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Volunteer for animal care and conservation in Jerusalem

APPLICATION FORM

GoEco's Facebook Community
Code
GoEco09
GoEco10


Location
Jerusalem


About the Project
GoEco and the Jerusalem Biblical Zoo (JBZ) would like to invite international volunteers to come to Jerusalem and take part in this exciting project for the care of unique animals and reintroduction endangered species in Israel.

Established in 1928, The JBZ, in its new location on the outskirts of Jerusalem, stretches across an area of 25 hectares (62 acres) in a beautiful valley surrounded by green hills. The JBZ is a non-profit organization and houses a large variety of animals from around the world, while its main focus is animals mentioned in the Bible. The majority of these animals became locally extinct in the Middle East, mostly in the twentieth century (e.g. bears, lions, Mesopotamian fallow deer, Arabian oryx, cheetah and the Nile crocodile).The JBZ coordinates a number of unique projects that involve preserving rare species whose origins are in the Land of Israel and, where possible, returning them to the wild [e.g. fallow deer (Dama mesopotamica),sand cats (Felis margarita), Negev tortoise (Testudo weneri)].

As a volunteer on this project you will gain the opportunity to work with some of these fascinating species, while gaining practical animal care experience under the guidance of experts in their field. Volunteers will live together at an excellent guest house near the zoo and will have free time to explore the extraordinary sites of Jerusalem and experience its rich cultural diversity and unique atmosphere.


Animals involved in the project
Birds: birds of prey, waterfowl and parrots.
Australian species: kangaroos, flying foxes, reptiles, wallabies.
Large herbivores: fallow deer, hippos, zebras, giraffes, rhinos, wild sheep, horses, wild goats, alpacas and others.
 
Maintenace and enrichments will be carried out with various residents of the zoo, species may include, felines, elephants, giraffes, etc...


Project Dates   
Volunteers may choose between 2 project periods 2008
17 - 3 July 
28 - 14 August
 

Minimum Requirements
·         Above 18
·         Conversational English
·         Strong motivation
·         Keen interest in working with animals
·         Able to handle physical and sometimes messy work 


Places available
Up to 10 volunteers.
  
 
Volunteer tasks and contribution
The volunteers’ work and duties will be organized in regular shifts every day from 07:00 – 15:00 (this may change), except Fridays & Saturdays. You will be expected to partake equally in all the tasks and projects at the zoo. You may contribute more if needed. The volunteer work is divided into two main parts:

Part 1: Daily animal care
As a volunteer, you will be assigned to a specific animal caretaker for 4 days and will assist him/her with one of the following sections: Bird Section, Australian Section, Herbivore Section or Children's Zoo (e.g. wild sheep, wild goats, hares, guinea pigs, prairie dogs, voles etc...). In your application form you may prioritize which animal sections you prefer to work with, although no guarantees can be made. Work with animals may include: cleaning outdoor and indoor facilities, food administration, maintenance, assisting during veterinary treatment, etc. 

Part 2: Special projects
As a volunteer you will partake in the creation of enrichment facilities for animals and special maintenance projects in animal enclosures (such as landscape projects and rock clearances for the benefit of the animals).


Accommodation and meals 
Volunteers and GoEco project leaders will stay at the Judean Guest House (1km from the zoo). The rooms are comfortable, spacious and suited for 4 people. Each room has air-conditioning, hot shower, bathroom, and balcony with a view of the Jerusalem hills. Volunteers will be provided with breakfast, lunch and dinner at the Judean Guest House. The guest house has a swimming pool, gym, washing machine, cafeteria and other facilities for your convenience.
 
 
Not just work...
In addition to the volunteer work, it is important that all volunteers experience Israel's cultural and natural environment. The project staff will guide and join the volunteers during their free time in the project area and Israel in general. Activities include:

3 day Orientation in Tel Aviv
As part of the project, an orientation will be provided for all the JBZ participants during the 3rd – 5th July & on the 14th - 16th August together with other volunteers from GoEco projects. The orientation will include preparation lectures regarding Israel and the project, walking tour of old Tel Aviv and Jaffa and ample time to enjoy the beach, meet new friends and party or enjoy cultural venues.

Activities in the area
During your free time you can visit the extraordinary sites in Jerusalem. The accommodation is within easy reach of the many interesting sites and venues in and around the city, including museums, renown holy sites, restaurants, nature parks, street markets and of course the old city, established as one of the oldest human settlements in the world.
During the night it is possible to go out and enjoy various night life spots in the city or just chill out at the guest house.  
  
Cost
590 Euros for 14 days/nights


Price includes
·         GoEco's administration fee
·         Accommodation
·         Breakfast, lunch and dinner (except on trips)
·         Third party insurance
·         Training and supervision at the zoo
·         3 day orientation in Tel Aviv (includes breakfast & Friday night dinner)
·         Public bus transfer from Tel Aviv to project.
·         Guest house facilities: pool, gym, etc...

 
You should take in to account...
·         Flights are not included
·         Train/bus ticket from airport and back (about 5 Euros/ 3 Pounds)
·         Lunch & dinner during the orientation
·         You're required to purchase full travel insurance


Participating Organizations
·         Jerusalem Biblical Zoo: A non-profit organization responsible for providing appropriate work for the volunteers, professional training and supervision at the zoo.
·         GoEco: Private organization responsible for recruiting volunteers, guidance and organization of project logistics (e.g. accommodation, food, trips, transportation etc…).
·         Judean Guest House: Guest house providing accommodation and food.


Project staff
·         Yehuda Agus: Head keeper work manager at the JBZ
·         Noam Werner: Zoologist at the ISTRC
·         Yehudit Nesher: Head of bird section
·         Idit Dror: Head of Australian yard section
·         Gilad Moshe: Head of Grass eaters section
·         Hayim Cohen-Gadol: Children Zoo caretaker
·         Jonathan Gilben: Director of GoEco
·         Jonathan Tal: Director of GoEco
 
 
How do I register? 
Stage 1: If you would like to join this project, please complete the application form and submit it to GoEco.
Stage 2: Once we receive your application form, GoEco will evaluate your suitability for the project that you have chosen. At the same time, we will check the availability of dates. (When completing your registration form, it is advisable to indicate a second and third choice in case your first choice is fully booked or the dates requested are not available). Once GoEco receives confirmation of your acceptance to the project, we will notify you immediately by email. 
Stage 3: Once you have been accepted on a project and we have answered any additional queries that you may have, you will be asked to send a deposit of €190 in order to reserve your place within 7 days. This deposit is non-refundable. 
Stage 4: After receiving your deposit, GoEco will send you a Disclaimer
form and a Declaration form as well as a file containing all the relevant information about the project, including recommended ways to reach the site. You should return the two forms, duly signed, by mail to our office. Only upon the receipt of these forms, will we be able to complete the registration process.
Stage 5: The balance of the project fee must be transferred to GoEco no later than 60 days before the commencement of the project.

General note: It is important for you to know that during the registration process and the duration of the project, the GoEco team is always on hand to answer your questions and offer any assistance needed.