VOLUNTEERING AND GAP YEARS IN ANIMAL CONSERVATION, PLUS MORE

Play a meaningful role in helping to preserve threatened and endangered species. You don’t need any qualifications, just a love of animals. The choice is the hardest bit! You can work with monkeys or orang-utans, elephants, pandas, turtles, horses, plants, dolphins, whales and the Great White Shark, leopards, rhino, tortoise, coral, reptiles, birds, fish and, well, pretty much any species you’re interested in - exciting stuff!!

The type of work varies and can include: interaction & play, field research, safaris, washing, feeding, preparing food, observation, night watches, creative psychological stimulation for the animals, cleaning duties, enrichment projects, releases into the wild, diving, trekking, darting, learning, educating, photographing, building, painting and much more depending on the requirements of the project.

Make a difference - get involved!

ARGENTINA:
Monkey and Primate Rescue and Rehabilitation near Cordoba
Rescue, rehabilitate and eventually release the monkeys back into the wild, so that they are self-sufficient. The monkeys are often in a terrible condition. You'll assist in helping to rehabilitate the monkeys, including the orphaned babies.

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AUSTRALIA:
Animal Care in a Rehabilitation Centre in Perth
A rewarding opportunity to volunteer at a fascinating Wildlife Rehabilitation centre that provides medical care and rehabilitation to sick, injured and orphaned wildlife throughout the whole of Perth.

You'll assist in taking care of a variety of different mammals, reptiles and birds that need help, as well as working with plants and trees, habitat restoration and heritage protection. like wallabys, possoms, kangaroos, lizards, tortoises, snakes and a range of different birds, such as cockatoos and swallows and many more!

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AUSTRALIA:
Volunteer with Dolphins in Bunbury, Western Australia
Contribute to the well-being of dolphins in an idyllic setting at a non-profit Centre committed to dolphin research, education, conservation and tourism. The Centre enables people to interact with Bottlenose dolphins in a variety of ways.

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AUSTRALIA:
Animal Conservation in a Wildlife Park in Bunbury
Work with animals, birds, plants, ecosystems, tourism and more, in a community-based volunteer-run organisation. You'll gain excperience in native animals, grounds keeping, retail and tourism, or a combination to suit your individual requirements.

Minimum duration is 12 weeks.

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AUSTRALIA:
CONSERVATION COMBINATION: Two Wildlife Projects in Two Different Centres
Get the most out of your Aussie Conservation experience!

1. Help all types of animals throughout Perth. Work at the Rehabilitation Centre including different projects throughout the city.
2. Work in a Wildlife Park in Bunbury, a beautiful town on the coast south of Perth that has over 60 varieties of birds and marsupials.

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BALI | INDONESIA:
Turtle Conservation and Rehabilitation on Nusa Penida Island
Begin with an Introduction Week which is packed full of exciting adventures, culture excursions and interactions, then work on an island where you'll help collect vital baseline data and, depending on time of the year, you may identify turtle species, collect eggs, monitor nests or see hatchlings get safely to sea.
During the day, you may also teach English at a local school on the island.

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CAMBODIA:
Buddhist Temple Conservation and Restoration in Cambodia
The secret and hidden area of Banteay Meanchey contains some of Cambodia's best kept secrets, the ancient temples of Banteay Chhmar. These massive temples are widely regarded as some of the most important archaeological complexities of the Angkor period.
On this project you'll work with a local team to assist in the renovation and preservation of the temples.

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CHINA:
Panda Conservation in China
Work in the largest Panda base in China, where the focus is on protecting and building a safe environment in which to begin the reintroduction of Giant Pandas into the wild. There are only 1,600 pandas left. They are listed as the most endangered species in the world, making this experience a true once in a lifetime opportunity.

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CHINA:
Turtle Conservation in China
Rescue, Rehabilitate, Research, Raise, and Release. This Turtle Conservation program is based in Huidong city, Guangdong province, China where you will be helping protect its local sea turtles. You’ll help maintain their environment, take part in their breeding efforts, raise hatchlings, and release turtles back into their natural habitat. Together with local staff, you’ll learn more about them and help these endangered creatures re-populate the wild.

