Family Days are fast and fun-filled volunteer shifts held at the BEAR Warehouse, where you and your family are encouraged to participate. Many of the daily chores are strenuous! North America is a great volunteer abroad and adventure travel destination! Are you ready to get up close (a safe distance) to these furry creatures? Learn more about each initiative and program below, and see how you can get involved as well. Many of the daily chores are strenuous! Many volunteers come year after year to work on various special projects that utilize skills such as carpentry, automotive maintenance, etc. Volunteer with an amazing rehabilitation center in Ontario that cares for diverse animal species, including bears, deer, wolves, moose, coyote, and even the tiny chipmunk! A volunteer’s day may start as early as 5.30am and end as late as 10.00pm (with time off in the afternoon). While there are some tasks that do not require a volunteer to be in exceptionally good physical health, a large part of the work is manual labor. These activities include: hiking, skiing during winter, and sightseeing. They will help to create enrichment tasks, monitor the bears, and help to preserve and improve their enclosures. You'll be helping our local bear care team look after rescued bears and maintain the sanctuary. Volunteers eager to contribute to bear conservation abroad have a number of options. There are several upcoming Family Day volunteer opportunities at BEAR! Volunteering with bears Our volunteering with bears holidays really are much more than a regular holiday. Multiple research has demonstrated that volunteering leads to better health and a healthier state of mind. Regardless of where you go, each destination will have something completely different to offer. Bears don’t urinate while they hibernate. Bear Aware volunteers can answer questions, offer practical advice and even make house calls . Where will I stay while working with the bears? The bears are indigenous to China, so you have the opportunity to absorb the beautiful culture of this fascinating country, whilst witnessing these amazing animals up close! It also cannot occur when the visiting public is present or when professional workshops are in session. Their work is vital to continue to save SE Asia’s bears. Most of all, knowing your contributions are helping to make a difference on behalf of bears and all natural resources provides the greatest reward for most people. Volunteer and witness how you become a stronger individual. Volunteer with Bears in Cambodia at this important sanctuary for rescued bears! Whether you decide to dedicate your time to a sanctuary or a wildlife conservation center, your efforts will make a meaningful difference in the survival of bears. Orr has a variety of accommodation, all of which are clean, comfortable, and run by friendly people. (218) 757-0172 As the bear’s biggest threat is human beings, we can work together to support the survival chances of bears by creating awareness among ourselves. Volunteering with pandas makes for a truly enriching and rewarding experience. ©2021 American Bear Association | Minnesota Web Design by W.A. Bears in the wild, however, have proven to be dangerous predators. The brown bear and the American black bear are categorized as ‘least concern’ while all others except for the panda are categorized as ‘vulnerable’. Some projects will be focused on work in a sanctuary while others are wildlife research centers. What will I be doing? Ideal for those with a keen interest in bears. It’s important to dedicate time to inform each other regarding the impact of habitat loss and poaching. America, Canada, Europe or Asia are only a click away and great travel destinations. Volunteers will work alongside animal welfare experts at a rehabilitation center, which is set up to rescue bears from cruel captivity. Fisher Co. Any unauthorized redistribution or reproduction of part or all of the content of this site, in any form, is strictly prohibited. The primary benefit of volunteering at the VSWS is the enjoyment of working and spending time with black bears in their natural environment. Bears inhabit a wide range of landscapes ranging from tropical rainforests to forests in colder climates and the Arctic. Picking up and/or unloading supplies, including 50-pound bags of seed and 35-pound bags of fruit and nuts. The Bear Sanctuary project is doing the most amazing work and being able to volunteer at the centre in Cambodia was an absolute privilege. Other bears are omnivores eating a diet of plants and meat. The Teddy Bears That Cares Program is funded solely through donations,sponsorship and fundraising events. This exceeds the speed limit of some areas. These are the main threats bears are facing and they need help. Through the centre’s volunteering programme, volunteers have to opportunity to work with dedicated biologists and researchers as well as learning how wildlife conservation is being carried out on site. Humans, however, are a much bigger threat to them than any other creature. Ever thought how wonderful it would be to work outdoors among large wild black bears? Daily cleanup of feeding areas and scat removal, Maintaining the property, including carpentry projects, Planting, mulching, weed-eating