SUN BEAR KEEPER Programme Manual

Transcription

1 SUN BEAR KEEPER Programme Manual Programme Code SB28 Location Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, Sepilok, Sabah, Borneo Malaysia Duration 28 days Programme Date Starts: 5 th of each month, Ends: 28 days later Summary of Programme Improve conditions of sun bears in captivity and rehabilitation through creating environmental and food enrichment; Work alongside keepers to raise the quality of current enrichment standards in Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre; Learn about sun bears in the stage of rehabilitation and process of releasing them back to the wild; Understand and compare situation of captive/rehab sun bears and those with threatened habitats; Raise awareness on responsible living and travelling among tourists, local community and students. SB Page 1 of 16

2 Table of Content Page Introduction to Programme Project Sites Your Role Code of Conduct Itinerary Project Days & Activity Description Programme Inclusions Food & Drinks Accommodation Laundry Things to Pack Shopping Locally Gift of Knowledge Emergency Numbers SB Page 2 of 16

3 Introduction to Programme This project has achieved a great deal by providing a safe haven for rescued sun bears as well as works towards their rehabilitation and release back into the wild. The aim of the programme is to have you work with the Malaysian bear keepers to improve conditions of the sun bears living at the centre. These sun bears have been rescued from poachers or have been kept illegally as pets. This programme will also allow you a chance to learn more about sun bears, their need for enrichment as well as the whole rehabilitation process. Understand that the politics and economics that govern standards of animal centres in Malaysia and much of Asia are not what you are used to at home. Through a long process, a lot of effort is being made to improve conditions of captive animals to an internationally acceptable level. You support is important in ensuring this change happens, however small the contribution. While you work alongside the keepers, you will have the opportunity to learn some Malay (and other local dialects) and help improve their English. You will have 6 days off, giving you plenty of time to explore Sandakan and its surrounding areas. SB Page 3 of 16

4 Project Site Project Site: Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, Sepilok The Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, better known as BSBCC, is based approximately 19km from Sandakan town. It is located next to Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and is also linked to existing forest trails and boardwalks. BSBCC was established through a partnership between Sabah Wildlife Department, Sabah Forestry Department and Land Empowerment Animal People (LEAP) which is an NGO based in Sabah. The centre was founded in 2008 by Siew Te Wong who is the first Malaysian biologist to study sun bears. Wong has been researching and working on ecological conservation of sun bears for the last 13 years. Currently, the centre has 9 dedicated staff and has had over 900 local and foreign volunteers. Their goal is to promote sun bear conservation in Sabah through holistic approaches that involve animal welfare, rehabilitation, education and research. The centre currently has 2 bear houses that are housing 28 bears as well as 1.14 hectares of natural forest enclosure where the bears can roam free during the day (and night). There is also an observation platform for visitors to spend time learning about the bears through personal observation and sharing of information by the staff of BSBCC. By working alongside keepers and the management, we are able to assist in up scaling sun bear welfare through enrichment in BSBCC. Through our support and collaboration, BSBCC will make positive modifications and will continue to improve in various aspects. Volunteers will get to actively contribute towards enriching sun bear lives in BSBCC. SB Page 4 of 16

5 Your Role At BSBCC, your role is to assist the keepers in their daily jobs of cleaning cages, compounds, feeding the bears and preparing enrichment activities for them. Basically, take care of the animals as a bear keeper assistant would. You will learn about the personalities of the various sun bears and their role in the larger web of life in the wild. Interacting with the Malaysian keepers by working alongside them allows you to understand the conditions they work in, gain insight into the behind the scenes of working in a conservation centre and a chance to improve living conditions of sun bears in BSBCC. It is advisable to do some research into sun bears and their behaviour in the wild before arrival. BSBCC greatly appreciates volunteers coming up with new enrichment ideas. You must check with the keeper or programme facilitator before implementing the activity. Direct contact is not allowed as these are wild animals and can be unpredictable. Health and safety is paramount at the centre. APE and the keepers take this very seriously. Please make sure that you wear the official BSBCC t-shirt, long trousers and shoes that cover your feet - trainers or trekking shoes are ideal when working at the centre. Additionally it is a good idea to wear 25 SPF sun block lotion and insect repellent as you may be working outside for all or part of the day. Wellies / gum boots are available for most activities, though if you have very small or feet larger than size 10 we advise you to bring your own as larger sizes may be not easily available in Malaysia. You are welcome to bring your own Wellington boots if you do not feel comfortable wearing used boots. Please bring good socks as boots can get very uncomfortable when worn for long periods. If you feel tired take a break. Do not continue working as you put yourself and other volunteers and keepers in danger. Volunteers normally have a total of 6 days off and days off will be determined by your facilitator according to the centre s schedule. Note: It is at the discretion of your programme facilitator to amend and change some of these routines and the times they are carried out. This is a guide, not a definitive programme with exact times. Life in Malaysia is not of the same standards as what you are used to at home. SB Page 5 of 16

