Volunteers and positions available

The Libassa Wildlife Sanctuary is the only sanctuary in Liberia and home to more than 140 animals confiscated from the illegal bushmeat and wildlife pet trade. The sanctuary started in 2015 but officially opened in 2017 and our mission is to care, rehabilitate and release back into protected areas. Since October 2016 it is against the law

The Libassa Wildlife Sanctuary is the only sanctuary in Liberia and home to more than 140 animals confiscated from the illegal bushmeat and wildlife pet trade. The sanctuary started in 2015 but officially opened in 2017 and our mission is to care, rehabilitate and release back into protected areas. Since October 2016 it is against the law in Liberia to hunt, buy, sell, capture, eat or have as a pet any wildlife and we receive all animals confiscated by the government apart from chimpanzees (they got LCRP). We have had over 70 different species of mammals, birds and reptiles at the sanctuary including endangered pangolins, parrots and Diana monkeys. Working at the sanctuary will give you a real experience of working as a wildlife vet – no two days are the same.

The position is hard work with a tough environment/climate and a lack of modern diagnostic equipment so commitment and dedication are a must for the successful candidate. 

Requirements

- You are in possession of a veterinary medicine graduation certificate

- Capable of making blood smears and prints of animal tissue as a way of diagnosing

- Confident in performing surgeries and autopsies

- You know how to perform a faecal examination based on flotation and MacMaster method

- Organised, tidy and hygienic

- Speak, read, and write English competently

- You must have at least 2 years of practical experience

- Flexible and adaptable

- Experience of leading a team

- Commitment of at least 12 months

- To start mid/late October 2022

What the sanctuary will provide:

- Accommodation and food

- Transfer to and from the airport 

- Return flight ticket after 1 year

- Entry and working visa

- Salary depends on funds

- Limited internet (depends on service) 

- Free access to Libassa Eco Lodge, www.libassa.com

What you will need to provide for yourself: 

- Vaccinations and covid tests 

- Health insurance 

If you are interested, please email susanwiperliwisa@gmail.com with your C.V. and covering letter. The closing date for applications is the 1st September 2022. We will conduct interviews from the l st August and a final decision will be made in the first week of September 202

“Something challenging, something unique, no two days are the same”

The Libassa Wildlife Sanctuary is the only wildlife sanctuary in Liberia and home to more than 140 animals confiscated from the illegal bushmeat and wildlife pet trade. The sanctuary officially opened in 2017 after the government passed an act in October 2016 making it ill

“Something challenging, something unique, no two days are the same”

The Libassa Wildlife Sanctuary is the only wildlife sanctuary in Liberia and home to more than 140 animals confiscated from the illegal bushmeat and wildlife pet trade. The sanctuary officially opened in 2017 after the government passed an act in October 2016 making it illegal to hunt, buy, sell, capture, eat or have as a pet any wildlife. From critically endangered pangolins to different monkey species, duikers and reptiles; every animal species confiscated by the government is brought to this sanctuary (excluding chimpanzees). Working at Libassa wildlife sanctuary will give you a real hands-on glimpse into the life of an African sanctuary.

Volunteering positions at the sanctuary are not for the faint-hearted: hard work, lack of first-world luxuries, a tough environment/climate, etc., long hours and unpredictability makes the position tough but exciting for the right people. We are looking for people who can handle and enjoy it at the same time. 

What Libassa is looking for: 

- Be a hardworking, flexible individual who enjoy a challenge

- Good at working in a team and also on your own

- Hygiene and attention to detail are paramount when working with animals

- You have the team spirit to ensure animal welfare with our local team

- The English language isn’t a problem for you

- You won’t sit down if there is a day without tasks, you always seek work to be done

- You will be an ambassador to the sanctuary and be positive and enthusiastic at all times

A little more information about the Libassa Wildlife Sanctuary: www.libassawildlifesanctuary.org 

- Home to more than 130 animals (We have had 70 different species at the sanctuary since 2017. 

- Main goal: restore their health - rehabilitation - release

- Most animals brought to the sanctuary are either very young (taken from their mothers to be sold as a pet) and/or require wound care (caught in traps for bushmeat or in the wrong hands for too long)

- Since our goal is to release animals we have as limited human-animal interaction as possible - except for the youngest monkeys who need a surrogate mother/father

What Libassa will provide for you:

- Accommodation and food (3 meals a day)

- Transfer to and from the airport

- Limited internet (depends on service)

- Weekly visit to supermarket

- Access to Libassa Eco Lodge https://www.libassa.com/ 

What you will need to provide for yourself:

- Flight ticket

- Visa

- Vaccinations and covid tests

- Health insurance

Cost for volunteers payable to Libassa Wildlife Sanctuary: 2 weeks - $900 US, 3 weeks - $ 1,100,  4 weeks - $1,300, 8 weeks - $ 2,000

For further information please contact Susan Wiper, Director, email: susanwiperliwisa@gmail.