and other landscape improvement projects, Preparing and distributing bear food mixtures, Splitting firewood, road maintenance and other miscellaneous tasks, Maintain records on bear activity and behavior, There are also opportunities to work with the MN DNR on the MN annual berry study, Research projects are sometimes available upon request. You will learn about their environment and the culture of your new destination. First-time volunteers should consider that an initial stay of 2-3 days may not be long enough to become familiar with the operation and the bears as we do require a 48 hour waiting period before being allowed on the grounds, therefore it is preferred that first time volunteers stay a minimum of one week. Volunteer for a project and reap the benefits for years to come. How do I apply? No matter your location worldwide, you can be involved and make a difference. Rest assured that you will make meaningful connections with those who share your love for wildlife. Besides the local community, you will also connect with other volunteers who have the same goals as you and similar interests. Welcome to our Volunteer Community! PO Box 77 | Orr MN 55771. Are there amenities located near the Bear Sanctuary? Volunteers work alongside project staff to ensure the lives of the bears are interesting, challenging and as close to 'normal' as possible. With more than 460 acres of natural habitat, the wildlife sanctuary here can also accommodate semi-aquatic animals, such as beaver and otters. Although small, the town boasts a number of churches, a grocery store, a gas station, a laundromat, restaurants, motels, and other services. Volunteers will have the opportunity to learn all activities involved with the proper care and management of wild animals in captivity. Volunteers who are set on Asia will head to a wildlife sanctuary in India or Southeast Asia on their bear adventure. We guide you through a safe and easy application process. These stuffed bears are made from a loved one’s clothing or fabric. The Hong Kong based charity is well known for its campaign to end bear bile farming. The original word for bear has been lost. Polar bears, Brown bears, and Pandas are the national symbols of countries like China, Finland and Canada because of their impressive demeanor and similarities to humans. Volunteers must also fill out an application and send; a resume and one reference. Because of our expanded internship program, it can be difficult to provide housing for short-term volunteers, although every effort is made to accommodate long-term volunteers on site. Volunteering with bears is a great opportunity to learn more about these amazing animals and help to protect them from the many threats they are facing. Whether you stay on site or off, we encourage all volunteers to come together at mealtime. There are eight different types of bears spread across the globe. We are always on the lookout for enthusiastic, reliable and hardworking volunteers to keep our operation running smoothly. Wow! A project in North America or Canada will give you access to the preservation of Black or Brown bears among other wildlife creatures living in this diverse part of the world. The Sanctuary is located in the beautiful north woods of Minnesota. The Bear Sanctuary volunteer project is part of a large Wildlife Rescue Centre, which is located about an hours drive (north) of the country capital, Phnom Penh. It will be a completely new experience and most definitely one you will never forget. If you have always been fascinated by bears, volunteering for a bear conservation program is the perfect opportunity for you! Heavy lifting is often a part of the job and is therefore required. Before we tell you more about the volunteering opportunities abroad with bears, let’s get a few facts straight about our furry friends. There are 8 bear species which inhabit different parts of the world. Volunteering with bears in Romania “A unique opportunity to help rehabilitate rescued bears at Romania’s largest bear sanctuary, set in the Carpathian Mountains. Being the loners that they are and preferring a life in solitude, spotting a bear is an incredible experience. Please Note: Tent camping is not allowed. Build your CV or Uni Application with … The FDNY Hockey Team. This project needs volunteers to help care for and rehabilitate over 100 bears. Informing tourists and inhabitants living close to bears to change their behavior can lead to the biggest change. YOU MUST BE OVER 18 YRS OLD TO VOLUNTEER WITH ABA. Recreational bear hunting is a legally controlled activity in some places but it seems like it is taking its toll on bear populations where there’s little information available on their actual population. You may not distribute or exploit the content or store it in any other website or other form of electronic retrieval system without express written permission of the American Bear Association. First of all, the polar bear is threatened by the diminishing ice which the bears rely on for hunting and reaching their den. 13 miles) is Orr, MN – population 249. If you have a soft spot for bears and are keen to help this endangered animal, there are a number of volunteer abroad organizations waiting for your support. Volunteer World