6 Code of Conduct It cannot be overstated the attitude that you need to have for this project. You are working among a community within the BSBCC and will move amongst a local community. The communities are very laid back and expect you to make an effort to integrate with their way of life. You need to be able to do the following: i. Remember that standards at BSBCC may not be what you are used to in your home country. You are on this programme to support the project ensuring long term positive outcomes are implemented at the centre. This requires you to work alongside bear keepers and be sensitive about what is said and done; ii. iii. iv. Understand that the cultural and traditional beliefs as well as the economic and political situation in the country may play a much bigger role in the welfare of captive and rehabilitated animals than you realise; Recognise that animals are animals be they in the wild or captive bred. They can be dangerous, poisonous and unpredictable. Do not attempt to interact with any animal without the presence of the keeper or facilitator; Take into account that even though rules and regulations govern behaviour during the programme and at the project site, unpleasant behaviour off project sites will also affect the programme due to the efficient grapevine within small communities; v. It is customary for locals to take off their shoes when entering a home and some offices. Malaysians are generally shy people who speak softly and are not raucous; they also dress conservatively. Please respect their traditions by dressing and behaving accordingly. SB Page 6 of 16

7 Work Ethics Tardiness is not acceptable. Your full commitment to the project and initiative will help the project maintain a good reputation within the BSBCC community. Your attitude towards cultural sensitivities will also play a major role in building this relationship. If you do go out drinking or partying please make sure you are still capable of working the next morning. Volunteers who do not turn up for work or refuse to participate in the daily work routine will be issued a warning, after which, they may be removed from the project without compensation. SB Page 7 of 16

8 Itinerary Please be aware that programme and days are subject to change this itinerary is meant as a guide only. Day 1 {5 th of the month} (D) ARRIVAL & WELCOME Sandakan Airport (SDK) Please ensure you have provided us with the correct flight details. Meet at airport for transfer to twin share accommodation hours Welcome dinner and briefing. Please check with receptionist to confirm meeting time. Day 2 (B, meal allowance) ORIENTATION In the morning, meet for breakfast and you will go into town for shopping. After lunch, transfer to BSBCC where your programme facilitator will take you on a short orientation. You will be given a thorough health and safety talk, a tour of the centre and then will start work. Day 3 27 (meal allowance) PROJECT DAYS Working hours at BSBCC: 0800 hours 1700 hours Weekends / Days off: Usually, weekends are given as off days but subject to change according to programme requirement. A total of 6 off days will be allocated throughout the programme which may be combined subject to discussion with your programme facilitator. You may choose to explore other parts of Sandakan at your own expense or stay at the volunteer accommodation Day 28 (B) DEPARTURE Check out and transfer to Sandakan Airport. Optional: independent travel to Kota Kinabalu or Turtle Islands Note: Changes to the activities will occur subject to weather conditions, school calendar, community and project requirements. Some or all of the activities mentioned may or may not be included on your itinerary. Other activities not mentioned above may also be included on your itinerary subject to weather conditions, community and project requirements SB Page 8 of 16

