Although I randomly stumbled upon Tasikoki and did not quite know what to expect, I could not have enjoyed my stay here more. I have come to love many of the animals and care deeply about their well-being, along with spending many an enjoyable evening with the other volunteers and, of course, Simon. Among the highlights of my time spent with the animals, those that stand out include releasing the bears into their new-look enclosure, orangutan escapes, moving the siamang to a better home and watching the baby monkey in the release group be dragged off to safety by his over-protective mother.
I have enjoyed every minute of my time here; from being covered in bear poo to hanging out on the beach, and hope all the other volunteers love Tasikoki as much as I have.
Grace, 18, from USA
Volunteered October-November 2009
I think my time here at Tasikoki has helped me overcome my phobia of birds, but we will see.
I have loved my time here and grown to love some of these animals more than I can say – especially Bimbin and Bonbon (the two cutest sun bears I have ever seen) and the macaques Hanoman, Demi, Vinnie (although he really seemed to dislike me) and Pagi the moluccan cockatoo and Jeruk the orange crested cockatoo and oh my god I forgot Bento and Is the orangutans. They are spectacular creatures and I am really going to miss them. To future volunteers: I hope you work hard and have fun, and don’t scratch those bug bites!
Patricia, 50, from France
Volunteered September-October 2009, Bird Rescue
This time at the Tasikoki centre has been of very beneficial for me : knowledge on new species, pleasure of manufacturing things with little means, contact with volunteers and staff from other countries and cultures, and, above all, pleasure of seeing the animals happier thanks to our work. It is a huge satisfaction. I think I have improved a little bit the conditions of the lives of the birds by adding new water bowls in their cages to drink and have a bath, and by doing many enrichments. As far as I am concerned, all the aspects of my stay have been positive. The biggest challenge is certainly to manage to build things with so few resources. From the beginning, I decided to volunteer in a maximum of countries so as to understand better the problems of the animals all around the world. This is the reason why I will probably never come back to Tasikoki. But, among all the centres I have been to, this is the one I would most appreciate to return to. As soon as I came back to France, I contacted all the volunteers I know to try to convince them to go to Tasikoki. At this place, I felt really useful. I think that this place is really valuable for any person who sincerely wants to act for the animals, side by side with a manager, Simon, totally involved and dedicated to the animal protection. In this centre, you will go to bed every evening with a feeling of a well-done work, and of having brought your own little stone to this never-ending building.
Richard, 24, from Belgium
Volunteered September 2009, Wildlife Care
Thanks for this month, it was a great experience for me. I hope everything will continue to improve for the centre and the animals. I realise that one month is not enough to really know the place, the project and to know what to do to be truly constructive, but in any case I really enjoyed it here – it was great! Thank you very much and carry on the good work :)
Harriet, 18, from Scotland
Volunteered August 2009, Monkey Rehab
I was offered to spend three weeks at Tasikoki, I thought yes! There my work would be vital and make a difference. It would be hard, but that made it more attractive as a prospect. Personally, I benefited from the experience by the fact that before my knowledge of animal cruelty was non-existent. So I found the volume of knowledge to take in intimidating, but you do! Trivia that makes you a vital member of any quiz team. Seriously though, if you, like myself, are looking for something to do to fill up time, or learn or grow or something meaningful or even a productive holiday, there are so many ways that an experience like this can be valued. I also met some memorable characters: some mammals, some reptiles. Enriching the animals at Tasikoki is very important. Put yourself in their position: you are not where you should be, you are not able to socialise or behave naturally, and you rely on others. As a volunteer it is your duty to give the animals something to do. On a memorable occasion, myself and another volunteer gave a macaque a whole coconut; euphoric glee was what we witnessed. In the end it becomes a game, thinking up new things for them to do, taking into account the time it may take them to become bored of it or finish it, whether it will encourage natural behaviour, etc. That is a main reason I was looking forward to Tasikoki; the stimulating challenge of working with your surroundings for theirs. You make enrichments out of coconuts, bamboo, twigs, banana leaves, flowers, fruit anything you can lay your hands on, the emphasis is to be resourceful. I would go back to Tasikoki, no hesitation in saying that. Why? Why not? You become attached without even meaning to. The place has a palpable aura. It could be argued that there are drawbacks: one week shopping trips, kamikaze mosquitoes, and early mornings. But, when you are working with exotic animals, on an island in Indonesia, where the sand is black because of the volcanoes, the sea is warm because of the gorgeous sun and the food is amazing (half of my time is spent trying to recreate those dishes); any minor discomforts fade (eventually) to insignificance. I do not want to think of it as a once in a life time experience, because I would like to do it twice maybe even three times.
