PLACEMENT LOCATION : Colombo
ROLE : To follow basic work schedule along with local staff at Zoological garden in Colombo
TYPES OF PLACEMENTS : Field work
REQUIREMENTS : Full or part academic qualification in Veterinary science from a reputed institution
ACCOMMODATION : Host family / Student House
LENGTH OF PLACEMENT : From 01-04 weeks
START DATES : Flexible
AGE : Should be over 18 years of age
Make a difference while enjoying a dream holiday in the paradise island of Sri Lanka, a country emerging from a thirty year old long war and a devastating tsunami, yet with misty mountains, shimmering beaches and rolling surf.
Travelers who volunteer among the local communities in Sri Lanka too gain from their firsthand experience of a different culture with its own traditions, beliefs, food and festivities. Working with a community and living among them exposes the travelers to their dreams, joys and aspiration; the difficulties they face and their victories over them, providing an understanding of a community who lives a different life yet smiles and weeps like them.
Volunteers are encouraged to combine holiday with volunteering to give them the best out of their stay. A homestay with a Sri Lankan family helps them bond and communicate better with the country and its people while locals too continue to respect and cherish the volunteers are lending a hand in improving themselves, the community and village.
The Dehiwala National Zoo, which has a remarkable collection of exotic and indigenous fauna, is one of the oldest Zoos in Asia. The Zoo in Sri Lanka is widely known as Colombo Zoo all over the world.
Currently, Dehiwala Zoo houses 72 species of Mammals, 65 species of Birds, 31 species of Reptiles, 89 species of Fish, 03 families of Amphibians and 30 species of Butterflies etc. The total number of animals varies from 2500-3000 due to breeding and free living colonies of birds. Dehiwala Zoo has become famous among the visitors not only for collection of local and exotic animals but also for landscaping with lush greeneries. The Zoo supports and promotes conservation by breeding certain rare and endangered species through proper animal welfare.
Annually, over one and half million local and foreign tourists visit the Zoo. And over 2000 students and groups of students from schools and universities visit the Zoo for educational purposes.
The Zoo is trying to keep the pace with the changing world. It has been involved in some major redevelopment programmes with the aim of enhancing the overall image of the Zoo while providing maximum facilities for animals and the visitors.
Sayo Yamao has been working for the National Zoological Gardens (NZG) in Dehiwala for the past seven months. She is one of 71 JICA volunteers currently working in the country in response to requests made by the Government of Sri Lanka. Her assignment at the NZG entails working on animal breeding, enrichment, animal training and healthcare.
Animals in the zoo miss living in their natural habitat and therefore, as a part of their work, zookeepers try to conduct different types of enrichment activities such as habitat, feeding and sensory enrichment programmes to uplift their natural behaviors. It is this activity that Yamao is currently supporting by using her expertise. For example, she has introduced puzzle-feeding activities for chimpanzees, orangutans and tigers, where food is not directly fed to animals, but it is creatively concealed so that animals have to make an effort to find their food. The purpose of this exercise is to reduce the monotony that comes as a result of direct feeding and stimulate the mental and physical activity of animals, whilst trying to reduce the time and motivation for misbehavior. Yamao has also introduced new menus for the animals and is currently training sea lions to perform new tricks at the daily Sea Lion Show.
Yamao conducts activities in collaboration with local zoo keepers who have been motivated by her support, sharing of knowledge and expertise. Whilst mentioning that the local zookeepers are knowledgeable and experienced, she stated that the health of animals could be further enhanced if there is increased interaction between staff at zoo hospital and zookeepers (which would, for example, reduce instances of overfeeding of the animals). She also mentioned that improvement could be brought about by revising the feeding times, wherever appropriate and paying more attention to cleanliness. Yamao is a licensed veterinary nurse who has worked for seven years in a Japanese safari park with both captive and non-captive animals
By becoming a Keeper Volunteer you can…
Please note that we can organize flexible timings on your request.
In honor of my first day in my Sri Lankan nursing uniform I thought I would share some things I’ve noticed about healthcare differences here an in Sri Lanka (outside of having to wear a hat and heels in the hospital)! To start with, nurses here do not own or use stethoscopes, which we are required to know in the US. When taking blood pressure, they do it manually, using a pop up barometer to gage the pressures.
” For me, it was a life-changing experience and if I could go back right now, I wouldn’t hesitate for a second.
Volunteering abroad changed my life, and it’s a perfect combo with travelling because it doesn’t only gives you the chance to see the country, you also have the chance to live with the local people. ”
During February and March 2016 I traveled to Sri Lanka for eight weeks for my medical elective. I spent four weeks in the private Hemas Hospital in Colombo and four weeks in Passara District Hospital, a remote government hospital in the central hill region an hour public bus ride from Badulla. The experience was one I will never forget. I spent the weekdays working in the hospitals, observing doctors and practicing skills, while the weekends were spent traveling across the beautiful country that is Sri Lanka.
“This time to say really bye for everyone who was with me in this amazing month in beautiful Sri Lanka!
Thank you so much you made my volunteer experience unforgettable and my Sri Lanka’s life pleasant and carefree. I always feel your care. Thank you I’m so happy to met all of you!”
“Being my first time doing anything like this, I was fairly clueless when I started my program as to what was in store for me. I was very nervous as to if my presence would be of any help to anyone and if it would in the end, do more harm than good.
I was soon to learn that the abundance of love, curiosity and support from everyone surrounding me here would crush all uncertainties.
We had a lovely time in Sri Lanka. We stayed at a nice home stay . Everyday full with nice Sri Lankan meals .The program was arranged at a teaching hospital in Galle .
During the 03 weeks period we had more opportunities observing Sri Lankan hospital system together with a team of trusted locals who guided us always.
We had amazing medical elective program in Sri Lanka . The project offered us many opportunities connecting with local community .
The weekends were full with extensive traveling to most of the beautiful sightseeing in Sri Lanka . We honor the support given by local team .
I am going to miss this wonderfully scenic country, the delicious food and the amazingly hospitable and forever smiling people
Our medical mission in Sri Lanka was completely enthusiastic. We had much opportunities for exploring the local tradition .
My observership Program was given me an opportunity to understand Sri Lankan medical system. I had opportunity visiting many departments at the hospital where I stayed. The local team was very helpful . I really enjoyed my stay in Sri Lanka .
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