Volunteer to care for rescued bears at the Cambodia Bear Sanctuary
Volunteers are needed at this responsible & ethical bear sanctuary in Cambodia to help care for and rehabilitate over 100 rescued bears!!
1 to 8 weeks from £629/ US$755
The bears at the Cambodia Bear Sanctuary have been rescued from the illegal wildlife trade, bear bile farms, and from lives as domestic pets. Volunteers work at an ethical rescue & release sanctuary. Help care for the bears and enrich their lives!
The Cambodia Bear Sanctuary Project Overview
Volunteer with Bears in Cambodia at this important sanctuary for rescued bears! Join this project for a unique opportunity to help care for more than 100 rescued moon and sun bears!
Work alongside the dedicated team at the sanctuary helping to feed the bears, make toys and enrichment and maintain the bears' enclosures.
Meet the Bears
The Cambodia Bear Sanctuary is home to over 100 bears; rescued from Bear Bile Farms, the illegal wildlife trade, the tourism and entertainment industry or lives as domestic pets. The rescued bears are rehabilitated so that they can be reintroduced into the wild. If they are unable to be released due to injury or over-domestication; they can live out their lives in peace and comfort at the sanctuary.
If you are unaware of the practice of Bear Bile Farming, you can read more about it here.
To learn more about the rescued bears, you can Meet the Bears here.
You can also learn more about the bear conservation in Cambodia here; or read an account of a trip to the bear sanctuary here.
Volunteer with Bears in Cambodia for a unique adventure you won't forget!
Project Overview
The Project: The sanctuary is dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of bears. The bears had been previously poached for bear bile farms, traditional medicines, exploited as pets, used for profit within the tourist industry or rescued from the illegal wildlife trade.
Project Location: The Cambodia Bear sanctuary is located one hour south of Cambodia's thriving capital, Phnom Penh.
Main Volunteer Activities: Volunteers work with alongside local Khmer staff. Feeding the bears, devising and making toys and enrichments (food games), and maintaining the bear enclosures.
Hours: Volunteers work from 8am to 4pm Monday to Friday with a break for lunch.
Duration: Volunteer placements are year-round and for 1 to 6 weeks.
Accommodation: Volunteers live in a comfortable traditional style shared house.
Volunteer Requirements: Volunteers at this project must be aged 18+ and have a passion for animal welfare.
Project History
The project was set up to rescue bears held in captivity and rehabilitate them as far as is feasible; in the hope that they can be reintroduced to the wild. For bears that are not fit to return to the wild through injury or over-domestication, the project provides them a safe environment in which to spend the rest of their lives. The bear sanctuary is as close to their natural habitat as possible. And in which they can receive the best possible care.
How the project is helping
The Project works with the Cambodian authorities, supporting their rescue programmes to rescue captive bears. The Sanctuary provides a home for bears that have been rescued from circuses, bile farms, the meat trade, traps and even from people who have bought them as cubs to keep as pets.
Twenty one forested enclosures have been built over seven hectares. They house a mixture of Sun bears and Asiatic black bears of different ages and personalities.
All of the enclosures are extensively furnished with pools, rocks, hammocks, climbing frames, lush native vegetation and a variety of enrichment toys; to ensure that the bears are kept happy and healthy at all times.
Many of the bears cannot be reintroduced to the wild as they have suffered serious physical abuse or have been raised as pets. The rescue project aims to give these bears the best possible quality of life in captivity. The bear sanctuary provides large areas that match the environment in which they would live in the wild.
The project also works hard to spread awareness of animal welfare issues and the importance of the protection of their natural habitat.
Why the project need volunteers
Like all of our projects, the Cambodia Bear Sanctuary receives no state funding. But through volunteer support, private donations and grants the project is able to provide an essential lifeline to the bears of Cambodia.
All the bears at the centre have been rescued from unnatural and often life-threatening situations. Volunteers work alongside project staff to ensure the lives of the bears are interesting, challenging and as close to 'normal' as possible. The more bear sanctuary volunteers the project has the better the lives of the bears!
