VOLUNTEER POSITION
IN VIETNAM
Job Description-
Captive Wild Animal Management Advisor (Voluntary)
Job Title: Captive
Wild Animal Management Advisor (Voluntary)
Location: Hanoi,
Vietnam
Period: 3 – 6 months
(dependent on availability)
This is a voluntary
appointment. If currently employed it is to be made in agreement with your
current employer entering into a partnership with the stakeholders listed below
to deliver the aims of the programme. Your employer’s contribution to this programme
will be your time.
Stakeholders: Hanoi
Zoo, Animals Asia, Wild Welfare
Proposed start date:
As available
1. BACKGROUND
INFORMATION
Hanoi Zoo is a
government-run zoo located in central Hanoi. Over the past three years, Wild
Welfare and Animals Asia has developed a positive relationship with Hanoi Zoo
and have an agreement to improve the welfare of animals kept at the Zoo. In
2016 the focus was on animal enrichment and significant improvements have
already been achieved, but there is scope for much more. It is hoped that Hanoi
Zoo could serve as a ‘model’ for how other collaborative relationships can be
built and improvements for animals can be made, that can be used to implement
management procedures that meet the needs of captive wild animals at other
facilities housing wildlife throughout Vietnam.
OVERALL JOB PURPOSE:
To work as an animal
management advisor at Hanoi Zoo to develop and ensure the implementation of
practical and sustainable improvements in animal care through the provision of
on-site training.
This is a fantastic
opportunity to take forward the positive work that has already been achieved at
Hanoi Zoo and utilise your existing skills in animal keeping and management in
an overseas environment. You will be working with two international animal welfare
organisations, of which are both supported by a wider network of animal welfare
and zoological institutions. You will have autonomy over your timetable, but
are expected to mainly focus your work at the zoo although may be requested to
attend meetings or visit other zoos elsewhere within Vietnam on request of the
supporting institutions.
KEY
RESPONSIBILITIES:
To work in
collaboration with the staff at Hanoi Zoo, with support from Animals Asia and
Wild Welfare*, to:
Review existing
animal management and husbandry protocols.
Continue the work of
previous ‘Captive Wild Animal Management Experts’ to develop improved animal
management and husbandry protocols using a participatory approach; including
enrichment calendars, feeding calendars to ensure varied and appropriate/ adequate
diets for the various species, etc.
Provide staff
training on animal management and husbandry to improve captive animal welfare;
Ensure agreed
changes are understood by the staff and can be implemented beyond the scope of
the programme.
Advise on how
modifications to existing buildings/ cages can be made inexpensively/ how
existing buildings can be best used to improve the welfare of the animals
housed within them.
Support zoo senior
management and AAF and WW in the development of a suitable master plan for the
facility.
*Animal Asia has an
office in Vietnam and can support with initial settling in and translation.
Both AAF and Wild Welfare send international staff to Vietnam throughout the
year that can provide both logistical and online support.
Learn More HERE
Peter Dickinson
Independent International Zoo Consultant        |
