The PRC Volunteer Program: Learning From Each Other

Thank you for your interest in the Primate Rescue Center! There are many ways for individuals to help our organization and our residents. Please take the time to look over past newsletters, available through our website, and familiarize yourself with our history and mission. After reading about the hard life that these primates have had, we hope you can understand that the animals residing at the PRC are not pets, are not being used for invasive research, are not for sale or adoption, and do not benefit from exposure to the public at large.

Hands-Off Policy

Due to their history and the circumstances of their captivity, we want you to understand that we cannot permit hands-on contact with any of the monkeys or apes at the PRC. While people who wish to touch these animals may have good intentions, unfortunately they are mistaken intentions. These animals do not want or need contact from humans. Many have experienced great suffering because of humans and are particularly frightened and upset by people, especially strangers. Captive primates in general fiercely defend their space, and interpretation of their behavior and intentions requires extensive observation. Even if you have good “animal sense” or even if you’ve worked with primates before, establishing a mutually beneficial and trusting relationship with monkeys and apes takes a very long time - sometimes years, and sometimes one never develops. However, our “hands off” policy does not preclude you from interacting with the monkeys and chimps or from forming rewarding relationships with them from a safe distance. For your safety and that of the animals we care for, we hope that you can respect and understand this policy.

Description of Volunteer Activities

We have 25 acres, more than 50 primates, 6 pygmy goats, 20-some peafowl, heavy machinery, hand tools, outbuildings, shopping lists, pickups/deliveries and countless other tasks that demand attention, both on site and off.

On-Site Tasks:	Cleaning, food preparation, grounds keeping, painting, creating enrichment.
Off-Site Tasks:	Distributing pamphlets, fundraising, picking up supplies and many other professional services (clerical, legal, medical, construction/repair, etc).

Volunteers of all ages can enjoy making edible enrichment treats for the animals at home. Download a copy of our Primate Cook Book (Adobe PDF, 612k).

On-Site Volunteers

Individuals who wish to work on the property must meet the following requirements:

• They must be at least 18 years old
• They must submit a completed volunteer application (see below)
• They must present a copy of a negative tuberculosis (TB) test given within the last 6 months
• They must attend orientation and training sessions

New on-site volunteers are accepted only between April and October.

All new volunteers are required to commit to work a minimum of 4 hours/week.

Volunteers who successfully complete 6 consecutive weeks of these 4 hour training sessions are considered Level II Volunteers and may be offered greater schedule flexibility, greater responsibilities and the opportunity to continue working year round.

Volunteers who are unable to make regular time commitments are still welcome to help out! Please fill out the application and note the time commitment you are able to make. If you find yourself with some free time, give us a call a week in advance and we’ll let you know if there is work to be done!

Out-of-Town Volunteers

Requirements
In the past we have accepted volunteers from out of the area, and have benefited from their enthusiasm and dedication. However, it takes time for volunteers to be trained to work safely and efficiently and we require a one (1) month minimum commitment. Volunteers will be expected to work 40 hours/week and will be assigned two (2) days off each week. Volunteers must be willing and able to participate in strenuous physical activities (cleaning, grounds keeping) and be able to lift 50 lbs.

Is Housing Available?
Modern, comfortable housing is available and volunteers are strongly encouraged to stay onsite. The sanctuary is located in a rural area requiring transportation to all stores and retail areas.

Costs & Living Expenses
We request a donation of $100/week totaling $400 for a one (1) month stay. This contribution will cover utilities and training materials. Local phone service and access to computers and the Internet is included. Volunteers are responsible for their own transportation, food expenses, laundry and long distance calls. All fees are due at the beginning of the month and are non-refundable.

Applying

Since undertaking a long-term volunteer position is a big commitment both for you and for us, we would like to use the application process to get to know you a little bit better. In addition to completing the written application, we would like you to send us a videotape of yourself answering the following questions. We are not concerned with the quality of the video, just the quality of the answers. The video can be a VHS, 8mm or DVD. If for any reason you cannot complete this video, contact us and we will find an alternative.

1. What do you do for a living?
2. Why do you want to work with primates?
3. Have you worked with wild animals before?
4. Please briefly tell us about any pets you have now or have had in the past.
5. What are your hobbies/what do you like to do in your spare time?
6. What makes you angry? Happy?
7. List five adjectives that describe your personality.
8. What do you imagine would be your favorite part about working around primates? Least favorite?

 

Download our Volunteer Application (620 kB PDF).

Download the PRC Primate Cook Book (612 kB PDF).