Learn More About Sun Bear Conservation!
Typical Volunteer Duties
Volunteers work Monday to Friday from 8am to 4pm at the sanctuary with weekends free to explore the local area. Phnom Penh, Cambodia's fascinating capital city is within easy reach, as are the Cambodian coast and islands. You will work closely with local staff assisting with a variety of tasks, all of which enhance the lives of the rescued bears.
The first day will consist of an induction; covering the background of the bear rescue project, the rules for volunteers and how the sanctuary is run. As well as information on the different types of bears and a full tour of the site.
Volunteer Daily Activities at the Cambodia Bear Sanctuary
You will be trained and supervised by experienced keepers at the centre. After this you will work alongside fully trained local staff and the volunteer coordinator. Daily activities will include:
- Preparing food for the bears
- Moving the bears inside; and then scattering and hiding the food in their enclosure to provide an environment that is as close to their natural habitat as possible where they would need to forage for their food.
- Enrichment programs, which include;
- improvements to the existing enclosures to keep the bears challenged and entertained
- creating small puzzles and challenges for the bears to complete to obtain treats.
- Assisting the keepers in their daily tasks.
- Cleaning the enclosures.
- Repair and maintenance of the enclosures and indoor holding pens.
- Maintenance of the centre and surrounding area.
To learn more about what it is like to volunteer with bears at the sanctuary, read about Lauren's experience here.
You will be advised in your induction as to the specific rules regarding health and safety; not only to protect yourself but also the welfare of the bears. The work can be tough and dirty especially in a tropical climate. But by volunteering with bears you have a unique experience to be part of a young but rapidly expanding project. The Cambodia Bear Sanctuary is crucially important in preserving Cambodian wildlife! And educating future generations on the importance of conservation.
Accommodation
Volunteers live on the outskirts of a rural Cambodian village, roughly 40 minutes away from the sanctuary. The volunteer house has twin bedrooms so volunteers may be sharing a room with another volunteer of the same gender.
Transport by car to and from the centre is provided on working days.
A cleaner, cook and security guard look after the house and prepare dinner; but volunteers should be prepared to help with domestic duties. Laundry services are available at the volunteer house. Internet is available at the volunteer house although it is not always reliable. Internet is widely available in the capital city and volunteers can buy SIM cards if internet is essential to them.
Free Time in Cambodia
Our team in Cambodia are all very well travelled throughout the country and further afield in Southeast Asia. They can offer plenty of travel tips. There are lots of options for weekends as well as for travel before or after your placement. Here are just a few of Cambodia’s treasures to whet your appetite.
For a small country Cambodia has a lot to offer those who have time to travel further afield.
Phonm Penh is about an hours from the project and is home to many popular attractions. The magnificent Royal Palace and the restaurants and bars along Sisowath Quay are on every vistor's list. Along with the more sombre sites of S-21 prison and the Killing fields; reminders of Cambodia's tragic past and the genocide under the Khmer Rouge Regime.
In the south of the country you will find the laid back coastal towns of Kampot and Kep. As well as the lively beach resort of Sihanoukville. There are some lovely unspolit islands where you can kick back and recharge your batteries as well as jungles, forests and the wildlife havens of The Cardamom Mountains. Buses and internal flights from Phnom Penh airport make getting around easy and relatively cheap.
For those who have time there are also regular direct flights from Phnom Penh to other must-see Southeast Asian destinations; such as Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore as well as long distance buses.
Siem Reap
Angkor Wat and the temple complexes
Visitors come to Siem Reap to visit the temples of Angkor. There are over 100 temples scattered in the area in various states of decay; some in overgrown jungle, some on lakes. Rest assured everyone leaves with their own personal favourite temple!
Some people visit for one day to see the main attractions. But we would recommend 3 days exploring the temples to get a much better overview of this incredible period in Cambodian history. On arrival in Siem Reap our friendly staff can advise the best ways and times to visit the temples.