is the World's leading comparison platform for volunteer abroad programs. The recreational photography of volunteers must NEVER interfere with tasks that need to be completed for the day. From black bears to grizzlies and pandas, bears all around the world are endangered due to habitat loss and illegal hunting. Cleaning cannons, protecting bears, all as a volunteer Former mental health professional Muir is Teton park’s longest-serving wildlife brigadier. Those set on work with Pandas will embark on their volunteer adventure in China as they help save the most endangered bears. Let’s take a look at some of the different places around the world your work with bears will take you. The cost of traveling to and from the Sanctuary is the responsibility of the volunteer. As the world leader in volunteerism we feel a responsibility to unite our broader community, and to use this moment to become stronger. They are not all focused on bear conservation alone. Bear Aware is a network of trained Colorado Parks and Wildlife volunteers throughout the state who help their neighbors and communities prevent problems for themselves and for bears. Campgrounds and numerous resorts are located on nearby Pelican Lake. Volunteers may lead tours, restore habitat, rescue turtles, conduct plant and animal surveys, remove invasive plants or teach elementary school students about the importance of healthy ecosystems. If you have special dietary requirements, such as being a vegetarian, they will be at your own expense. There are no minimum or maximum lengths of stay. We have volunteers who come for a weekend and others who stay for the entire summer. In the past, they were caught to perform tricks for human entertainment or were hunted for their fur or other body parts. They can run at a speed of up to 40mph. Due to global warming, beatles are appearing in different territories which are affecting the ecological balance. Georgia Responds is Georgia’s health and medical volunteer program which matches the skills and credentials of medical … We work with individuals to find jobs that fit their interests, skills and availability. Let’s also take a closer look at some of the benefits this experience will bring you. Memory Bears can bring a smile to someone in distress, offer a sense of security to a child or be a good listener for someone who needs to talk. "It’s wonderful to be helping animals in such need" American Bear Association Social Media Volunteer. The International Wolf Center, Superior National Forest, and Voyageurs National Park are popular local destinations. Volunteer with Bears Our website features a selection of rewarding bear conservation projects where you can help and work with this beautiful creatures in places like Europe, Asia and North America. All volunteers must read The American Bear Association’s Volunteer Handbook and be willing to complete a liability waiver form. Help us further our educational mission of replacing myths with facts about black bears. ... Lions , Tigers & Bears , My son Zachary is 19 years old and ever since he was old enough to talk he has been fascinated by big cats . VITAS volunteers have made more than 74,000 Memory Bears since 2005. As the habitat of bears is decreasing, bears are entering territories where people are living. Read on to find out how rehab and rescue centres help bears, what role volunteers play at bear rehab centres and get vital info on what you need to know before signing up as a much-needed volunteer. Volunteer abroad and see what it does for your health and happiness! Work alongside the dedicated team at the sanctuary helping to feed the bears, make toys and enrichment and maintain the bears' enclosures. America, Europa, Canada and Asia are just a click away. Volunteer with Bears in Cambodia! Atlanta – The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) is receiving offers from medical professionals and other individuals looking for ways to help with the COVID-19 response. Those who volunteer have lower mortality rates, function better and suffer less from depression later in life. According to the IUCN, 6 out of 8 bear species are threatened to become extinct. Interested in volunteering? The great thing about being a bear sanctuary volunteer is that it really gets you close to the bears in a natural environment, in a way that is positive for the bears. Planning your next meaningful trip with Volunteer World gives you free access to: High ethical standards & transparent social impact, Change your reservation at no extra costs, We refund your fees if your project cancels your trip, We cover your back no matter what happens. * Sign-ups will go live on April 23, 2021 * Work at a wildlife sanctuary in Thailand or Cambodia to care for and rehabilitate abused sun or moon bears. Most are considered vulnerable but let’s take a closer look at them: Depending on the location of the sanctuary or conservation project, you will work with one of these bear species. Keep in mind that the chance is almost non-existent you’ll be tracking polar bears in the Arctic because of the dangerous and inaccessible terrain. Alternatively call The American Bear Association office at 218-757-0172 and the office personnel will let you know if volunteers … Join this project for