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Help injured birds heal and return to the sky.
This project is a volunteer activity that helps animals return to the wild at a wildlife sanctuary located in a beautiful lake park in Vancouver. The sanctuary rescues over 6,000 animals annually and often encounters birds in need of help, including hummingbirds, sparrows, warblers, and herons.
In rapidly developing cities, birds face more risks and are losing their habitats. High-rise buildings, transparent glass windows, indiscriminate development, and environmental pollution threaten the lives of wildlife.
The Vancouver Wildlife Sanctuary is working to find ways for humans and nature to coexist. By rescuing animals in need, assisting with their recovery and rehabilitation, and returning them to the wild, the sanctuary helps restore nature.
Become a member of the sanctuary and help birds together! Contribute to creating a better world by supporting the sanctuary's efforts.
Build a standout resume through hands-on experience at the Vancouver Wildlife Sanctuary. Participants will learn how to care for animals and their behaviors through basic activities like preparing food and cleaning enclosures. They will also have the opportunity to experience the entire process of rescuing, transporting, and returning animals to the wild. There are also opportunities to assist with educational programs to raise awareness about coexistence between humans and nature and to help with various administrative tasks required for the sanctuary’s operation.
In a busy season, the sanctuary operates actively, rescuing dozens of animals daily. The diverse activities at the sanctuary will add valuable experience and greatly aid in your growth as a professional.
Vancouver is considered one of the most livable cities in Canada and North America. As a city with a diverse population, it's easy to experience a global community and multicultural environment, and enjoy both a vibrant city and beautiful natural surroundings.
Enjoy daily life in Vancouver with friends you meet at the wildlife sanctuary. Since they share the same passion for conservation and come from all over the world, it’s easy to bond over common interests and enthusiasm. After a day's activities, explore the beautiful city of Vancouver with friends and create unforgettable memories!
Canada is a popular choice for many people pursuing language studies and higher education. Canadian English is a clear, standard form of North American English, which makes it easier to pick up, and the inclusive social atmosphere provides support even if your English skills are slightly lacking. This helps reduce fear of the language and build confidence, while also giving you the chance to make numerous international friends and become familiar with global communication. By participating in this project and using English daily, you'll see rapid improvement in your skills.
12.2 Week
Based on past participants’ experiences, we’ve organized the common themes of learning, reflection, and growth by time period.
Capturing the growth journeys of our participants.
Grow
This project is a volunteer activity at a wildlife sanctuary in Vancouver, Canada, aimed at assisting with the recovery, rehabilitation, and return of wildlife to their natural habitats. Participants engage in various activities needed at the sanctuary and work alongside like-minded volunteers to significantly aid in the restoration of wildlife ecosystems.
Main Activities
This project prioritizes the animals' wellbeing over direct interaction with them. Since the goal is to return as many animals to the wild as possible, the focus is on preserving their natural wariness of humans rather than bonding with them.The goal is to return as many animals to the wild as possible, so the focus is on maintaining their wildness rather than engaging with them.
| Activity Details | Manage, maintain, and clean enclosures |
| Prepare food / Feed animals / Wash dishes | |
| Support various activities as needed on-site (gardening, office work, education, etc.) |
* The above details are examples to aid understanding and may vary depending on the timing and local schedule.
Activity Schedule
Generally, activities occur 3–4 days a week, with 8 hours each day. The schedule varies each week and includes shifts in early mornings and late evenings. Volunteers work together to support various activities needed at the sanctuary, making it accessible and manageable for everyone.
A minimum of three days off per week is provided, and activities are adjusted based on local conditions and participation timing.
| Summer (May–September) | The sanctuary operates from 7 AM to 8 PM, with volunteers working in morning/afternoon/evening shifts. |
| Winter (October–April) | The sanctuary operates from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, with volunteers working in morning/afternoon shifts. |
Additional Information
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English Proficiency ★☆☆☆☆
Physical Fitness ★★☆☆☆
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* Detailed reviews from participants can be found on Gap Year Story (Click).
* More participant reviews are available at the bottom of the project page under "Participant Reviews."
Some inclusions are available when options are added or selected.
SUPPORT
Support Details
■ Project Activities
■ Care Services
■ Certificates and Recommendations
* Certificates and recommendations from the local organization will be issued upon request after the project ends. Note that the format and issuance of certificates may vary depending on the local organization's procedures.
* Certificates and recommendations are issued after successful completion of the project and submission of feedback.
Excluded Items
* Please make flight and transportation reservations after receiving final confirmation of project participation and departure schedule.
Established in 1979, this organization was created to assist with wildlife rehabilitation and to find ways to coexist with animals in urban environments. Wildlife living in rapidly developing cities like Vancouver face numerous challenges such as environmental pollution and habitat destruction, making their need for help significant. The organization rescues approximately 6,000 animals annually and is dedicated to returning them to the wild. Additionally, they strive to educate the local community through various campaigns and activities on how to coexist with wildlife.
The organization is located in a beautiful lake park about an hour away by public transportation from downtown Vancouver. During your activities, you can fully enjoy the natural environment and encounter not only the animals living around the lake but also the many birds visiting the lake.
Message from the Local Contact
We are delighted to have you with us. Experience the opportunity to work with passionate volunteers from around the world. You will be involved in various activities for wildlife, gaining new experiences and knowledge across the spectrum of wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, and release. Please join us in making a difference for wildlife in the beautiful city of Vancouver!
Accommodation is not included in this project. Participants can find accommodation according to their preferences and budget. If assistance is needed in finding accommodation, Korea Gap Year can help arrange homestays.
By applying for a homestay, you will stay with a local family in Vancouver, allowing you to experience Canadian lifestyle up close.
(Contact Email: koreagapyear@gmail.com, KakaoTalk: @갭이어)
ㅣLocation : Canada, Vancouver
Vancouver, located on the west coast of Canada, is the third largest city after Toronto and Montreal. Explore the vibrant commercial areas and well-preserved natural environments of this city, where you can experience diverse arts, culture, and history. Vancouver, one of the most livable cities in the world, promises you a delightful stay every day.
ㅣ Recommended Travel Destinations
01 Granville Island
Once an old industrial area with factories and warehouses, Granville Island has been transformed into a tourist destination featuring contemporary art, shopping, and various street performances. It's a beloved spot for both tourists and locals, with the Granville Island Public Market being a must-visit attraction. Enjoy the beautiful streets and catch a stunning sunset while exploring Granville Island.
02 Capilano Suspension Bridge
Located about 30 minutes by public transportation from downtown Vancouver, the Capilano Suspension Bridge spans the Capilano River with a length of 137 meters and a height of 70 meters. Built in 1889, this suspension bridge is a popular tourist destination, offering breathtaking views of Vancouver's natural surroundings from the world's longest swinging bridge.
03 Stanley Park
Stanley Park is the most beautiful urban park in downtown Vancouver, and one of the largest urban parks in North America, even larger than New York's Central Park. To explore the entire park, you can rent a bicycle at the park entrance, or take a horse-drawn carriage or miniature train tour. Enjoy a leisurely rest surrounded by the blue Pacific Ocean in this magnificent park.
■ The minimum participation period for this project is 4 weeks.
(*You can participate for more than 4 weeks; please contact us for more details.)
■ Eligibility and Requirements
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- Provided Services:Full provision of orientation materials upon confirmation of participation / Additional urgent staffing / Support for document preparation if needed, etc.
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