Tonle Sap Lake
Tonle Sap is the largest fresh water lake in Southeast Asia and an attraction in its own right. About 10km form Siem Reap, the lake stretches almost as far as the country's capital Phnom Penh. Its size varies enormously between the wet and dry seasons. Half the year the waters flow into the lake from the river Mekong and for the rest of the year the waters flow in the other direction; giving the lake a unique ecosystem.
Boat trips on the lake are very popular and you can visit lake the famous floating villages and stilt villages. Orginally home to refugees which have grown into entire communities with schools, shops and houses sitting directly on or over the water. Also venture further to see the wildlife sanctuary; which is home to several species of endangered birds and take a kayak through the famous sunken forests.
What’s Included:
- Accommodation at a comfortable volunteer house.
- Cambodia orientation guide and induction on arrival.
- Free daily transportation to and from your project.
- In-country support from local staff and volunteer co-ordinator.
- All necessary project equipment and materials.
- All necessary project training by experienced staff.
- Breakfast and Evening meal from Monday - Thursday
- Project donation
Financial Transparency
As a UK registered Charity, Globalteer is required to be financially transparent to our donors. You can therefore see a full breakdown of where your money goes and our independently audited accounts by clicking below:
To discover why you should consider choosing Globalteer, please visit the following page:
Why do we charge a fee for volunteering?
Globalteer requests a donation from volunteers to allow us to achieve our charitable objectives and support our partner programmes. In return, Globalteer provides volunteers with an amazing, responsible and ethical volunteer experience. Ensuring that your placement is responsible as well as rewarding, safe and enjoyable takes a good deal of work.
A summary of Globalteer’s total expenditure for the last financial year is shown below:
Donations and Grants 60% – This includes a share of volunteer placement fees, grants we have secured for our projects and donations managed by Globalteer that are made by individuals and groups to our projects and partner projects.
Support Costs 29% – This includes volunteer accommodation, volunteer transport, support staff costs, travel costs and some volunteer meals.
Operational Costs 11% – Costs of running Globalteer.
What’s not included
- Flights
- Medical and travel insurance
- Onward transport at the end of your placement
What do everyday items cost?
The official currency of Cambodia is the Riel, however, all shops and market stalls accept US$ and you may be given small change in local currency ($1 = 4000 Riels). Be aware that dollar bills with any tears or markings are generally not accepted. ATMs dispanes cash in US$. The cost of living in Cambodia is very low compared to most countries in the developed world. The costs of some typical items are:
- Short journey by tuk-tuk - $1 to $2
- Meal in a market - $1
- Bottle of soft drink - $0.50 to $1
- Draft beer - $0.50 to $2
- Meal in a restaurant - $4 to $25
Quick Summary of the Cambodia Bear Sanctuary
The sanctuary is dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of bears.
The bears had been previously poached for bear bile farms, traditional medicines, exploited as pets, used for profit within the tourist industry or rescued from the illegal wildlife trade.
Volunteers can join the project to help the sanctuary care for these amazing bears
Volunteers work with alongside local Khmer staff. Feeding the bears, devising and making toys and enrichments (food games), and maintaining the bear enclosures.
Volunteers work from 8am to 4pm Monday to Friday with a break for lunchVolunteers live in a comfortable traditional style shared house.
The volunteer house has twin bedrooms so volunteers may be sharing a room with another volunteer of the same gender.
Internet is provided at the house but is not always reliable.A cleaner, security guard and a cook look after the house and prepare dinner, but volunteers still help with domestic duties in the house.What’s Included:
√ Accommodation at a comfortable volunteer house √ Free daily transport to and from the project √ Cambodia orientation guide and induction on arrival √ All necessary project equipment and materials. √ All necessary project training by experienced staff. √ In-country support from local staff and volunteer coordinator √ Breakfast and Dinner from Monday to Thursday √ Project donation.
We have a list of answers to questions frequently asked about the project.
Frequently Asked QuestionsYou can come to the project and help!
