Volunteer to care for rescued bears at the Cambodia Bear Sanctuary
Volunteer with Bears in Cambodia! This project needs volunteers to help care for and rehabilitate over 100 bears. The bears have been rescued from the illegal wildlife trade, from bear bile farms and from lives as domestic pets.
• Work at an ethical rescue & release sanctuary
• Help care for the bears and enrich their lives
• Easy to get to location near the capital
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 12 weeks.
Accommodation: Volunteers live in a comfortable traditional style shared house with lush gardens and a lovely outdoor pool.
Volunteer Requirements: Volunteers at this project must be aged 18+ and have a passion for animal welfare.
Volunteer Placement Fee: From UK£580 / US$755
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!
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:
√ Free airport pick up from Pnom Penh international airport.
√ Accommodation at a comfortable volunteer house with a pool.
√ 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 Sunday to Friday.
√ 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
Real Reviews of Globalteer on Volunteer's Social Media
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The 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 Parkin
2/06/2018 -
It was a huge eye opener and I would do it again in a heartbeat! I volunteered with Globalteer in Cambodia last year and I... read more had an amazing experience. Every member of the team there were so hospitable and friendly, that it made it feel like a home from home. I worked on two projects, building waterfilters and the women's empowerment program, where we made intricate products with the locals from plastic bags! It was a huge eye opener and I would do it again in a heartbeat! read less
Fiona Mehmet1/16/2018 -
The whole experience was fantastic from start to finish. All the Globalteer staff made me feel really welcome. I spent a couple of weeks volunteering at the Helping... read more Hands School just outside Siem Reap. The whole experience was fantastic from start to finish. All the Globalteer staff made me feel really welcome and were always on hand to answer any questions. The school itself was really well run and the kids were brilliant to work with. It felt like such a worthwhile way to spend my holiday. Will definitely be going back! read less
Holly Bygrave7/26/2018 -
I met a fab group of people and they made the trip even better! I had the best time volunteering, especially with a background... read more in childcare I found this an amazing experience and highly recommend to anyone who is thinking about doing it. I met a fab group of people and they made the trip even better! The people who support you from Globalteer keep you informed and are always there through-out your trip and I hope to come back in the near future! read less
Hope Wilson
1/16/2018 -
The 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 Foerster
6/30/2017 -
It 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 Quinlivan5/31/2018 -
Great organisation making a real difference. Great organisation making a real difference in Peru.
Nick James12/20/2017 -
Each 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 Bisson
1/12/2018 -
It was organised so well and I felt so comfortable throughout the whole process. Late last year I was able to spend a month... read more in Peru to volunteer at two of the Globalteer programs- The Dog Shelter in Cusco and The Amazon Wildlife Sanctuary in Puerto Maldonado. It was organised so well and I felt so comfortable throughout the whole process. I was picked up from the airport and the staff made me feel so welcome and at home. Being a young girl in a country like Peru, my family and friends were quite worried at first, as was I, however, I felt safe the entire time. I didn't have to worry one bit about the organisation of both volunteer groups, even though they were on the opposite sides of the country, it was an easy process with the staff being so quick and prompt in replies and helpful when I arrived in Cusco. I genuinely had an incredible time with so many life lessons and learning experiences taught throughout the trip. Would definitely recommend even if this is your first time overseas alone - as it was mine. read less
Tiarne Biviano2/02/2019
“It's a great experience and you will feel so accomplished after doing it.”
Carmel, Transport Manager, Ireland
Volunteer rated at
(5 / 5)