BOLIVIA

Exotic Animals in the Bolivian Jungle

Program VL/BO-FF100

Does observing exotic animals in the jungle sound like your kind of adventure? This volunteer project in Bolivia enables you to do exactly that! As a volunteer, you will support a wildlife center that is close to the city of Ascensión de Guaravos in the Amazonian region of Bolivia. The center was founded in 1996 to prevent further destruction of the natural environment and its wildlife. The center expanded in 2002, and today it is 800 hectares (1,977 acres) big, making it one of the largest wildlife sanctuaries for wild animals in Bolivia. The center provides a home for tapirs, turtles, jaguars, and pumas as well as different species of birds and monkeys. Although the center provides exceptional care to all of its animals, it often pays extra attention to its endangered species such as howler monkeys, wild cats, and certain birds. For example, wild cats are accommodated in a big enclosure where they can move freely. If you find exotic animals fascinating, then this volunteer project is perfect for you!

 

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Wildlife Protection in Bolivia

Program VL/BO-FF101

During this volunteer project, you will support the oldest animal park in Bolivia, which is completely committed to the protection, care, and rehabilitation of local animals. The project takes place in the middle of the Bolivian rainforest in the Amazonian region where volunteers will work with exotic animals, gain valuable experience, and actively improve the protection of the local environment and wildlife.
The international team at this project’s location consists of veterinarians, researchers, and volunteers. Together, they take care of about 500 animals, all of which find shelter and protection in the park. Volunteers will participate in a variety of daily tasks, such as feeding the animals, cleaning the enclosures, and other work if necessary. In addition, the animals require medical support and volunteers will assist in studying their social behavior in order to determine how to offer more protection when releasing the animals back into the wild. Certain parts of the wildlife center are accessible for visitors and they can see the rehabilitated animals, including the entertaining monkeys that can be seen on the treetops.

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CHILE

Rescue Center for Monkeys

Program VL/CL-FF103

Although monkeys are not native to Chile, this animal protection center was established to provide a much-needed home for monkeys that have been confiscated by customs at the country’s borders, released from illegal trafficking, or removed from private households, zoos, and circuses. Unfortunately, most of these animals are so limited in their natural survival instincts that complete rehabilitation with the goal of returning them to the wild is no longer possible. Therefore, the center attempts to recreate a species-appropriate natural habitat for the monkeys. If you are fascinated by primates and have always wanted to work with them up-close, then this volunteer project in Chile is perfect for you.
 

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COSTA RICA

Animal Care in a Wildlife Sanctuary

Program VL/CR-FF100

While volunteering in Costa Rica, you will work with an organization that runs a rescue center for native animals. If you are an animal lover and feel strongly about the protection of wildlife, then this program is the ideal volunteer project for you. At the center, animals that have been confiscated by the Costa Rican government or customs due to illegal possession will be taken in, cared for, rehabilitated, and supervised around the clock. If the rehabilitation process is successful and the animals don’t lose their natural instincts, then they will eventually be released into their natural habitat again. This process is very difficult, however, as the newly released animals often quickly fall victim to unauthorized hunters or natural enemies. Therefore, many of the animals end up staying in the center long-term. As a part of the facility, the animals live with other members of their fellow species and aid in environmental education programs, which are intended to further educate guests and promote the protection of wildlife and nature. In addition to helping animals, this project offers volunteers the opportunity to engage in an intercultural exchange with the locals. The collaboration between locals and volunteers from all over the world creates an international community that is mutually committed to taking care of animals and advocating for the protection of wildlife.

 

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Sea Turtle Protection, Pacific Coast

Program VL/CR-FF102

Sea turtles are fascinating animals that have lived on the earth for approximately 250 million years. They are the oldest animal population and irresponsible human activity has placed them on the verge of extinction. Due to their beautiful shells, turtles are being hunted all over the world, and their meat (specifically their eggs) is being sold in local markets as pricey delicacies. Furthermore, the sea turtle’s natural habitat is threatened by excessive deep-sea fishing and the destruction of beaches. Due to these unfortunate circumstances, their natural nesting and breeding areas are disappearing. Numerous sea turtles are getting caught up in fishing nets or garbage and suffering painful, unnecessary deaths. In this sea turtle focused volunteer project in Costa Rica, you have the opportunity to observe these rare and fascinating creatures up close and support their protection. Devote yourself to endangered sea turtles in Costa Rica and protect these amazing animals from extinction by signing up for this volunteer project today!

