Volunteer
"I have always held firmly to the thought that each one of us can do a little to bring some portion of misery to an end."
Albert Schweitzer
The Center for Great Apes provides an opportunity for volunteers, interns, and professionals seeking a meaningful, intimate experience where even the smallest of efforts makes all the difference to the sanctuary and residents.
Sanctuaries, like the Center, are unique in their emphasis on the rescue, rehabilitation, and permanent care of their resident animals.
Volunteers are a vital part of our sanctuary. Without our volunteers, we would be unable to provide the current level of programs and services to our great apes.
Volunteer Opportunities
The Center for Great Apes volunteer opportunities differ from most organizations in that our focus is on the care and welfare of our animals. Our volunteers provide assistance to the ape caregivers and maintenance staff, create ape enrichment, help with garden and grounds work, assist the administrative staff, lead member tours, and participate in community outreach.
We are seeking qualified, dedicated and responsible volunteers in the following areas:
Ape Care Support
Ape care support volunteers assist our caregivers with the cleaning of outdoor enclosures and indoor night houses; processing of ape laundry; and preparation of diets and enrichment materials for the orangutans and chimpanzees.
Garden, Grounds & Maintenance Work
The Center’s 125 acres (including the ape vegetable garden), are home to hundreds of native and exotic plants, encompassing a creek and numerous microenvironments. Weeding, planting, and tree trimming duties keep our grounds helpers busy. Volunteers with special skills in maintenance, building, and repairs are always needed.
Administrative Support & Community Outreach
Duties may include: general office activities, help with mass mailings, library assistance, housekeeping duties, community outreach, leading educational tours, as well as individual volunteer assignments.
Volunteer Requirements
Volunteers who work at the Center for Great Apes must:
-
-
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a member of the Center for Great Apes
- Proof of negative tuberculosis test
- Sign a liability release waiver
-
Apply to Become a Volunteer
Process:
- Please create an account in our Volunteer Portal and complete the application
- Schedule “Yes” for a 15-Minute Interview with our Volunteer Coordinator
Due to demand and space in our program, if you are selected, here are the next steps:
- Complete the Online Orientation Course (self-paced) and upload the Certificate of Completion to our Volunteer Portal.
- Sign up to become a Member, and upload your email confirmation to our Volunteer Portal. If you are already a member, please also upload your confirmation email.
- Provide a negative Tuberculosis Test (can also be uploaded into our Volunteer Portal)
- Schedule your first training day.
If you have any questions or would like more information, please feel free to give us a call at 863-767-8903 or email us at volunteercoordinator@centerforgreatapes.org.