Location
The Negev is a desert region that covers the southern half of Israel. The least populated area in Israel, it is a home to (among others) the nomadic desert people known as the Bedouin and unique African wildlife. The Negev offers some spectacular scenery and is home to captivating sites and places.
About the project
Located in the Arava valley, the mission of Yotvata Hai-Bar (Wildlife Preserve) Nature Reserve is to establish reproduction groups for populations of wild animals that are mentioned in the Bible; but have disappeared from the landscape, as well as for other endangered desert animals. The reserve is dotted with Acacia trees and includes a variety of desert habitats: an Acacia forest, a salt marsh, and sand dunes. The reserve has three parts: a three-acre penned-in open area, where herds of herbivorous animals live in conditions similar to those in the wild; the Predators Centre, where reptiles, small desert animals, and large predators are on display; and the Desert Night Life Exhibition Hall, where night and day are reversed so that visitors to the reserve can observe nocturnal animals during their active hours. Long-term volunteers are needed to join the Israel Nature & Parks Authority (NPA) staff with its on-going conservation and animal care work at the Wildlife Preserve.
Volunteer work and contribution
Volunteers will become an integral part of the NPA staff at the Wildlife preserve. Duties include: preparing food, feeding animals, cleaning reserve facilities, maintenance, observations and data collection, accompanying & assisting park rangers, field work and constructing enrichment facilities. During the summer long-term volunteers may be asked to lead short- term workcamps of 10 volunteers at the preserve.
Its important to note that work tasks are likely to change and be unpredictable due to that dynamic nature of the reserve.
Accommodation & Facilities
International volunteers stay in a basic shared apartment(size 60 m2) in Kibbutz Grofit, 10 minutes drive form the Hai-Bar. Apartment includes: 1 room suited for 6 people, 1 room for 2 israeli volunteers, bunk beds, bathroom, shower, small equipped kitchen. Daily public transportation will be provided to the wildlife preserve by the NPA staff.
Volunteers can either buy food at the local supermarket and cook at the apartment or eat the the Kibbutz dinning hall (each meal costs around 30 NIS).
Limited wireless access is available in the apartment
Laundry service is available for 8 NIS per Kilo on the Kibbutz
Travel Highlights
The overseas volunteer will have the opportunity to meet and to work with local volunteers. You will experience life on a kibbutz and get to know up close this starkly beautiful desert landscape, situated on the African-Syrian rift and directly on the migratory bird route. The international beach resort of Eilat is only 40 kilometers away, if you want some snorkeling or a bit of night life.
Minimum requirements
- Min age 18 - Max age 60
- Basic English or Hebrew
- Good physical fitness
- Motivation to work with animals
- Able to work in harsh desert climate
- Full travel & medical insurance
- Immunizations (please consult your doctor)