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You’ll be matched with your personal volunteer travel expert who’ll guide you every step of the way.
Meet Your Travel Expert
Receive your welcome pack with everything you need: arrival info, contacts, visa and insurance help, packing tips, vaccines, language basics, and so much more.
Get Ready to Go!
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.
Secure Your Spot
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Want to volunteer with rescued wildlife in Indonesia? Our Travel Roots Veterinary Volunteer Program is the perfect opportunity for aspiring vets, veterinary students, or animal lovers looking to gain hands-on experience in wildlife care while supporting a cause that truly matters.
Set in the heart of Java, this unique program places you at the frontline of wildlife protection, working alongside a passionate and experienced team at a respected rescue and rehabilitation centre. This sanctuary is home to over 150 animals rescued from the illegal pet trade, wildlife markets, and human-wildlife conflict. Many of the residents—ranging from orangutans and sun bears to gibbons, crocodiles, and exotic birds—arrive with urgent medical needs and depend on specialised care to recover.
As a Veterinary Volunteer, you’ll play an essential role in delivering this care. You'll assist with medical procedures, routine health checks, and post-operative monitoring, as well as help with data recording, enrichment plans, and enclosure observations that inform medical decisions. You’ll also have the chance to participate in research and community outreach programs that educate the public about animal welfare and biodiversity conservation.
Key Activities Include:
Assisting the veterinary team with medical check-ups, treatments, and procedures
Helping maintain clinical records and databases
Participating in daily monitoring and observation of animals under veterinary care
Supporting post-surgery care and recovery plans
Assisting with nutritional planning and food prep for animals on specialised diets
Contributing to wildlife enrichment strategies to support physical and psychological well-being
Learning about zoonotic diseases, infectious disease prevention, and rehabilitation practices
Every day at the centre brings something new—whether it's helping rehabilitate a macaque with a broken limb or administering health supplements to an aging sun bear. Your work here directly impacts the recovery and well-being of some of Indonesia’s most vulnerable species.
By volunteering on our Veterinary Volunteer Program in Indonesia, you will:
Gain practical, hands-on experience in wildlife veterinary care
Work closely with experienced professionals in animal rescue and rehabilitation
Support rescued animals on their journey to recovery and, where possible, release
Develop your knowledge of exotic species health and welfare
Learn about zoonotic diseases, wildlife nutrition, enrichment, and post-operative care
Contribute to meaningful conservation work and ethical treatment of wildlife
Immerse yourself in the beauty and biodiversity of Java
Form lifelong friendships with fellow volunteers from around the world
Strengthen your CV with real-world veterinary experience
Play an active role in giving animals a second chance at life
What to Expect: A Day in the Life of a Veterinary Volunteer in Java
Every day at the Veterinary Volunteer Program is a powerful opportunity to deepen your understanding of ethical wildlife care and immerse yourself in meaningful work that directly contributes to animal rehabilitation. Life at the rescue centre is structured but rewarding, blending hands-on experience with a strong sense of community and shared purpose.
As a veterinary-focused volunteer, your duties may include assisting in routine health checks, preparing medication and food according to animal-specific dietary needs, helping with minor treatments under supervision, and observing the recovery progress of sick or injured animals.
You’ll also play a role in the centre’s ongoing enrichment, maintenance, and recordkeeping efforts, offering essential support to the permanent staff and local team.
While every day can vary depending on the animals’ needs and health priorities, here's a sample daily routine you can expect:
Sample Daily Schedule:
7:00 AM – 8:00 AM:
Morning animal checks and feeding. Start the day by preparing meals, delivering food, and conducting visual health assessments alongside the team. This quiet hour is also a chance to greet the animals and observe their early behaviour patterns.8:00 AM – 9:00 AM:
Breakfast and daily briefing. Join fellow volunteers for a nourishing breakfast followed by a team meeting where tasks are outlined, any medical updates are shared, and roles are assigned for the day.9:00 AM – 12:00 PM:
Veterinary support and enrichment activities. Assist with medication prep, minor treatments, health record logging, or join in environmental enrichment work—creating toys, puzzles, or natural foraging setups to stimulate the animals both mentally and physically.12:00 PM – 1:00 PM:
Lunch break. Relax and refuel with a home-cooked lunch, usually enjoyed as a group either at the main house or outside when the weather allows.1:00 PM – 3:00 PM:
Animal health observations or clinic tasks. Participate in structured health monitoring sessions, clean and organise veterinary spaces, or support with basic research or treatment follow-ups depending on your skill level and the centre’s schedule.3:00 PM – 5:00 PM:
General support or free time. Depending on your rotation, you may help with maintenance duties, assist new arrivals, update documentation—or simply take time to rest, explore the surroundings, or socialise with your volunteer community.Evening:
Group dinner and downtime. Share stories from the day over a hearty meal, participate in group reflections, or unwind with a book, movie night, or walk under the stars. Evenings are calm and peaceful—an ideal time to relax and recharge.Your experience may shift with the needs of the centre, but one thing remains constant: you’ll be making a direct impact every single day.
Your Impact as a Volunteer
By joining the Veterinary Volunteer Program at the Wildlife Rescue Centre in Jogjakarta, your presence makes a very real difference—not only in the lives of rescued animals but also in the long-term sustainability of ethical wildlife care in Indonesia.