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ECUADOR:
Galapagos Islands Conservation, Reforestation and Community Project
Help preserve the native and endemic forests of San Cristobal Island. This project combines environmental, community and social initiatives to improve the sustainability of the islands. Plus, it’s loads of fun!
The Centre is popular with international volunteers and there is loads going on, from horse-riding therapy, to wandering giant tortoises, to reforestation work, to coaching football to local kids. And you can jump on a bike and head down the mountain into the local town for even more action!

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ECUADOR:
Wildlife Rescue, Rehabilitation and Release in the Ecuadorian Rainforest
Help a Quechua family-run Centre to rescue, rehabilitate and, where possible, release wild animals in the fight again trafficking, abuse and hunting of wild species. You'll work with a Foundation dedicated to caring for animals that have nowhere else to go. Some are orphans because their parents were killed by hunters, others were rescued from animal dealers, and others were rescued from people who kept them in small cages!

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MALAYSIA:
Sepilok Orang-Utan Rehabilitation & Conservation Project
Orang-Utans are astonishingly gentle, highly intelligent and they gaze at you with almost disconcerting frankness! At Sepilok you'll work with these gentle red apes in their natural environment.

• Learn about managing juvenile Orang-Utans in the Outdoor Nursery.
• Learn about managing baby Orang-Utans in the Indoor Nursery / Clinic.
• Conduct a Field Survey on the Orang-Utan population
• And so much more!

This project is extremely popular and gets booked up very quickly, so we strongly advise that you book early!

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MALAYSIA:
Care for Orang-Utans on Peninsula Malaysia
The Sanctuary where you'll assist is a recognised ex-situ conservation facility and referral centre for the endangered Bornean Orang-Utan. Here you'll help in the care and rehabilitation of rescued and abused orang-utans. You can do this project for as little as 2 weeks and still be able to contribute significantly to their well-being and conservation.

The Sanctuary was initially set up for educational and research purposes in collaboration with University of Cambridge, University of Victoria, Primate Research Institute of Kyoto University Japan, University of Eastern Philippines and 7 local universities. The Sanctuary was later open to public to increase awareness of Orang-Utan conservation.

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MALAYSIA:
Care for Animals at Lok Kawi Wildlife Park
Up close and personal with Borneo's native wildlife: Lok Kawi Wildlife Park is Borneo's newest attraction and home to many of Sabah's native and threatened species.This excellent project is all about caring - caring for animals, caring about conservation, caring about species survival, and caring about educating children and adults in how to treat animals.
The native species at the Park include Orang-utans, Proboscis Monkeys, Pygmy Elephants (including two very charming baby Elephants) and a Pygmy Rhino. Also Tigers, a Clouded Leopard, Gibbons, Otters, Sun Bears, Giant Tortoise, Mouse Deer, Ostrich, Civets and an Aviary with talking birds.

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PERU:
Amazon Rainforest Conservation
This is a multi-activity project where you'll benefit from the training components and actively assist in the environmental monitoring study at multiple locations. As you stay longer, you will take on increasing levels of data collection and project management responsibilities. Some adventure activities are also included.
You arrive in the ancient Inca city of Cusco and then travel to your project through the High Andes where you’ll learn about the Cloud Forest. Then you descend into the Amazon via motorised canoe down the Madre de Dios River. The journey to the project is spectacular, an exciting adventure in itself!
This project is extremely popular and gets booked up very quickly, so we strongly advise that you book early!

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SOUTH AFRICA:
NEW! Conservation with Big Cats in a Sanctuary near Cape Town
Lions, Leopard, Tigers, Caracals ... Get up close and personal with big cats! This is a truly unique and exhilarating experience to get involved behind the scenes in a big-cat sanctuary. Hear and feel a lion roaring up close, get love and recognition from a leopard, experience the loud ‘chuffing’ of a tiger and see these previously rescued cats appreciate the toys and enrichment you provide for their enclosures and everyday enjoyment.

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SOUTH AFRICA:
NEW! Rhino Rescue & Relocation from South Africa to Botswana
Help to rescue Rhinos and relocate them from South Africa to Botswana. You'll get to stay on 3 different Game Reserves in African bush camps and game lodges. This is a fixed-length two-week project that will enable you to experience and witness some extraordinary sights and also learn a great deal about African wildlife and cutting-edge conservation. Your work is very varied, including some veterinary experience and participation in the game captures (which are hugely exciting!)

