Rescue and Rehabilitation Projects

go-east.org/Content/Upload/EAST Volunteer Handbook 2012.pdfEAST supports the rescue, rehabilitation and conservation of Asian wildlife species both in situ and ex-situ. In Asia the first project is the Dao Tien Endangered Primate Species Centre, founded in 2008 in Cat Tien National Park, South Vietnam. The centre's staff work with the Forestry Protection Department of Vietnam to cease the illegal trade in endangered primates.

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Volunteering in Vietnam

Do you live to experience new cultures? 
Do you enjoy working with people?
Do you want to do this whilst knowing you are also making a REAL difference to the survivial of primates in the wild?

If so, we could have the opportunity for you...

Dao Tien is running a volunteer programme for people wishing to gain field experience in the areas of primate conservation, conservation education and eco-tourism.


Volunteer Opportunities at Dao Tien

We are a small centre, but we offer various volunteer schemes.  Primarily, our volunteer placements focus on providing unique opportunities for those wishing to gain field experience in two main areas, Education and Eco-Tourism and Primate Care.

To ensure that you, and the centre, get the most out of your expereince, our volunteer scheme is flexible and we will work with your strengths and skills as much as possible.

These placements provide brilliant opportunities for those who want to fulfil ambitions to work closely with local Vietnamese people, gain an in-depth insight into their culture and really make a difference to the survival of primates in the wild.


Education and Eco-Tourism Volunteers

At Dao Tien we are currently looking for Education and Eco-Tourism Volunteers to help work with local communities and visitors to Dao Tien.  This position is ideal for people looking to increase their experience in the fileds of Conservation Education and Eco-Tourism, and/or for those just looking for a great way to gain insight into the culture of Vietnam and the people that live there.

What would I be doing?

As an Education Volunteer, you would be helping the Education Officer with:

  • Delivering and developing educational talks
  • Visiting schools around the area
  • Teaching English to local people and school children
  • Raising awareness about the plight faced by Vietnam's primates
  • Leading tourists on tours of the centre
  • Coming up with, and delivering, ways to raise vital funds for the centre
Essentially you will be helping us do everything we can to stop the illegal wildlife trade in this area of Vietnam.  We want you to help us raise awareness about practical ways in which people can stop this trade. 

Because of the nature of the centre, work is varied and you may be required to help out with other aspects of the centre's work such as helping out around the centre, maintenance of enclosures and fences and collecting wild fruits from the forest for the resident primates.  The work is often hard and varied, but definitely rewarding!

Do I need any experience beforehand?

No not necessarily, but any previous experience is always a bonus, particularly in teaching science or TEFL/TESOL experience.

You will be given full training and support from the staff at Dao Tien during your placement.


Primate Care Volunteers

Dao Tien is a rehabilitation centre and the aim is for all our animals to be released back into the wild.  It is therefore important to limit the number of people who work close to the primates.  We do offer placements for primate care volunteers, but we request that you volunteer for a minimum of 3 months if this is the area you wish to work in.

What would I be doing?

As an animal care volunteer, you would help with the day-to-day husbandry requirements for the resident primates such as:
  • Feeding
  • Cleaning
  • Finding wild fruits and leaves in the forest with local staff
  • Producing enrichment items for the primates
Because of the nature of the centre, work is varied and you may also be required to help out with other aspects of the centre's work, such as working with the post-release monitoring team in the main forest in Cat Tien, or helping out with the school/education awareness programme, giving tours to visiting tourists and maintenance of enclosures and fences.

Do I need any experience beforehand?

As we only have a limited capacity for volunteers at Dao Tien, candidates with primate husbandry experience are prioritised, or experience of working in tropical forests.

How do I find out more or apply for a volunteer opportunity?
 Please note our project is only small and it is likely that you may be the only volunteer for the period you are accepted for.