Cikananga Wildlife Center (CWC) or Yayasan Cikananga Konservasi Terpadu (YCKT) is a non-governmental and non-profit organization for conserving Indonesian wildlife. It encompasses Cikananga Wild Animal Rescue Center, Conservation Breeding Center (CCBC), Sustainability Farming Program, and Wildlife Learning Center. The Center was established in 2001.
Since then it has been dedicating its efforts to the welfare and conservation of Indonesian wildlife and its habitat. It provides facilities and manpower to rehabilitate confiscated wild animals, helps them regain natural behavior lost during captivity, and tries to reintroduce them into their natural habitat. The center also provides a permanent sanctuary for animals that cannot be released back into the wild.
There are about 250 animals ranging from crocodiles to hornbills and sun bears to primates such as orangutans and gibbons. Mostly they come from the miserable illegal wildlife trade or have lost their habitat due to deforestation. Most animals are (critically) endangered, and on the brink of extinction. They usually arrive at Cikananga in a heavily neglected state and need medical care. CWC aims to assist the government in rescuing and conserving Indonesian wildlife and teaching the public about the correct treatment and care of animals.
Volunteer within the beautiful natural environments of Sukabumi, Java, Indonesia.
Work with iconic species such as orangutan, slow loris, birds of prey, crocodiles.
Work and help in the day to day running of a wildlife rescue center.
Contribute towards unique projects from conservation breeding & sustainability programs.
Diverse and hands on work with plenty to do and experience.
You will develop new transferable skills and gain industry experience that match your passion and interests.
Meet & help the local communities with fun and creative activities in the wildlife learning center.
Experience day off adventures and embrace the local culture, sights & attractions.
To provide support to the Indonesian goverment by applying highest standards of welfare and care in the management of confiscated live animals to optimize the conservation impact through the innovative development and implementation of recovery programs for threatened Indonesian specieas and to be of benefit to loca communities
Cikananga offer 4 extraordinary programs.
Wildlife Rescue Center
The Cikananga Wildlife Rescue Program helps the government with saving, healing, and setting free Indonesian wildlife. The Cikananga Wildlife Center works towards preserving Indonesia’s wildlife through this program. Hence, the main focus of the Cikananga Wildlife Rescue is to offer resources and manpower to aid in the recovery of captured wild animals in order to get them ready to be returned to their natural environment. Additionally, the program supports law enforcement’s attempts to stop illegal wildlife trafficking by providing aid in identifying and seizing wildlife, as well as aiding the government in rescuing wildlife that is in conflict with humans.
Conservation Breeding
The Cikananga Conservation Breeding Centre (CCBC) is a part of the Cikananga Wildlife Center and aims to breed Indonesian species that are at risk of extinction. The breeding process at CCBC uses genetic management software to ensure the preservation of the species’ genetic diversity. The ultimate goal is to release the animals back into secure habitats within their native geographic range. However, given the rapid rate of habitat destruction in Indonesia, growing the captive population and establishing satellite populations is currently considered a crucial step towards reaching that goal in the long term.
Sustainability Program
The Cikananga Sustainability Program aims to improve the sustainability of the Cikananga Wildlife Center, and continue our community outreach and support. We also want to stabilise on-site soil erosion and improve our access to water. As most of the food given to the animals on the site comes from local sources we would want to start producing more food on our farms in a sustainable way. This would not only provide food for the animals, but we could also create jobs for the local community.
Wildlife Learning Center
The Learning Center offers educational programs for groups to learn about Indonesian wildlife, our work, and conservation efforts. We welcome students from schools, universities, government, NGOs, and media outlets. Our aim is to inspire and educate people to value biodiversity. We conduct awareness programs for local communities and governments. We welcome students from forestry, biology, and veterinary faculties to learn from our 20 years of experience in rescue, animal care, and conservation. The center trains government officials and facilitates workshops on various topics.
Your time at the Cikananga Wildlife Rescue Center
At CWRC you can make a significant difference in helping endangered wildlife by assisting with the work of the center including with husbandry, enrichment, sustainability projects and more, all whilst having a unique experience. All the work you will do with the keepers and the rest of the staff is vital to the work of Cikananga.
