi for shopping and cultural experiences.
These activities provide a well-rounded experience, allowing you to immerse yourself in the local environment and culture during your volunteer stay.
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