To apply click here: Apply nowYou can also donate to support Wildlife Projects!
Real Reviews of Globalteer on Volunteer's Social Media
Had a great time and was happy to support such a worthwhile project. Having done lots of research on volunteer projects, I decided... read more that this program was the best for me. Globalteer was different to the other organisations, they are a registered charity so I felt straight away that I had some trust in them. They did not disappoint, I had a great time and was happy to support such a worthwhile project. read less
Diego Alonso11/13/2017Could not fault the hard work these people put in to support people less fortunate than myself. Great experience in Peru, couldn't fault the hard work these... read more people put in to support people less fortunate than myself. No ones perfect but all you can do is your best. Thanks guys read less
Mark Catling6/30/2017They are great in every way. I have worked with them twice and I am counting down the days until I return next. Working with Globalteer and Picaflor house is amazing. They're great... read more in every way. I've worked with them during two extended stays in Peru and I'm counting down the days until I return next. read less
Jeff Bartlett6/30/2017I think it speaks volumes for the quality and impact of the experience, that I returned for a second trip! I first volunteered at Picaflor House Children's Community Project in... read more Peru in 2014, as a solo traveller, staying in Cusco for two months. I think it speaks volumes for the quality and impact of the experience, that I returned for a second trip at the end of last year - this time for just two weeks, but with my husband, as part of a wider trip through South America. Two very different visits, but both equally rewarding and life-changing. During my first trip, I met with a wide variety of lovely volunteers from all over the world, some of whom I am still in touch with today. In contrast, on our recent trip, we were the only volunteers. However, this allowed us to sample a broad range of experience at the project, and the opportunity to take more responsibility - we got to run two days worth of Art lessons which was great fun, and a real eye-opener, especially for my husband, who had no previous classroom experience. The volunteering at Picaflor is very flexible - our individual skills were used to their best advantage. I focussed on the English classes, using my language and communication training to the full, and my husband worked in the Nursery class, supporting the children to develop their social and practical skills (and honing his fledgling Spanish). In addition, on my first much longer trip, I was able to take the odd day off, enabling me to take in the local art and culture by visiting places of interest further afield. Picaflor House is a really valuable resource for Oropesa. It provides occupation and fun for the children in the afternoon after their school day finishes, allowing parents to work full days, and provides extra academic support, especially with English - particularly important as it enables the children to get better jobs when they leave school. The children at Picaflor are extremely lively (expect more noise, and less formal seated activity than in your average British school), but on both trips we particularly enjoyed the sporting days (as did the children!) on Fridays when everybody came together to play volleyball, football, and to skip, play on the swings and slide, and to dig in the sandpit - Chris enjoyed a particularly muscle-building day breaking up and raking the sand for the children, and I enjoyed a spot of gardening - as I said the experience was very varied! The regular, permanent staff at Picaflor are particularly supportive. We were prepared well in advance - I particularly needed this reassurance on my first trip alone, and even though on my second trip, I knew where everything was, we were confident that we could still access any extra help if needed. As a couple, we received an especially warm welcome on my return, and would definitely consider a third visit in the future. I would highly recommend Picaflor to future volunteers 🙂 read less
Katharine Hughes2/28/2018Wish others would also be as lucky as I am to have such an amazing experience! I can’t stop talking & thinking about this amazing experience... read more I had! I volunteered with Picaflor House in November 2018 for couple of weeks Globalteer team put children into their heart and they direct you accordingly during your volunteer program. The kids are amazing, teachers are so helpful and everything is so well organized that you don’t have anything to worry about. Wish others would also find the opportunity and be as lucky as I am to have such an amazing experience! Thanks much for this great experience read less
burcu eren1/10/2019Well organised, really helpful and welcoming staff. I had an amazing experience volunteering with Globalteer earlier this... read more year. Well organised, really helpful and welcoming staff and a great range of really worthwhile and sustainable projects! Definitely recommend!!! read less