Your support will help us look after the many animals under our care as well as the ongoing projects around the center. 2.1 What kind of work activities do I do?
Together with our Indonesian staff, you will work in CWRC for six days a week from 07.00 to 16.00, inclusive of a lunch break (11.30-13.00). The main tasks that you will do are:
• Daily care of the animals e.g. food preparation and enclosure cleaning.
• Preparing and supplying enrichment.
• Animal behaviour observations.
• Teamwork, this is where all the staff and participants of the program will work on larger group projects within the center.
• Additionally, you may get the chance to assist with or observe the following activities:
- Confiscations and intake health checks
- Moving or rehoming animals within CWRC
- Monitoring medical procedures
- Assisting at the clinic.
Cikananga Center also has an organic farm that produces healthy food for the animals.
• Volunteers will get the chance to help on the farm, either assigned to help the farm team or, when needed, as part of a group teamwork session. There is the ability to schedule extra farm time upon request.
• It is also possible to work full time on the farm for volunteers or interns interested in learning more about tropical organic food production and soil restoration. Please let us know if you are interested in helping the farm team as a farm volunteer/intern and we can arrange your stay to focus on this.
Where do I sleep, eat and wash?
There are 2 (Male and Female) wooden long-house dormitories.
• In each dormitory are private partitioned sleeping areas with a bed and cabinet.
• Toilets and showers are Indonesian style – squat toilets and cold showers from a bucket.
• Our social area is a big wooden viewing deck overlooking the beautiful rice fields.
• Local food (Indonesian/Sundanese) is cooked by women from the village and is served for lunch and dinner. − Vegetarian and Vegan meals can be arranged as can other dietary requirements − Breakfast you have to arrange yourself.
• We provide a laundry service and daily cleaning of the facilities.
The program fees are low in order to make the program as accessible as possible for everyone. Our fees simply cover the cost of your accommodation and food, with a small increment to help us cover the expenses of the center e.g. medicine, food and construction of enclosures.
Prices are as followed
1- 6 weeks = €163 p/w
6+ weeks = €147 p/w
3+ months = €131 p/w
5+ months = €115 p/w
Cikananga also help and process your visa to make your entire journey hassle free.
Visa fees
Our fees per person per week includes:
• 2 meals per day; Lunch and Dinner.
• Accommodation in dormitory (we provide pillows and blankets).
• Basic kitchen facilities e.g. fridge, toaster, cooking stove.
• Basic supplies e.g. drinking water, coffee, tea, sugar.
• Laundry service.
• Transport to Sukabumi town center once a week for shopping (car capacity dependent).
• And, of course, a very memorable experience!
Additional Info
Are there possibilities for an internship at CWRC?
Yes! Our current intern classifications are Work Placement Intern, Research Intern, Veterinary Intern and Farm Intern. We are an Aequor licensed learning institute and many students have been attending this program as part of their internship over the years. All interns assist with the activities in the center as well as their projects/school assignments. If you are interested, please see the Cikananga Intern Guide and contact us for further information. We can discuss your project ideas if you have something in mind, or we can help you decide on a project as well.
What do I need to know about Cikananga and Indonesia?
• Cikananga is a rural agricultural village of around 100 inhabitants and is located 800m above sea level in the foothills of West-Java. CWRC is located on the edge of the village, it is possible to walk around the local area but can be difficult to get to Sukabumi.
• The climate is tropical with day temperatures ranging from 25 to 32 degrees Celsius. Indonesia has wet season and dry season but throughout the year the weather can be unpredictable and change.
• The evenings and nights are cold, getting as low as 15 degrees Celsius.
• There is a small convenience store about a 30 minute walk downhill. The nearest ATM is at another convenience store 2h walk away. Staff can drive you for a small price.
• Spots for food or other shops closer to CWRC are basic. For more substantial shopping you can join our food truck to Sukabumi.
• There is English, Indonesian and Dutch speaking management on-site. Most of the Indonesian staff have a basic proficiency of the English language.
• There is 3G and 4G signal at most spots around Cikananga. The office building also has wifi, however this is not consistent and priority must be given to those working/studying.
• You can buy your own tourism SIM card at the airport or in Sukabumi. If you choose this option we recommend the providers Indosat or Telkomsel.