Volunteering at AAP Primadomus

Who are AAP and what do we do?Established in the 1970s and based in the Netherlands, AAP is an organisation committed to Animal Advocacy and Protection. The Foundation manages two rescue centres and sanctuary for primates and other exotic mammals. AAP houses animals from all over Europe. The animals that come to us have been confiscated, abandoned or offered by private owners. Often as a result of illegal trade, being exhibited in illegal zoos or used in biomedical research or the entertainment industry, with many of the animals having a history of abuse and neglect. At AAP they receive the professional care needed for their physical and mental recovery. After a careful process of rehabilitation, long-term solutions are sought through outplacement.

Objectives of AAPAAP’s main objectives are the advocacy and protection of non domesticated exotic mammals, through the rescue, rehabilitation and outplacement of the animals, once recovered. AAP also works on creating public policies and educating the general public. Working for AAP requires feeling, with a non-commercial organisation in general, and enhancing the wellbeing of the animals.

What is AAP Primadomus?AAP Foundation work from two locations, one in Almere, The Netherlands and the second one in Villena, Spain, called AAP Primadomus. Primadomus, is based in Villena, close to Alicante. Primadomus works as a rescue centre and also offers permanent care for a large number of primates and big cats.

AAP Primadomus

Rescue Centre PrimadomusAAP Primadomus Rescue Centre is situated on 180 hectares of land, bought by AAP initially with the purpose of permanently housing groups of primates that cannot, for whatever reason, be outplaced elsewhere. Primadomus is located in a stunning natural environment, 7.5 kilometres south of the town of Villena, at the foot of the mountain chain Sierra de Salinas.

In 2013 Primadomus started a new activity, working also as a rescue centre, specializing in Barbary macaques and with a view at that point to the future rescue of Big Cats.

Our animals At Primadomus we house different groups of primates of several species: Chimpanzees, Pig-tailed macaques, Baboon, Barbary macaques, Vervet monkeys and other species of primates have lived here. Periodically a group of our rescued animals find a new place to live, so the species of primates are not always the same. Normally you will work with Barbary macaques, Chimpanzees, and Pig Tailed macaques among other species of primates, all of them rescued from different situations such as illegal trade, ownership as pets, circuses, etc.

Apes and primates of AAP Primadomus

In May 2015 AAP Foundation started rescuing Big Cats such lions, tigers and leopard. Due to the increasing use of exotic mammals in entertainment industry (circuses, photography, etc.) AAP Primadomus decided to help house some of these animals. In AAP Primadomus there are three buildings dedicated to big cats.

Big Cats of AAP Primadomus

Role of the volunteer.You would be part of a formed team and would help with the care of the animals at all times adhering tothe foundations hands off policy, being fully involved in the day-to-day routine. You will be expected tohelp with the cleaning of their facilities. The preparation and distribution of food, and the constructing andmaking of environmental enrichment. In addition to this you may be required to assist with some minortechnical maintenance, along with any other necessary tasks. The duration of the volunteering is of 6 months.

Qualifications/Experience:Ideally we are looking for volunteers who have previous experience of working with animals, in particularwith some knowledge of primates/exotic animals. We are looking for volunteers who have an affinity withthe aims and objectives of AAP Primadomus. As an international organisation it is important that volunteersshould have a good level of spoken and written English, and should also be willing to learn Spanish in theshort term. Volunteers should also be able to work independently and as a team member. You should beable to work methodically and hygienically. As the level of work can be physically demanding a good level

of physical fitness is required. You must be in agreement with the foundation’s hands-off policy. Willing towork on weekends (The working week being five days with two days off) and have a driving license.

The castle of Villena

Support provided for volunteer positions (meals [During working hours], lodging and travel to and from Villena to Primadomus)Further to the opportunity of a unique, interesting place to work, we offer free accommodation in one of the AAP Primadomus Villena apartments.

There are two AAP flats, each of which have several bedrooms (normally shared) along with communal living areas such as living room, kitchen and bathroom. Wireless Internet is available in the houses (own laptop required). You will be transported to and from work. When in the workplace you will be provided with meals and refreshments.

You will also be provided with good supervision from experienced colleagues.

Additional requirementsBefore commencing the voluntary period candidates must have a negative TB certificate (Mantoux) and anup-to-date tetanus vaccination.

If you are interested please email your CV and letter of interest to PD-volunteers@aap-primadomus.org (FYI: the two first letters of the email are in capital letter) it is important that you specify in you letter when you would like to start your volunteering.