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Saving Sea Turtles in the Caribbean

Program VL/CR-FF103

During this volunteer work in Costa Rica, you can support the protection of sea turtles. The conservation area is located in the northeast region of the country, directly on the Atlantic coast near the border of Nicaragua. Established in the northern part of the city of Limon, the reservation is over 800 hectares (1,977 acres) of primary and secondary rainforests and has a nice, sandy beach that is 6 km (3.7 miles) long. Here, you will live a Caribbean lifestyle and the beautiful beaches will be your workplace.

The goal of this sea turtle protection project is to save the endangered Baula and Lora turtles from extinction. Every year, numerous sea turtles come ashore on Caribbean beaches to lay their eggs. Your tasks as a volunteer will involve supporting the local team of biologists and volunteers to register and mark turtle nests, and if necessary, to scoop out eggs and place them in safe incubators. Shortly after the baby sea turtles hatch, you will help them find their way back into the ocean so they will not become victims of natural enemies right away. The volunteer work involved in this project is very exciting. During the project, volunteers will have unique and unforgettable experiences, such as observing a 700-kg (1,543 lb.) sea turtle and its beautiful shell from up-close.

During different seasons each year, marine biologists do investigations regarding the conditions of the climate and surroundings in the region. Gathering and analyzing data is crucial to recognize any changes early on and to learn more about the sensitive ecosystem. In addition to marine turtles, there are also different mammals, reptiles, and about 200 bird species that are observed in this protected territory.
Transportation for this project is usually by boats, which float through the on-site canals and river systems.

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Sea Turtle Protection

Program VL/CR-FF104

During this volunteer project in Costa Rica, you have the opportunity to rescue sea turtles and work in a conservation area on the beautiful peninsula of Nicoya. This project is very important and in need of support because sea turtles are threatened with extinction. Since the year 1994, this territory has been declared a natural reserve, and its beach is one of the most common locations for sea turtles to lay eggs in Costa Rica. In addition to fascinating sea turtles, there are also plenty of other animal and plant species to observe.

Together with other volunteers and biologists, you will observe the sea turtles and gather essential data in the conservation area that will be used analyze the climate and environmental conditions. Contribute to this great volunteer project and become part of an international community that is devoted to the preservation of sea turtles by signing up today!

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Rescue Center for Wild Animals

Program VL/CR-FF110

Have you ever dreamed of living in the rainforest and working with exotic animals? If so, we can help make that dream come true! During this volunteer project, you will work at an animal rescue center for exotic animals in Costa Rica, supporting the preservation of biodiversity and the protection of animals. This highly regarded project devotes itself to the protection various animals, including monkeys, tapirs, sloths, wild cats, reptiles, and birds that can no longer live in their natural habitat for various reasons. The animal rescue center has a total area of 11 hectares (27 acres) and about 500 fascinating animals, which you can care for and observe up-close. This unique volunteer project will be a life changing experience!

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Parrot Protection

Program VL/CR-FF111

Macaws (parrot species) are majestic, colorful birds that call Costa Rica home. Through volunteering at a parrot center in Costa Rica, you will support the preservation of these wonderful birds. The macaw population is endangered due to deforestation, advanced colonization, poaching, and introduced illnesses. These factors have damaged the living environment of the birds and have caused the population to decline. The macaw sanctuary, where you will volunteer, works closely with the National Nature Conservation Authority (SINAC), which is made up of national volunteers that are passionate about protecting the local wildlife. The parrot protection center offers both rehabilitation and veterinarian treatments to help nurse injured animals back to health. Releasing the parrots back into the wild does not happen often, and many of parrots end up staying in the center. The center is also a safe haven for other animals who need cared for, such as jaguars, apes, turtles, sloths, and ocelots, all of which live in the authentic enclosures as well. The parrot center is also made accessible visitors. In addition to being an important source of income for the center, visitors are also informed about the protection of both wildlife and the natural environment when they visit. Volunteers who have acquired sufficient knowledge will have the opportunity lead visitors through the center and educate them about wildlife conservation.

