Become a volunteer
Generally, we have between 10 to 20 volunteers from all over the world helping us care for, clean and feed over 100 animals. Our volunteers also help us to improve the centre, make animal enrichments and work on various projects. As our focus is on rehabilitation, Merazonia has a strict hands-off policy for most of its animals which you can read more about below.
Animal Care
Animal care is rewarding work but certainly not a walk in the park. We feed the animals three times per day and each round takes between 2 to 3 hours. Volunteers work 5 1/2 days per week, learning a number of different 'rounds' according to how long their stay is. Everyone gets one full day off per week as well as so called 'Lazy Sundays’ in which we feed the animals just once, leaving plenty of time to relax and enjoy the surroundings.
Rehabilitation & Our Hands-Off Policy
Volunteering with animals comes with responsibility and at Merazonia that means abiding by our strict hands-off policy for most of our animals. As we focus on rehabilitation, it is very important to minimise any human interaction with the animals as this is what often determines their eligibility for release.
Please find more information under "What is Merazonia's policy towards animals?" on our volunteer FAQ's page.
The Exceptions
Surrogate care is a necessary interaction for some infant animals to replicate the care and reassurance they would receive from their mothers in the wild. This is an activity which is supervised by professionals and when ready, these animals are introduced to their own kind, in preparation for their release.
Animals that are too imprinted to be returned to the wild such as Orange-Winged parrot Margaret and Kinkajou Whistler receive some human attention as it brightens their days.
Jungle Abode
Most volunteers stay in our 6-sided jungle abode, which consists of a large dorm-style room, housing up to 16 volunteers. For those staying longer, space in our more secluded jungle cabins might become available. There is also a large deck area with jungle views, couches and hammocks to relax in, or strike up a game of cards. Our bathroom facilities are next to the volunteer house, and consist of composting toilets and our famously hot showers.
Would you like to hear from our past volunteers and researchers?
For more information or to volunteer:
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