Turtles in Ontario are in decline, with seven of the eight species of turtles in the province now listed as species at risk. The plight of Ontario's turtles has been linked to the disappearance of their wetland habitats coupled with a rise in fatal injuries to turtles. Automobiles are responsible for a large number of these injuries and fatalities. Turtles are hit by vehicles as they venture across roadways to reach their nesting sites, but are also injured by fish hooks, dogs and human activity. Every turtle that can be saved makes a real difference to the population - turtle rehabilitation is truly conservation in action. This busy trauma centre admits over 650 turtles each year, repairing shell injuries, managing wounds, incubating and raising hatchlings for release and nursing the turtles back to health. You can contribute to turtle conservation by volunteering at this turtle hospital and rehabilitation facility. Help prevent turtles form disappearing from our ecosystems! 

Includes: Airport pick up and drop off (at closest airport), accommodation, On-site training, Emergency Support, Donation to Placement Partner, AEI Travel Manual, $10 Credit in our Zazzle store (towards the purchase of recycled water bottles, reusable bags, etc), Carbon credits to offset 3 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions, Premium Individual Travel Insurance (up to $500, 000 USD in emergency medical coverage), Travel discounts (through automatic membership to a volunteer only travel discount program), 24/7 Travel and emergency assistance. Please note, food is not included, as you are responsible for preparing your meals you will be responsible for your own food budgeting.

Excludes: Flights, Entry visa costs, International and domestic airport taxes, Immunizations and medications.

Accommodation: You will be placed in the home of a local family. AEI believes that home stays offer you the best experience during your time in Canada by allowing you to save money, while providing you with an easy way to integrate into Canadian culture.

Volunteer Activities: Medical volunteer activities include assessing, diagnosing and treating sick and injured turtles, collecting blood samples, administering anesthesia and performing surgical procedures. Standard volunteer activities include cleaning enclosures, feeding the turtles, tending to incubating eggs, helping with administrative tasks, and assisting with education and outreach programs. The busy season starts in late April and continues through to September. If you wish to participate in medical volunteer activities, please apply for a placement during this time period. 

This is an ongoing program with operations every day of the year. There are no specific start or end dates. We work with you and your schedule so you can serve this community and help animals when you are available.

Classification of Placement: Medical: Entry, Advanced and Specialized. Standard: Entry, Advanced and Specialized.

 Do you need a visa to volunteer in Canada? Check here

All classifications of volunteers are needed by this Placement partner and we encourage you to apply no matter your skill or experience level. However, if you are looking for a Placement to use your specific skills, the professionals who would be most beneficial to this placement would be volunteers with experience in: veterinary medicine and education.