Your role goes beyond basic care. As a veterinary volunteer, you actively support the centre’s professional animal welfare team in monitoring health conditions, assisting in treatment routines, and contributing to the wellbeing and recovery of animals rescued from illegal captivity, injury, or exploitation.
Your impact includes:
Supporting critical veterinary routines such as administering supplements, conducting visual assessments, and maintaining health records
Assisting with medical treatments and procedures under supervision, especially for animals requiring ongoing rehabilitation
Helping reduce stress for rescued wildlife through behavioural enrichment and mindful care
Freeing up the centre’s limited permanent staff, allowing more focused attention on complex or emergency cases
Promoting ethical wildlife tourism and education by sharing your experience with others after your program
Even for animals that cannot be released, your contributions ensure they live in a safe, enriching, and peaceful environment. Your presence helps uphold standards of compassion, respect, and professionalism in wildlife care—leaving a legacy that lasts well beyond your stay.
Your Home in Java, Indonesia
During your stay in Java, you'll be living right at the heart of the wildlife rescue centre — fully immersed in the rhythms of sanctuary life.
You’ll be accommodated in shared volunteer housing within the rescue centre’s peaceful grounds, surrounded by lush greenery and the sounds of the forest. Rooms are simple but comfortable, with bunk beds and shared bathroom facilities. Bedding and mosquito nets are provided.
A communal kitchen is available for meal preparation, and basic local meals are provided daily. Volunteers are also welcome to explore the nearby town for occasional meals out and supplies.
The atmosphere is community-focused and warm, offering a chance to bond with fellow international volunteers and staff over shared meals, stories, and conservation efforts. Expect rustic charm, an enriching environment, and a strong sense of purpose throughout your stay.
History
Founded in the early 2000s in Central Java, this dedicated rescue and rehabilitation centre was established in response to the growing number of wild animals caught in the illegal wildlife trade across Indonesia. With a particular focus on species native to Java, the centre has become a vital sanctuary for injured, orphaned, or confiscated wildlife.
Over the years, they’ve rescued hundreds of animals including orangutans, sun bears, gibbons, raptors, turtles, and many more. While some animals are successfully released back into the wild, others remain in permanent care due to injury or behavioural changes caused by captivity.
Mission & Vision
Their mission is to rescue, rehabilitate, and when possible, release native wildlife that have fallen victim to trafficking, exploitation, or human-wildlife conflict. In addition to animal care, the team is committed to educating local communities and supporting conservation initiatives that promote coexistence and protect biodiversity. Their long-term vision is a future where Indonesia’s wildlife can thrive freely in protected and sustainable ecosystems, free from exploitation and cruelty.
Program Fees & What’s Included
Relocation
The Wildlife Rescue Centre is currently undergoing a relocation process, and all volunteer programs are temporarily on hold until further notice.
We appreciate your interest and dedication to wildlife conservation. Once the new centre is fully operational, updated information on program fees and what's included will be made available.
Stay connected with us for the latest updates and future opportunities to get involved.
Where You'll Be: Java – an island alive with culture, nature, and deep-rooted tradition
Your volunteer experience takes place in central Java, Indonesia’s most populous island and one of the most culturally rich regions in Southeast Asia. Surrounded by majestic volcanoes, terraced rice fields, and traditional villages, this location offers a peaceful rural setting with easy access to historic landmarks and vibrant towns like Yogyakarta.
Java is a place of contrasts—tranquil temples stand beside bustling local markets, while remote countryside living merges with centuries-old cultural practices. The warmth of the local community and the natural beauty of the landscape create a perfect backdrop for immersive and meaningful volunteer work.
Indonesia
Indonesia is made up of over 17,000 islands, and Java is its beating heart. The island is known for its diverse ecosystems, rich biodiversity, and deeply spiritual heritage. You’ll find yourself in a place where sacred traditions meet stunning natural environments.
As a volunteer, you’ll be living in a region where life moves at a different pace—one where connection to nature, community, and purpose takes centre stage. Whether you’re observing wildlife in the sanctuary, exploring terraced hillsides, or enjoying the colourful energy of nearby towns, you’ll gain a unique insight into the magic of Java.
Your time volunteering is deeply rewarding, but there’s also plenty to discover during your free time. Central Java offers a wealth of natural beauty and cultural heritage waiting to be explored.
Whether you're into nature, spirituality, or local traditions, there’s something for everyone:
Visit the ancient temples of Borobudur and Prambanan, two of the most iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Indonesia.
Explore Yogyakarta, the cultural capital of Java, known for its street art, local craft markets, and traditional dance performances.
Hike up Mount Merapi, one of Indonesia’s most active volcanoes, for breathtaking sunrise views.
Take part in batik or silver-making workshops and learn traditional Javanese crafts from local artisans.
Enjoy peaceful moments in nature, wandering rice terraces or taking a bike ride through the village roads.
Try your hand at Indonesian cooking or join a local food tour to experience the region’s bold, aromatic flavours.
Your weekends and evenings provide the perfect opportunity to unwind, connect with fellow volunteers, and soak in everything this incredible part of the world has to offer.
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