About the project
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. Short-term volunteers are needed to join the Israel Nature & Parks Authority (NPA) staff with its on-going maintanece, conservation and animal care work at the Wildlife Preserve.
Orientation in Jerusalem
Your volunteer adventure will start off with a GoEco orientation at the Abraham Hostel in the center of Jerusalem. The orientation is a great base to meet fellow volunteers / travelers and includes the following:
- Volunteer preparation and travel directions to your program
- Expert travel advice in Israel for during and after your volunteer placement
- Walking tour of Jerusalem, including the Old City and the famous Machane Yehuda market
- Discount card to experience Jerusalem's vibrant night-life
- 1 night dorm accommodation and breakfast (private rooms available for extra price)
The GoEco orientation will begin at 10:00 AM on arrival day. The next morning you will travel to the volunteer project with public transportation. Full travel details to Jerusalem and your project will be provided upon registration.
Volunteer work and contribution
During the August 2011 project, volunteers will have several tasks. These include renovation of facilities on the reserve using eco-friendly materials, such as mud and earth, work on repairs and enrichment of enclosures for the small predators on site, animal observations and various other tasks that will be determined as the date approaches. It is important that volunteers approach the project with an open mind, as unexpected tasks will come up, however all tasks will be directly contributing positively to the wildlife and visitor facilities of the reserve.
Accommodation
International volunteers will stay in basic shared apartment next to the Hai-Bar. Apartment includes: rooms suited for 4 - 6 people, bunk beds, bathroom, shower, and fully equipped kitchen.
Travel Highlights
The overseas volunteer will have the opportunity to meet and to work with local volunteers. You will experience life on a preserve 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 and other volunteers want some snorkeling or a bit of night life.
The short-term nature of this project allows for you to make travel-buddies for post-volunteer travel throughout Israel.
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)