9 Project Days & Activity Description PROJECT DAYS are days where participants will contribute towards the care of the animals at BSBCC. Some of the possible activities are listed below: Husbandry: This involves cleaning cages and feeding. You will rotate working with different sun bears depending on the needs of the bears, keepers or the centre. Cleaning is vital to BSBCC as better hygiene helps to prevent disease. You must be capable of cleaning up animal faeces this can be extremely smelly!! Some daily maintenance work such as conduct daily checks on the facilities and general maintenance (electric fence voltage, weeding to avoid short circuit, painting etc) may be included. Enrichment: The idea of enrichment is to stimulate the animals and improve their living conditions as much as possible to mimic their natural habitat. Some sample activities are: - Provide leaves in cages for bedding and nesting purposes - Buy special fruit to give a variation on diet - Put branches from fig or fruit trees in their homes to observe behaviour - Rope work make this fun and varied for the animal - Hiding food around cages to encourage foraging behavior - Trek into the jungle in search of termite nests Volunteers will be involved in designing & preparing enrichment. The effectiveness of the enrichment items on the sun bear behavior will then be observed. You always have to clean up after enrichment activities. Construction: You may be asked to design and work on small construction projects to improve the night dens or enclosures. This may include assisting in building new exhibits and extensions to improve the facilities, or improving existing exhibits by adding furniture or painting. Education: There is an education centre and library at BSBCC. Volunteers should learn as much as possible about the sun bears. You may be asked to talk to school children and visitors at the visitor centre about sun bears. You may also be asked to prepare displays and information on them. Volunteers will be in charge of updating the blog and data entry of the Bear Behaviour Record and the Weekly Record. Note: Not all of the above activities would be included on your itinerary. Changes to the activities will occur subject to weather conditions, school calendar, community and project requirements. Activities not listed above may also be included. SB Page 9 of 16

10 Programme Inclusions Inclusions Conservation contribution to the project; English-speaking programme facilitator; 27 nights at designated accommodation; Meal allowance & selected meals for all Project Days as indicated on itinerary; All activities, materials, tools and equipment included in Project Days ; Meet and greet at Sandakan Airport (SDK), Malaysia; Arrival transfer from Sandakan Airport to project accommodation. Meet & greet and arrival transfers will only take effect if correct flight details have been confirmed received by APE one month prior to your arrival. Please ensure that we have received your latest and correct flight details to avoid disappointment. Do check your arrival airport; Welcome dinner on arrival day in Sepilok; Induction and orientation at Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre; Transfer from project site to Sandakan Airport for departure flight. Not Included International and internal airfare, camera fees, visa application/fees, drinks, private transfers, meals and accommodation when travelling independently or on Off Days, insurance, personal incidentals and any item not stated in the list above. SB Page 10 of 16

11 Food & Drinks Welcome dinner is included in Sepilok. Please check with the reception at the dormitory for meeting time; You will be given a meal allowance on orientation day. You will have the choice of cooking together with your fellow participants as a self-catering option; This allowance is meant for the 4 weeks spent working at BSBCC, off days not included; The food allowance is enough to cover local grocery items and occasional visits to the food stalls; Meals at local food stalls around Sepilok are cheap and you can have a full meal for RM6 RM15; You will need money for bottled water and extras such as fruit juice or snacks throughout the programme; Vegetarians can find vegetarian food in town, but the range can be limited; Dietary concerns, i.e. vegetarian, pescetarian, allergies etc., must be highlighted to APE at least 1 month prior to the programme as supplies are not readily available and the cafeteria will have to prepare well in advance to cater to special dietary needs; Alcoholic drinks are STRICTLY NOT ALLOWED on project sites, in the village, at the centre or at any volunteer accommodation throughout the programme, unless specifically mentioned. SB Page 11 of 16

12 Accommodation Comfortable and basic accommodation. Twin-share room with bunk bed and shared toilets and bathrooms. There is a common sitting area too. There is a equipped kitchen with a few basic items including fridge and gas stove where you may prepare your meals. Laundry There is a washing machine which is available for use. You will have to purchase your own washing detergent. SB Page 12 of 16

