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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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APPLY HERE

Volunteer House – Shared rooms

Up to 8 hours per day
6 days per week

Wildlife Behavioural Management Assistant Program In Indonesia

Overview

Animal care and rehabilitation for rescued Indonesian wildlife

Choose from 2–12 weeks

Want to volunteer and contribute to animal welfare in Java, Indonesia?
Our Travel Roots Wildlife Rescue Center Behavioral Management Program is your chance to work with some of Southeast Asia’s most endangered species and contribute to their welfare. Set in the lush hills of West Java, this program places you at the heart of wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, and daily care operations at one of Indonesia’s most established rescue centres.

You’ll join the passionate local and international team and enrich animals lives to over 60 species rescued from trafficking, habitat loss, or human-wildlife conflict. Your role will focus on environmental enrichment—an essential part of animal welfare. You will help design, prepare, evaluate and provide enrichment activities that encourage natural, species-specific behaviors such as foraging, decision-making, and problem-solving. These activities are vital in reducing stress, redirect behaviors, preventing boredom, and supporting successful rehabilitation.

From working in the enrichment workshop to assisting with enclosure improvements and observing animal behavior, your contribution plays a critical role in the animals’ recovery and potential rewilding.

Every task you take on directly supports animal wellbeing, long-term rehabilitation (both in-situ and ex situ, and conservation efforts.

Please note: This is a non-handling facility. Direct contact with animals is not permitted, meaning there is strictly no touching of wildlife at any time.

Key Volunteer Activities:

Preparing daily enrichment materials for a wide range of species

Distributing enrichment to stimulate natural behaviors

Monitoring animal behavior and welfare

Assisting in enhancing enclosures with structures such as perches, climbing features, and hiding spaces

Help with designing new enrichments or make adaptations to enrichments according animals needs

This is not a “pet and play” experience—it’s real, gritty conservation work. But for those who want to make a meaningful difference and gain wildlife care experience, there’s no better place to begin.

By volunteering on our behavioural management program in Java, you will:

✅ Work in a wildlife rescue centre, supporting the care of over 60 rescued species

✅ Gain practical experience in behavioral management and animal welfare

✅ Help design and create enrichingactivities that encourage natural and properly directedbehaviours

✅ Contribute directly to the rehabilitation and wellbeing of endangered wildlife

✅ Observe and monitor animal behaviour to support welfare assessments

✅ Assist in improving enclosures to create more stimulating and natural environments

✅ Collaborate with a passionate team of local and international conservationists

✅ Learn about wildlife rescue, conservation challenges, and rehabilitation processes in Indonesia

✅ Make a meaningful impact on animals recovering from trafficking, habitat loss, and human-wildlife conflict

✅ Be part of ethical, responsible conservation—focused on welfare, not entertainment

What to Expect – Behavioral Management Assistant in Java

As a Behavioral Management Program Assistant volunteer in our Wildlife Rescue Centre in Indonesia, your days will be immersive and deeply rewarding. From sunrise sounds of the jungle to winding down with your fellow volunteers in the evening, each moment is filled with purpose and learning.

Example Day

7:00 AM – Morning Briefing
Start your morning with a team briefing with the Enrichment Coordinator to review tasks, enrichment plans, and animal priorities.

7:30 AM- Enrichment preparation
Collecting natural materials and work in the enrichment workshopto prepare items tailored to different species.

09:30 AM – Enrichment Distribution & Behaviour Monitoring

Deliver enrichment to enclosures with our keepers team and Observe animal behaviour to support basic recording or feedback to help improve future management strategies.

11:30 AM – Lunch & Downtime
Enjoy a hearty local meal and take time to relax, connect with fellow volunteers, or journal your experiences in the tranquil surroundings of the centre.

1:00 PM – Enclosure Enhancement & Preparation next day Enrichment
Assist in improving enclosures by adding structures such as branches, ropes, climbing features, or hiding spaces. You may also help build or adapt enrichment items. And make preparations for next morning enrichment.

3:00 PM – Wrap-Up
Washup used enrichment items brought back by the animal care takers, and tidy work area and enrichment room.

4:00 PM – End of work day

Evening – Free Time
Evenings are yours to relax—read, join a group dinner, or watch the stars from the heart of the Indonesian forest.

Your Impact as a Volunteer

As a Behavioral Management Program Assistant volunteer, your daily tasks may seem simple—but their impact is powerful. Every enrichment item you prepare, every enclosure you improve, and every behaviour you observe plays a vital role in the wellbeing and rehabilitation of rescued wildlife that have suffered from trafficking, habitat loss, or human-wildlife conflict.