Jessica Robinson1/12/2018Each morning I woke up excited and full of energy to meet the other amazing volunteers and start our work! This experience was one of the most rewarding things I... read more have done - it opened my eyes to how other cultures in different countries cope without luxuries that we take for granted each day. I began volunteering with Globalteer on the Clean Water project in Cambodia for 2 weeks. Each week consisted of 3 days of building the water filters and 2 days going to the different villages and giving the water filters to those who needed them. All of the stages were important and I felt like I was really making a real difference. Each morning I woke up excited and full of energy to meet the other amazing volunteers and start our work for the day! I loved going into the villages the most, as you could see how grateful the locals were to receive such an important gift into their lives! After my two weeks of volunteering I managed to get a job with globalteer running the sports project ... yes that is how much I fell in love with Cambodia, the people, the culture and their way of thinking! Globalteer is brilliant and were so hands on with any problem or issue that arose! I have had nothing but positive experiences and will always follow the amazing things they do daily! read less
Robert Bisson1/12/2018The trip has changed my outlook on life and I believe that this is only the start of my volunteering career! Mid-life crisis? Mid-life adventure? It could have been either.....or even... read more a break from the husband! Following retirement from a demanding career in 2014 I had the luxury and freedom to enjoy being a lady that could wine and dine to her heart’s content but deep down I still yearned for a challenge. Then I came across the amazing opportunity, along with a friend, to work with underprivileged children in Cusco, Peru. This was for a month under Globalteer. I was able to be part of an inspirational and holistic after-school project for 70 children aged from 3-14 in a mountain village near Cusco. The project gives free classes and help with homework to underprivileged children, plus a safe place to play, to learn traditional music and dance, to enjoy free fruit, clean drinking water and a nutritious lunch. Once our applications had been accepted and the relevant checks completed I embarked on a fundraising campaign. Individual Just Giving pages were set up and I approached various companies to donate much needed items for the children such as educational books, art supplies, toys and clothing. My local M&S were very supportive and donated underwear and socks. Anxiety, apprehension and anticipation were just some of the feelings experienced but the time to embark on the adventure soon came round and we flew from Heathrow to Cusco via Bogota. The accommodation was in a family ‘homestay’ as we wanted to embrace and immerse ourselves in the culture and be part of a Peruvian family and also to practice the little Spanish I had learnt. In fact there were 11 people in the house in Wanchaq on the outskirts of Cusco. The family were very friendly and welcoming but you soon began to appreciate what you had left behind and not to take anything for granted. Altitude sickness was the first issue that had to be dealt with. Cusco is around 3400m above the sea level which can present a problem because the human body starts to react at around 2500m. Thankfully after taking the local remedy of Coca Tea and being given oxygen we were up and about after 36 hours. Meeting the children for the first time at Picaflor House was a very emotional experience and brought on the first of many tears. At the end of the first day with them I felt so privileged and humbled to have met them. They had nothing but were always smiling and wanting to hold your hand. I assisted with English classes, Mathematics and activities such as music, crafts and games on a Friday. They delighted in playing the simplest of games such as ‘Piggy In The Middle’ which started off with 3 and then everyone wanted to participate! The older girls made makeshift swings one day from cardboard and ropes! We were advised not to have favourites but I have to own up to having a soft spot for the Kindergarten class! The ongoing project focuses on the young and vulnerable to assist them in finding a way out of the trap of poverty and is aimed at keeping the children in a secure environment off the streets, and providing them with a safe place to learn and enjoy being children. I did witness in various parts of the area young children on their own begging in the streets or trying to sell sweets to motorists whilst waiting at the traffic lights. Sadly despite the wealth of tourist money that enters the country, very little of the money filters down to the average Peruvian and millions live in extreme poverty. This means a lack of education, healthcare and nutrition effects the poorest the hardest. Many homes have no running water or proper sanitation and heating is unheard of. With volunteers Globalteer hope to help the least fortunate live healthily, with