a unique opportunity to help care for more than 100 rescued moon and sun bears! They can digest meat although they tend to stick to greens and bamboo. We offer both on-site and virtual volunteer opportunities and welcome your participation on a regular schedule or on periodic projects. You can play a role in helping to get bears out of abusive environments and to enjoy a new life free from threats and abuse. Technical Skills Please list any technical skills that you have. Volunteers must also fill out an application and send; a resume and one reference. You may make your meals separately at your own expense, or join the rest of the crew to partake in camaraderie that accompanies each meal. Volunteering at the Sanctuary also provides a great chance to gain valuable experience in working with wildlife, natural resources, and environmental education. Climate change is affecting the natural habitat of the bear. You will get hands-on experience in caretaking activities at the sanctuary or develop wildlife observation techniques. Recreational opportunities include fishing and boating on area lakes and canoeing in the Boundary Waters Canoe area. First of all, we can contribute most by not purchasing products that have been made from bears such as bear furs or medicine extracted from bear body parts (this is something mainly done in Chinese culture). Off-site lodging, if necessary or desired, and personal items are also the volunteer’s responsibility. There are great opportunities to view wildlife which includes Black bears, coyotes, deer and many more. This means that it’s possible that on some programs, there might not be a bear at the time of your volunteer experience. Why would you like to volunteer with Dose of Play?? At the end of a day’s work, we often enjoy wonderful campfires. Take this into account when you select your great project for bear conservation. Physical interaction with the sun bears does not benefit the animals and can often be counter-productive to the aims of the rehabilitation project. Be sure to read the program of the projects carefully to know what you can expect from your volunteer abroad experience with bears. Our Visit with Respect Ambassadors hike to help Bears Ears. If any of this interests you, please contact us to see what projects we are currently working on or planning for the upcoming season. Your volunteer project with bears will open up a new world. Although the work is not always glamorous, it is very rewarding. Not every moment at the VSWS is spent in hard labor. Volunteer for a bear conservation project and support their chances of survival. Bears come in many different shapes and sizes, from the brown bears of the Romanian Bear Sanctuary through to the affable panda bears of the Panda Volunteer Experience in China. Panda volunteers can be sure to have an unforgettable experience on our panda volunteer project. Volunteering at Free the Bears sanctuaries offers an amazing & unique opportunity to join our experienced team and look after sun & moon bears rescued from the illegal wildlife trade. If it is a requirement for your internship, an advisor must oversee the research project, Cooking meals for staff and volunteers, and kitchen cleanup, Write articles for our newsletter, Bear in Mind, Prepare educational material for our followers on Facebook and Instagram and our email subscribers, Assisting with admission and parking cars, Talking with the public and answering their questions, Educating the public about black bears, ecology, practical environmental conservation and land stewardship, Sale of souvenirs and educational materials in the gift shop, Promoting membership to the American Bear Association. Each of them has a different status according to the IUCN. On other occasions, we take a break and indulge in a barbeque, picnic, take a swim in the nearby Pelican Lake or other social activities. Providing animals with enough mental stimulation and physical activity, Guiding and educating tourists and local community, Observing the bear in its natural habitat. Issues that seemed like huge problems before, may seem trivial after your volunteer experience with bears. These volunteers train with Friends to learn how to serve as a friendly face on popular trails interacting with visitors. Time spent at the Bear Sanctuary will be simply unforgettable and a life-changing experience. There are other great options that will fulfill your adventurous soul. Take a good look at the bear volunteer projects available on the platform. Although their size and ferocity make them seem invincible, there is a combination of factors which is contributing to the decrease in the bear population. People have been familiar with bears for ages. Set out to the remote forests of northern Europe and get ready to admire this magnificent creature in its natural habitat. The volunteers can enjoy various leisure activities on their days off. The closest town (approx. Take this incredible volunteering experience to ensure that these magnificent creatures remain among us. In some cases, they are kept as exotic pets while in other cases, it is their fur or body parts like the bile sack and paws which are coveted. No previous experience or qualifications needed. Jobs during evening/visitors’ hours