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SOUTH AFRICA:
NEW! Lion Rescue & Relocation from South Africa to Botswana
You'll be involved with darting, relocation and care of the Lions, as they begin their new lease on life. You'll live on 2 Game Reserves in 2 Countries, in a stunning bush camps where you get up close and personal with the animals. If you want to be part of an incredibly worthwhile and exciting conservation operation, this is the placement for you! This is a fixed-length two-week project. You'll learn a great deal about African wildlife and cutting-edge conservation and witness some extraordinary sights!

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SOUTH AFRICA:
Whale and Dolphin Monitoring And Research in Knysna
Joining this Marine Research programme will expose you to all aspects of this exciting industry, from conservation and research of Whales and Dolphins, to all other aspects of the day-to-day running, including marketing, liaising with clients, crewing and guiding on the boats, doing land-to-sea observations/spotting, assisting with community projects and educating the local children about the sea and lagoon.

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SOUTH AFRICA:
Wildlife Rescue Rehabilitation and Release in KwaZulu-Natal
The best cage is an empty cage! Work in a Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre that is also a wildlife hospital that cares for injured and orphaned wild animals and birds. You'll work with over 400 different animals and birds, and lots of monkeys!
Become part of an amazing team of wildlife experts specialising in the rescue, treatment, rehabilitation and release of various wild animals that may have been injured or orphaned.

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SOUTH AFRICA:
Veterinary, Wildlife Game Capture and Conservation in Northern South Africa
Your work will offer a variety of opportunities, including some veterinary experience, participation in some game captures (which are hugely exciting!), and some community work. You'll experience and witness some extraordinary sights, but also learn a great deal about African wildlife. You may also get involved in other conservation-related fields, including wildlife monitoring. The amount of time you will have in the different areas will vary depending on the length of time you're there and what type of work is taking place or required at that time.

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SOUTH AFRICA:
Care for Animals in a Wildlife Sanctuary near Port Elizabeth
Hands-on work with injured or abandoned animals of all types. You'll assist in a very caring Sanctuary set in a small private game reserve in the Eastern Cape. You'll assist in hand-rearing, feeding and generally looking after many different animal species, including over 250 different species of birds.
The sanctuary receives many abandoned, abused, injured or orphaned animals that all need love and attention to prepare them for life back in the wild, if possible, or a safe life in the Sanctuary. Many animals breed there, so there are often young animals to care for that need regular feeding and attention. This is a very hands-on experience and one that leaves you immensely satisfied.

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SOUTH AFRICA:
Zululand Wildlife and Game Reserve Conservation Expedition
Work on four very different Game Reserves, each with their own unique beauty and attraction. You'll gain a wealth of conservation knowledge and experience working under qualified conservation experts and on location out in the bush. You'll experience Africa in a way that no mere tourist can!

• You'll work across different Game Reserves, each unique.
• You'll work with a professional team (supported by WWF) and with endangered species like the Cheetah, African Wild Dog and Black Rhino, and priority species like Elephant, Lion, Rhino, Leopard and Buffalo.

This project is extremely popular and gets booked up very quickly, so we strongly advise that you book early!

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SOUTH AFRICA:
Vervet Monkey Care, Rehabilitation and Release in Vryheid, KwaZulu-Natal
Help to care for, rehabilitate and release injured and abandoned Vervet Monkeys back into the wild to live a free and natural life. This is a wonderful project that encompasses all aspects of Vervet Monkey Rehabilitation and Conservation ... not to be missed!
You'll work with a Non-Profit Organisation that specialises in the care, rehabilitation & return to the wild of Vervet Monkeys that have been injured, orphaned or displaced, usually as a result of actions on the part of people.

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NEW! Wildlife Rehabilitation and Veterinary Project near Knysna
Lions, Leopard, Wild Cats ... This is a perfect project for those wanting to get involved in animal rehabilitation, as well as veterinary students! You’ll work in a Wildlife Awareness and Rehabilitation Centre that provides life-saving care and veterinary treatment to wild animals in distress. As well as feeding and enclosure enrichment, you’ll also be involved in the care and medical treatment of the animals.

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SRI LANKA:
An Elephant Experience at Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
Watching over 90 elephants roaming and playing together is stunning, you'll never forget it. Volunteer in this famous Orphanage for retired, abused or orphaned elephants, including some small rescued babies.

There are a few elements combined on this programme, making it a very interesting, varied and satisfying project, including working at Pinnawala, and at another Elephant Sanctuary and assisting in teaching monks and disadvantaged children at a local school.