dignity and with a future. We caught a local bus to and from the project. The journey was just under 1 hour each way and cost 3.50 soles return – approx £1! On one of our weekends off we visited Machu Picchu – an incomparable wonder and despite having seen so many pictures nothing prepares you for the first time you see the Inca citadel rising high above a bend in the river. It was well worth the 3.45 am alarm call to see the sunrise which was absolutely breath-taking. Another challenge we took on was to eat the local dish ‘Cuy’ – otherwise known as guinea pig! A Peruvian delicacy it is either fried or roasted and cooked whole. We ate it with our hands and although the meat looked like the dark meat of chicken it tasted more like duck. I also celebrated my birthday whilst out there and I gave the children a small bag of ‘Haribo’ sweets as a treat. They were absolutely delighted and so happy to have in their eyes such a luxury. I didn’t need to translate in to Spanish on this occasion – I think ‘sweets’ is a universal language! The trip was an incredible experience not only because of the gratifying sensation of helping in a foreign and vulnerable country, but also learning more about ourselves and appreciating what we have. The children made a lasting impression and I do have intentions to one day return. Volunteering at Piclafor House has taught me to never take things for granted and to realise how we can manage with far less than we think we need – I have a wardrobe of clothes so why do I think I need more? I left a case of clothes and toiletries for a lady I met and she actually filled with tears when she saw the bottle of shampoo I had donated. The trip has changed my outlook on life and I believe that this is only the start of my volunteering career! I would recommend volunteering with Globalteer to anyone who wants to have a memorable life experience. read less
Geraldine Parkin2/06/2018If you go there, you would definitely love it. I stayed in Picaflor House for like one month and... read more a half. I really really appreciate everything they've done for the kids, and what I have learned from them. They are so happy, so pure, and so cute. If you go there, you would definitely love it. If you are wondering where you should go for volunteering, especially for those who love kids, Picaflor is the best choice, and Cusco is one of your best destinations. You would not regret it. read less
PICKLE SMART8/31/2019It was a life-changing experience for me, one that I will never forget. I absolutely loved my time volunteering in Cambodia with Globalteer!... read more I worked at Helping Hands School in a rural village outside of Siem Reap--very different from my native New York City. Globalteer representatives Jillian and Theavy worked with me to find a placement that allowed me to use my skill set. I am a School Librarian, and I was able to start a lending library with books that had been donated by students at my school in New York. I also assisted with English classes. The Globalteer staff was supportive, and the students and teachers were absolutely amazing. It was a life-changing experience for me, one that I will never forget. read less
Ann Quinlivan5/31/2018The Globalteer staff was extremely friendly, helpful, and made me feel right at home. One of the best experiences I've ever had! The Globalteer... read more staff was extremely friendly, helpful, and made me feel right at home. Whenever there was an event going on, they always made me feel included. Such an amazing experience helping animals and being in such a great city. read less
Anna Von Foerster6/30/2017I had an amazing time and look forward to volunteering with Globalteer again in the future! I volunteered with the Peru Community Project out of Cuzco... read more for 5 weeks. I was so impressed with the amazing work they are doing at Picaflor and how well the kids and the community responded to the project. Furthermore, I was grateful for how helpful and welcoming the staff was. I had an amazing time and look forward to volunteering with Globalteer again in the future! read less
Lauren Franklin6/30/2017All the staff and volunteers I worked with were very friendly and supportive. My time spent volunteering in Siem Reap, Cambodia, with Globalteer... read more was one of the most eye-opening and inspiring experiences I've had. Volunteering in local schools allowed me to see parts of the area that I wouldn't have been able to as a tourist, and coaching sports to the school children offered me a chance to interact with locals and engage in their culture. Communication with Globalteer leading up to and during my trip was easy and constant. All the staff and volunteers I worked with were very friendly and supportive, always eager to help me out with any issues or concerns I had. Free time during the evenings and weekends allowed me to explore and enjoy what Siem Reap has to offer. I would definitely recommend Globalteer to anyone wishing to immerse themselves in a new culture, step out their comfort zone and make a difference to the local area! read less
Colin Elkington1/13/2018
