Are you passionate about animals? Apply to volunteer on wildlife conservation projects around the world. Whether you are keen to help animals or like the idea of a career in conservation, these programs are incredible. Find your perfect project today.
Best Wildlife Conservation Programs
Find voluntary work, internships and paid jobs with animals. For more projects view our country guides.
Big 5 African Wildlife & Conservation
• 2-12 weeks
• Price from £1,395
Amazon Shelter Volunteer
• 4-12 weeks
• Price from £1,845
Volunteer with Elephants in Thailand
• 2-4 weeks
• Price from £1,245
Street Dog Rescue in Khao Tao
• 2-12 weeks
• Price from £1,245
Volunteer in the Galapagos
• 2-8 weeks
• Price from £1,195
Sloth Rescue Sanctuary in Costa Rica
• 2-10 weeks
• Price from £1,395
Sea Turtle Conservation in Costa Rica
• 2-12 weeks
• Price from £1,395
Wildlife Conservation in Borneo
• 12 days
•. Price from £1,549
How to Help
A lot of wildlife organisations have the ultimate aim of either helping animals. Some projects have been setup to rehabilitate animals and set them free back in their natural environment whilst others offer care and support.
If you would love to work with animals, either in a general non-skilled role or in the field of veterinary medicine, then these placements are the perfect way to help. You could help at a wildlife sanctuary, rescue centre, game reserve or national park.
Some placements are really hands on where you will be able to help orphaned, abandoned or injured animals. This is a really rewarding experience to do on a gap year.
Find Projects By Species
FAQ
Where Can You Help
There are volunteer projects with animals all around the world and where you go really comes down to which animals you would like to help. Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America – you can find sanctuaries and projects in most destinations. Popular ideas include helping exotic animals in Africa, elephants in Thailand, orangutans in Indonesia and dolphins in Greece, just to name a few.
Role & What to Expect
Your role as a wildlife volunteer will depend on the project and location. On some placements you will assist the staff and guides in the protection of animals. Sometimes you might be helping with marketing and fundraising efforts.
In Africa and Asia you might be able to help anti-poaching efforts as well as collecting and processing data that is crucial to the sustainability of wildlife habitats. Most organisations feel it very important to also educate local communities on the importance of wildlife, because with understanding comes respect.
Programs will allow you to experience the nature in a very special and unique way as you spend each day actively involved in a number of conservation activities and taking in local insight and knowledge on the various animal, plant and bird species.
Veterinary Placements
If you are looking to gain work experience in veterinary helping animals then wildlife volunteer programs are a great option. You will learn from experienced staff and be able to get hands on placements. Applying to take part in one of these types of programs in Africa will enable you, to aid in any veterinary procedures and game captures that have to be done.
Duration
Most wildlife volunteer programs are flexible to your needs. We encourage volunteers to stay for at least one month, but you can generally serve for any length of time. Many volunteers combine their stay with tourism and sightseeing. Summer volunteer trips with wildlife are really popular. No matter how long you decide to volunteer, you will have a remarkable experience and you will have personally helped a good cause.
Requirements
For non-skilled roles you will be provided training and there are very few restrictions. Most organisations hire staff who are 18+, but special trips are available for volunteers under 18’s. You will need to be keen to learn, adaptable, open to living overseas, able to work in groups and not afraid to get your hands dirty.
