More photos of this internship may be found here.
ACRES is a non-profit in Singapore dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of animals saved from the illegal wildlife trade and injured native wild animals. The ACRES Wildlife Rescue Center serves as a unique facility for rehabilitating and caring for animals, as well as an educational center. Interns at the AWRC will support daily the daily care and rehabilitation of the many reptiles and amphibians on-site, including food preparation and distribution, cleaning and maintenance of enclosures, and enrichment activities. Students with prior experience may also be able to support rescue operations and volunteer vet care. Interns may also have the opportunity to support fundraising events and educational programs at the on-site center or in the community, helping to raise awareness about wildlife issues such as illegal trade and conservation.
This internship is available to all majors but academic or professional experience relating to animal care and rehabilitation is preferred. Interns should be comfortable carrying out physical tasks in hot and humid environments. On-site accommodation and meals are provided.
Animal Concerns Research & Education Society, also known as ACRES, is a Singapore-based charity founded in 2001 with the aim of advocating for an end to animal cruelty in Asia. Singapore is one of the world’s major hubs for the global illegal wildlife trade.
The ACRES Wildlife Rescue Center (AWRC) was established in 2009 and is Singapore’s only dedicated wildlife rescue center. AWRC provides a safe sanctuary for rescued animals to recover from the trauma they have experienced and if necessary, a permanent sanctuary. When possible, animals are repatriated to their native country of origin. They operate a wildlife rescue hotline 24/7 and travel throughout Singapore to help rescue animals and support concerned citizens. The AWRC has rescued hundreds of native and foreign wild species since opening, from injured monitor lizards, trapped snakes, or pangolins and civets lost in the urban jungle.
The AWRC permanently houses a significant number of tortoises, turtles, snakes, iguanas, lizards, and birds. Additional animals transition through quarantine, truly representing the wide diversity of native and wild creatures present in Singapore. In addition to the animal sanctuary and rescue operations, ACRES also operates the Lee Foundation Education Center on-site with indoor and outdoor classrooms.
For more information, watch this video or visit the ACRES website.
The internship provides a unique opportunity to get involved at the ACRES Wildlife Rescue Center (AWRC), caring for and rehabilitating reptiles and other animals rescued from the illegal wildlife trade. ACRES provides interns with unique insight into the local animal protection movement and enables interns to play a hands-on role in tackling the illegal wildlife trade. ACRES hopes that interns will leave with a greater understanding about animal protection and animal welfare, as well as knowledge about the amazing animals at the AWRC.
Interns primarily help with food preparation/distribution, cleaning/maintenance of enclosures, and designing/providing behavioral enrichment. For qualified interns with prior experience, it may also be possible to assist with rescue operations or veterinary care. While this is not a glamorous internship, interns will learn a lot about animal care, enrichment, the illegal animal trade, and native wildlife in Singapore.
Interns will also support educational outreach programs and awareness building. This may include assisting with public roadshows and fundraisers or supporting educational programs for children.
Important items to note:
This internship is open to all students but courses in zoology, life sciences, conservation, wildlife science, or veterinary science are preferred. Knowledge of food science/nutrition, education, and conservation research would be beneficial.
Prior experience in animal husbandry, rescue, or rehabilitation is preferred. All interns should be prepared to take on manual tasks such as cleaning and feeding, as that makes up a significant portion of the work. Comfort working with animals in captivity is beneficial.
This internship is in English and interns will work with staff and interns/volunteers from around the world.
Interns will be working both inside and outside during the day. Many of the tasks involve manual labor and interns should be prepared to carry these out in hot and humid environments (no A/C).
Accepted candidates will need proof of current immunizations for Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Tetanus.
Interns should bring or plan to purchase a pair of mid-calf or knee-high rubber boots for on-site work.
Interns must be eligible for the Singapore Work Holiday Pass.
The AWRC host site fee covers on-site accommodation, three meals a day, and training. In addition to covering basic costs, a portion of the fee goes towards the organization’s work, including providing specialized veterinary care and creating the best possible environment for the rescued animals. If interns choose to live off-site, the host site fee is reduced to $55 (SGD $75) per week.
Budgeting Note: Estimated costs are based on typical internship-related costs and a modest standard of living. Each intern’s costs will vary based on lifestyle choices (eating out vs. cooking, taking public transportation vs. taxis) and recreational spending (travelling on days off, hobbies, etc).
Shared accommodation is provided on-site at the AWRC Volunteer House. Interns can expect to share a room with up to three other volunteers/interns. Wi-Fi, a kitchen with cooking appliances, a refrigerator, a washing machine, and a communal living area are also on-site. Accommodation is basic – there is no air conditioning on-site!
Interns also receive three vegetarian meals per day, or you may prepare your own food. Only vegetarian food is permitted on-site (in keeping with the policy of promoting cruelty-free living).
If interns wish to live off-site, they may do so but will be responsible for all organization and costs, including that of transportation to/from the AWRC.
This is a new internship opportunity for IE3 Global students starting 2019! However, ACRES has been welcoming international volunteers for many years. Contact the IE3 Global Asia advisor to learn more.
Summer: January 25
Fall: April 15
Winter: September 1
Spring: November 15
- Zoology, veterinary science, or wildlife science majors
- Prior animal husbandry experience preferred
- Interest in rescue and rehabilitation operations
- Ability to carry out manual tasks in hot and humid environments