include: What are the requirements for the volunteer program? Let’s look at some of the things you will be doing at the sanctuary at your volunteer destination: Depending on whether you opt for work in a sanctuary or an observational project, tasks will differ quite a bit. * Would you be willing to complete a personal background check? Volunteer Projects and Internships with Bears. Most of us think of teddy bears and cute cartoons like Winnie the Pooh when we think of bears. This is what we, at the Vince Shute Wildlife Sanctuary, are privileged to be able to do every day from May to October. The Panda is, for example, an omnivore. Volunteer some of your valuable time to one of the bear conservation projects. Bears have an excellent sense of smell which exceeds even that of dogs. If you decide to volunteer with bears at a sanctuary or conservation center, you’ll be doing great work. Decide when you’d like to volunteer, then fill in an Volunteer Application (MS Word download) and email it to us. All teddy bears donated by "Teddy Bears That Care Program" are purchased by our program and donated with no financial restitution expected in return. Volunteering for a bear conservation project will teach you a great deal more than the habits of this predator. Would you like to meet new people from across the United States and throughout the world? Volunteer with bears and experience the satisfaction of knowing you are helping an endangered species. Every volunteer will have plenty of time to watch the sun bears and get to know them. The polar bear, the panda, and the brown bear are waiting for your support. Click the date you are interested in below to sign up today! is an "Official" sponsor of Teddy Bears That Care Program. There are also projects that focus on monitoring wildlife and setting out into the forest to observe the bears in the wild and track their behavior. It is simply reabsorbed by their body. Another less common reason that is affecting grizzly bears, is that their main food supply has been cut off. Alternatively call The American Bear Association office at 218-757-0172 and the office personnel will let you know if volunteers are needed on your preferred days and can answer any questions you may have about volunteering at the Sanctuary. Tigers are the only predator that prey on bears. See below to access our COVID-19 Resource Hub, and to explore our growing directory of COVID-19-specific and virtual volunteering opportunities. Their dwindling population will have a negative impact on the environment because they have an important task of dispersing seeds throughout the forest. Volunteers from all over the world are welcomed to join the centre’s conservation effort to help rehabilitate these sun bears. This will be a wonderful opportunity for cultural interchange. You’ll work alongside locals and see firsthand how your work is establishing a better future for both wildlife and local communities.” We typically need volunteers from May 1st through October 15th of each year. Therefore, a degree of physical stamina and fitness is recommended. For information about other alternatives (motels, resorts, and campgrounds) contact the Orr Tourist Information Center at 1-800-357-9255 or visit www.orrpelicanlake.com. The volunteer experience will give you opportunities to do valuable research and it will also bring you in touch with the local community. Volunteer with Bears | Top 10 Projects 2021 | Volunteer World It is important to remember that there is no electricity, running water, or telephone service at the VSWS. Not only will you learn more about the bear during the project but you will also learn about the importance of their environment. There are a number of rehabilitation centers that take care of injured animals and help them to reintegrate into the wild. Volunteers must be responsible, safety-minded, and always aware that bears are wild and unpredictable animals. China, Finland, Canada, Southeast Asia, and South America are all on the list of travel destinations for bear conservation. General Office / Admin Assistance. Visit our Visit with Respect […] Help care for over 90 bears in Eastern Europe's largest bear sanctuary located in the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains. However, these leisure activities are covered by the volunteers expense. Volunteers are not allowed to touch the bears at the sanctuary. The chance to see cubs nurse, bears play, and a variety of other behaviors that even seasoned researchers seldom see, serves as an inspiration for all the volunteers who donate their time. Volunteering is a brilliant way to expand your perspective of the world. Because they are dangerous and can pose a threat when confronted with people, bears generally get shot to save humans. They rely heavily on pine nuts which are being affected by beetle infestations. Grasp this chance to explore and discover the world of the bear. bears@americanbear.org Although poaching of bears is illegal, there are still poachers who are willing to take the risk for the exuberant amounts of money that is offered for their prey. Many of our volunteers enjoy meeting and working with people from different countries and at the VSWS we get international volunteers from all around the world.