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GUATEMALA

Animal Rescue Center in the Rainforest

Program VL/GL-FF100

This rescue center is located in Guatemala’s rainforest and is near the famous Mayan ruins of Tikal. The animal rescue center is the largest and most advanced in all of Latin America and cares for 400-600 animals of different species. In addition to taking care of the animals, volunteers can enjoy various other opportunities to make a positive impact at this facility, including environmental protection, research, breeding of endangered species, environmental education, and ecotourism. The center also focuses its efforts on creating income alternatives for the natives that live in the jungle so that they can stop hunting wild animals. It is also very important to educate these residents on how to treat natural resources with respect.

Every year, around 800 students come to the center to take part in an environmental program where they learn more about the fascinating wildlife. Although the center offers this program, the main task of the facility is to aid in the rescue and rehabilitation of animals. This volunteer project in Guatemala is an unforgettable and educational adventure for any animal lover.

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Protection of Sea Turtles

Program VL/GL-FF101

This volunteer project in Guatemala aims to protect endangered marine turtles. The project was founded back in 1993, and was established to counteract the rapidly decreasing sea turtle population. With an area of 3 hectares (7.4 acres), the project commits to protect turtles and works to implement solutions that improve their conditions. At the moment, there are negotiations to establish a 3,500 hectares (8,648 acres) large mangrove, which would be a reserved and protected territory. In addition to the protection of sea turtles, there are also programs to support both the environment and diverse species. The location features a breeding station for caimans and iguanas and an additional rehabilitation project.
If you want to support this unique and diverse volunteer project in Guatemala, do not wait any longer. Apply now!

 

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ECUADOR

Animal Protection in the Rainforest

Program VL/EC-FF109

This volunteer project devotes itself to the protection of local animal species. It takes place at a facility in the amazing Ecuadorian Amazon region, which serves as an ecological research and education center and aims to protect the wildlife and vegetation in sustainable ways. They also make an effort to include the indigenous population in order to give them a better understanding of environmental protection and a lifestyle that is in harmony with nature. Traditional practices of the natives combined with western knowledge offer the ideal combination needed to build an area that is both environmentally friendly and sustainable. The owners and workers of the center have been working in this field for many years and have extensive experience. They are happy to share their wisdom with you so that you learn more about the unique and sensitive ecosystem of the Amazon rainforest.
 

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Animal Rescue Center in the Amazon Region

Program VL/EC-FF101

This volunteer program is located in a unique and breathtaking region of Ecuador, where volunteers help at a rescue center for exotic animals. Some of the animals have been confiscated by customs because they were illegally traded or kept in private homes, while others were found near villages. Unfortunately, many of the animals that come to the center have been injured or abused, and need both love and attention to regain their strength. It would be ideal if the center could rehabilitate the animals enough to release them back into their natural habitat, however this seldom occurs. Your service at this rescue center is a significant step towards increasing the protection of Ecuador’s wildlife.
 
 

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Wildlife Sanctuary in the Amazon Rainforest

Program VL/PE-FF102

In this volunteer project in Peru, you will support an animal protection center that is located in the middle of the Peruvian Amazon jungle. The center serves as a rescue facility for injured and captured wild animals as well as exotic animals that have been confiscated at customs due to illegal possession. There is nothing else quite like this center in the region that offers a shelter where these animals can be rehabilitated, fed, and taken care of. At the center, monkeys, turtles, parrots, and sloths receive medical treatments and rehabilitation. If their behavior and state of health allow it, the animals will be gradually acclimated back to freedom until they can completely return to the wild. The animals live in spacious enclosures prior to being released back into their natural habitat, the rainforest (if possible). This volunteer project guarantees you a great volunteer experience in a fascinating environment where you will have many unforgettable adventures while being closer to exotic animals than ever before.

 

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