13 Things to Pack Malaysia is a country with lots and lots of rain with an annual rainfall of way over 2500mm in many areas. Humidity levels are extremely high at over 90%. If the sun is out, your clothes will dry in no time, but on a cloudy day, wet clothes, shoes, towels take much longer to dry. Bring clothes that are light and dry easily. Heavy downpours in Malaysia are really buckets emptying themselves over you, so be prepared to get soaked to the skin when you least expect it! Bring several changes of clothes that you don t mind getting really mucky and dirty in as husbandry involves cleaning of cages and other work such as painting, building or maintenance work. Volunteers must wear the official BSBCC t-shirt while working. Taking into consideration community sensitivities, pants longer than the knees are a must at the centre as well. This packing list is only a suggestion and by no means a complete or exhaustive list. Must Haves Photocopies of important papers such as passport, airline tickets and insurance documents; Money in Malaysian Ringgit (MYR); Day bag / rucksack with waterproof cover or plastic bags; Waterproof bags to protect important items; T-shirts / shirts with sleeves; Long sleeve t-shirts / shirts / long pants At least 1 set of light weight, fast drying clothes for the jungle; Good 100% waterproof raincoat / poncho; Hat / cap / head scarf for sun protection; Torchlight; Water bottle; Towel; Toiletries; Sun block, sunscreen, after sun lotion; Insect repellent (not citronella repellent, please invest in DEET); Personal medication / medicines: Anti-histamines, basic first aid kit, diarrhoea medication, anti-inflammatory for ear, nose and throat problems, antibiotics as recommended by your doctor; Flip-flops / sandals; Good walking / covered shoes / gym shoes and socks (flip flops and sandals are not allowed in the jungle or at work). SB Page 13 of 16

14 TOP TIP! Regular Wellington boots can be bought from your local shop or from the mini-market in Sandakan or on the way into the project site. They cost about USD5 in Malaysia. They are black and come almost up to your knees, very convenient when working in wet weather on wet grounds and when jungle trekking. Commonly available sizes in Malaysian shops are between 38 & 42 (check shoe sizes: If your feet size very much smaller or larger, please consider bringing your own as the minimarkets have very limited large and small sizes. You have the option to leave them at the project site if you are not willing to carry them back home. You might also want to bring... Contact lenses (glasses sometimes steam up in heavy rain); Games / books / ipods to keep yourself occupied during personal time; Wellington / gum boots. Work at BSBCC must be carried out in Wellington boots for Health and Safety reasons. You can borrow what the project site has or bring your own and leave them behind at the end of your programme. If your feet are size 10 or above you will need to bring a pair of wellies as some areas of the centre require wellies to be worn at all times and larger sizes are not available in Malaysia. Size 10 and below are available around the zoo, or you may purchase them from the local shops; Washing detergent for clothes; though this can be purchased on your way to the project site (you may have to wash your own clothes with cold water); Camera, memory cards and batteries; Plastic hooks that are handy to hang things on; Sun glasses; Diary or note book; Binoculars Another Tip A cheap alternative to buying specialised trekking boots is to get some Adidas kampong or village Adidas shoes. They cost less than USD5 and have studs on the bottom which make for excellent grip when jungle trekking. They are generally only available for size 38 and 41 feet though! SB Page 14 of 16

15 Shopping Locally Most items are available in Malaysia at comparative prices. Make your purchases on arrival day after you have settled into your accommodation in Sepilok. You can get most things from 2 supermarkets about 5 minutes drive. ATMs are not available in Sepilok so if you need extra cash, get it at Sandakan Airport upon arrival. Cash is the preferred mode of transaction in small shops. Most little shops and eateries do not accept credit cards. Shops in the little town carry extremely limited items and will only accept cash. You can get the following items in the 2 supermarkets within 5 minutes drive from Sepilok. Washing detergent; Toiletries e.g. shampoo, shower gel, conditioners etc; Malaysian SIM cards and International phone cards; Cheap raincoats / ponchos / umbrellas; Cheap T-shirts and pants for working, covered shoes and flip-flops; Snacks familiar ones such as Nestle, Cadbury and Hershey products, plus many kinds of locally produced crisps, biscuits and sweets; Wellington boots & Adidas kampong! The Gift of Knowledge Through some of our other programmes, APE continues work on the setting up of a library for rural schools and its community. Good English / Malay books to stock their newly set up library would be welcomed. The students are aged between six and twelve years old. We would appreciate donations of any books suitable for primary school aged children. Particularly useful would be story books and books about animals and wildlife! Please communicate with us if you are unsure of what kind of books / stationery to bring. SB Page 15 of 16

16 EMERGENCY NUMBERS Calling from WITHIN Malaysia using a Malaysian land line or mobile number Do not dial 03 if calling from a land line in Kuala Lumpur or Selangor Calling from another country or using a foreign mobile number SB Page 16 of 16