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SRI LANKA:
Help with Turtle Conservation in Ambalangoda
This Project works towards preventing the extinction of sea turtles, a critically endangered species. You will help in the rehabilitation and release back into the sea of turtles that are usually victims of commercial fishing.
You'll assist in treating injured and sick sea turtles, protecting nests, and rescuing eggs so that they can be hatched without incident in the safety of our hatchery.

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SRI LANKA:
Elephant and Wildlife Conservation in Wasgamuwa National Park
Help conserve the Elephants and other wildlife of Sri Lanka in Wasgamuwa National Park. The main aim of this project is to "save elephants, other biodiversity and their habitats by helping people". Go back to basics in a stunningly beautiful part of the world. Help local people and the local wildlife.
This project is diverse: one moment you could be observing elephants overnight in a tree-house, and the next you could be helping to reduce human-elephant conflict within the national park.

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THAILAND:
Care for Rescued Elephants in an Elephant Sanctuary in Kanchanaburi
This is a fantastic opportunity to work with rescued elephants in the stunning location of Kanchanaburi. The elephants are mainly injured, sick and elderly elephants which have been relocated to the Sanctuary where they are cared for and given a better quality of life, you’ll work hands-on with them, including swimming and taking mud baths with them, mucking out their enclosures and, most satisfying of all, ensuring they live in a happy, comfortable environment!

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THAILAND:
Hands-On Care for Elephants in North-East Thailand
Work hands-on with elephants, giving them lots of care, and also be helping to improve the living conditions of captive elephants in Thailand. You'll work very hands-on with 8 elephants, but you'll be surrounded by up to 200 elephants. The experience of being in the middle of such a huge number of these majestic creatures is awesome!
The project is based approx 7 hours drive North-East of Bangkok. You'll have a one night stay in a hotel in Bangkok on arrival and then transfer to the project the following day.

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USA | AMERICA:
Rehabilitate Abused Wild Mustang Horses in Florida
This is a project with a huge heart. You'll assist in a Centre that rescues mustangs that would have been put to death. The horses (who are often close to death when they reach the Centre), are nursed back to health and then trained with positive reinforcement and love to become adoptable.
These traumatised horses must spend time with lots of different people, to learn that not all people are bad! This is critical in order for them to be adopted into homes where they'll be well looked after for the rest of their lives.

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ZAMBIA:
Walk with Lions: Lion Breeding, Research, Rehabilitation and Release near Livingstone
Extremely close encounters with Lions! The location is close to the famous Victoria Falls. This is a unique project where you can take lions for a walk through a Game Reserve - an unbelievable experience!
Your work will assist in helping this project to continue and, over the long term, will also hopefully contribute to preventing the decrease in the lion population in Africa.

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ZIMBABWE:
Walk with Lions: Lion Breeding, Research, Rehabilitation and Release in GWERU
Extremely close encounters with Lions on this Lion Breeding Project. Some of the work on this project is quite unusual, to say the least. (Where else would you take lions for a walk every day to exercise them and to familiarise them with a game reserve environment!). On the walks, the lions are 'free roaming' - no leashes - they romp, they play and they stalk, and you may frequently be lucky enough to have a large cub sitting on your lap sucking your thumb.
Your work will assist in helping this project to continue and, over the long term, will also hopefully contribute to preventing the decrease in the lion population in Africa.

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ZIMBABWE:
The Lion Breeding, Research, Rehabilitation and Release Project in VICTORIA FALLS
Work hands-on with Lion Cubs on a Game Reserve near Victoria Falls. This base is 5 miles from the magnificent Falls, which is one of the world’s greatest natural spectacles. It is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, and has also been declared a World Heritage Site.
The Falls and the town lie within a 23.4 square km National Park that neighbours the 573 square km Zambezi National Park

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ZIMBABWE:
Lion Conservation, Teaching and Community Development Combo Project in Gweru
Make a difference in the lives of underprivileged children while contributing to the conservation of the iconic African Lion.

You'll give teaching assistance, care, mentoring and support to the children in the local community. Work hands-on with Lions on a 3,000 acre game reserve and tourist spot about 10 kilometers from Gweru. The main camp facility - made up of thatched African rondavels and buildings - rests on the shores of a beautiful lake and is a Game Reserve with many species of wildlife and bird-life.

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