Behavioral enrichment is essential for animal welfare, as it promotes the expression of natural behaviors, facilitates the recovery of species-specific behavioral patterns, and enhances opportunities for decision-making. The activities you prepare and provide encourage behaviours such as foraging, use of space, exploring, and problem-solving—reducing stress, preventing boredom, and supporting both physical and mental recovery.

Your contribution allows the dedicated team to focus more on critical areas such as medical care, long-term rehabilitation, and rescue operations. Many animals require continuous stimulation and behavioural support to prepare them for potential release or to ensure a high quality of life in permanent care—and that’s where your role becomes essential.

By supporting enrichment efforts, you directly improve the animals’ daily lives and increase their chances of successful rehabilitation and rewilding. At the same time, you contribute to broader conservation goals and help promote ethical, welfare-focused wildlife care in Indonesia.

But the impact goes beyond the animals. Through this experience, you’ll gain practical skills in animal welfare and behavioral management, develop creativity, and deepen your understanding of conservation practices. You’ll leave not only knowing you made a difference—but with a stronger sense of purpose and connection to wildlife conservation.

Your Home in Java

There are 2 (Male and Female) wooden long-house dormitories.

• In each dormitory are private partitioned sleeping areas with a bed and cabinet.

• Toilets and showers are Indonesian style – squat toilets and cold showers from a bucket.

• Our social area is a big wooden viewing deck overlooking the beautiful rice fields.

• Local food (Indonesian/Sundanese) is cooked by women from the village and is served for lunch and dinner. − Vegetarian and Vegan meals can be arranged as can other dietary requirements − Breakfast you have to arrange yourself.

• We provide a laundry service and daily cleaning of the facilities.

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 rescue, rehabilitation and conservation centers. 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 500 animals; in the conservation breeding center around 250 animals, of 6 different animal species and around 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 centers mission is to provide support to the Indonesian government by applying highest standards of welfare and care in the management of confiscated live animals to optimize the conservation impact through the innovative development and implementation of recovery programs for threatened Indonesian species and to be of benefit to local communities

Their work is built on five foundational pillars: animal welfare, rehabilitation, sustainable living, education, and species conservation.

Beyond the centre’s rescue an conservation work, they also lead public education initiatives and community engagement programs to raise awareness and foster a future generation of wildlife protectors.

Through 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.

The centers Vision is to be the regional leader in rescuing and conserving wildlife

Please note: This is a non-handling facility.

Direct contact with animals is not permitted, meaning there is strictly no touching of wildlife at any time.

Program Fee

Duration              Fee (EUR per week)

1–6 weeks          €172 per week

6+ weeks            €155 per week

3+ months          €138 per week

5+ months          €122 per week

Mandatory Visa Support: C1 Visa Sponsorship (as required under Indonesian law) = €150

Mandatory 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.

Important Things To Note: All programs include a Travel Roots Service & Support Fee in addition to the listed program fee. This helps cover the support we provide before, during, and after your placement, including application guidance, partner coordination, pre-departure preparation, welcome pack support, and ongoing assistance throughout your journey.

Payment Terms

• Program fees are due 60 days before your start date

• If applying within 60 days of arrival, full payment is due within 48 hours of confirmation
What’s Included

Your program fees cover everything you need for a safe, enriching, and impactful experience:

✅ Accommodation in shared volunteer dormitory (we provide pillows and blankets).

✅ 2 meals per day: Lunch and Dinner.

✅ Kitchen facilities e.g. fridge, toaster, cooking stove.

✅ Basic supplies e.g. drinking water, coffee, tea, sugar.

✅ Laundry service.

✅ Transfers from/to Sukabumi Town

✅ Orientation and project briefings

✅ Expert guidance and training from experienced field professionals

✅ Welcome pack with all the essential and helpful information

✅ Certificate of completion at the end of your placement

✅ Full support before, during, and after your program

✅ Fair & Flexible Refund Policy

✅ And so much more
What’s Excluded

✖️ Flights

✖️ Domestic transfers

✖️ Visa costs (if required)

✖️ Travel insurance

✖️ Personal expenses

✖️ Additional tours or activities

✖️ Vaccinations (if required)
Your Investment in Wildlife Care & Conservation

This immersive animal care and conservation program is designed to create meaningful, lasting impact. Your contribution directly supports the daily care and welfare of rescued wildlife, habitat protection, enrichment initiatives, and the dedicated local teams who make this work possible.

By joining the program, you’re not just gaining an experience—you’re helping fund ethical wildlife care, conservation education, and community-led efforts that ensure a more sustainable future for Indonesia’s incredible biodiversity.

APPLY HERE

Volunteering Worldwide
Rooted In Purpose
And Connection

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.