Animal Caretaker in Custody Center
Coordinator | Marion
Coordinator | Marion
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Choose new departure dates or change to a different volunteer program at no extra costs.
Highlights
Learn more about the fragile eco system in South America
Help protect our planet earth
Boost your resume with international volunteer experience
Explore a country that is famous for its rich biodiversity
Broaden your horizon while immersing yourself into a new culture
Stand up for animal welfare and work as a volunteer in this wonderful animal sanctuary in Bolivia. Take care of exotic animals.
This volunteer program is especially suitable for:
Age 18+
Singles
Couples
Groups
50+
It was back in 2009 when the rescue and custody center for wild animals in Bolivia was founded as an NGO. A Swiss animal lover created this wonderful animal welfare project on a 45 hectar protected nature reserve in the middle of a very varied tropical landscape. Wild animals find ideal conditions for a secure life in the primeval forests, swamps and savannahs. The nature reserve has extensive, species-appropriate animal facilities, where the freed wild animals have a second chance for a better life.
Bolivia is one of the most biodiverse countries on our planet. Despite or precisely because of this unique biodiversity, the local flora and fauna are threatened by massive deforestation, poaching and illegal animal trade. Huge areas of intact rainforest are falling victim to uncontrolled deforestation, wetlands are being drained and countless animal species are endangered. A sad balance of our human actions. This permanent threat and a huge respect for the local wildlife, led to the founding of the animal custody center.
The center takes in confiscated wild animals, that have been held illegally as pets or that private households give up voluntarily as they understood that these animals are no pets. In the very best case, the animals can be released into the wild again, what however, is only possible in very exceptional cases. In most cases, it is not possible due to the trauma and the loss of the animals' natural (protective) instincts.
In addition to the varied terrain for the wild animals, the animal welfare project has a well thought-out infrastructure such as a spacious kitchen for the preparation of daily food and the storage of fresh vegetables/fruit for the animals. There are also veterinary areas for the veterinarian, as well as a closed quarantine room. In a special "nursery" young abandoned wild animals receive special care.
One part of the animal sanctuary is accessible to visitors, where they can learn more about the fantastic flora and fauna from experienced guides. Visitors can explore the jungle on well-signposted paths, cross the swamps and see different lagoons in the Pampas.
In this breathtaking landscape you can support animal welfare and make your contribution to preserving biodiversity on our mother earth.
Bear Conservation
Bird Conservation
Tortoise Conservation
Sloth Sanctuary
Monkey Conservation
Kinkajou
Toucan
Giant Tortoise
Macaw
Three-toed Sloth
Parrot
Howler Monkeys
Typical day
The animal welfare center cares for approximately 350 wild animals (number subject to change). Animals include various species of monkeys, tortoises, wild boar, deer, badgers, macaws and other species of parrots, toucans, wild cats, coatis, kinkajous and foxes. Many turtles live in the lagoons and around 80 sloths in the jungle, which is rich in species. Many of these animals were subjected to constant stress and dirt, confined in small cages or shackled. In the custody center they have large enclosures with lots of nature, lush greenery and secure fences.
Very small animals get special care and attention. The volunteers can help take care of the babies and small animals. There are 4 closed interior spaces for them, where they are particularly protected.
Very small animals get special care and attention. The volunteers can help take care of the babies and small animals. There are 4 closed interior spaces for them, where they are particularly protected.
The project's aim is to grow and have even more space for more animals in need. Volunteers not only help with animal care but also with construction work, especially if they have manual skills.
Tasks may include:
- Preparation of feed for the animals
- Feeding the animals (2 - 3 times a day)
- Cleaning of animal enclosures
- Intensive care of small animals in the "kindergarten"
- Repair and construction of fences and cages in the care center and animal park
- Planting trees, shrubs and fruit plants
- Checking the fences of the animal park so that the animals cannot escape
- Assisting in the transportation of wildlife from Santa Cruz to the animal sanctuary
The volunteers work approximately 6 hours a day, 5 days a week. Work starts in the morning at about 8 am and ends around 5 pm with breaks inbetween. Particularly motivated volunteers are also encouraged to take on feeding shifts at the weekend.
Free-time activities
This fantastic animal welfare project is located about 50 kilometers north of Santa Cruz de la Sierra, a pretty Bolivian colonial city in the country's tropical region. The city has 2 million inhabitants and is the largest city in the country. Different cultures from the highlands, the Amazon region and the Guarani culture meet here and make the city an interesting cultural meeting place.
The city is an excellent example that combines traditional values with a modern lifestyle. Traditionally dressed people, old customs, colonial architecture await you in Santa Cruz, as well as modern shopping centers and upscale hotels and restaurants. Santa Cruz is the most modern city in the country. The city is the gateway to unforgettable outdoor activities in Bolivia, including hiking, wildlife spotting, rafting and sandboarding.
Water Sports
Sightseeing
Shopping/
Souvenirs
Souvenirs
Hiking
Sports
Riding
Yoga/
Meditation
Meditation
Requirements
In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.
You need to speak English (basic level)
or Spanish (basic level)
No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.
Your helping hand will be required on
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
from
08:00
- 17:00
What's Included
Our Volunteer Work in the Custody Center for local Wildlife in Bolivia includes:
- Accommodation in shared room
- Full board
- Professional English-speaking advice
- Translation of your application documents
- Volunteer Work Placement in Bolivia
- English-speaking in-country support
- Country handbook Bolivia
- Intercultural guideline
- 24/7 Emergency number
- Information about suitable travel insurance
- Certificate of participation
Living in the midst of evergreen nature with the sounds of exotic animals - that's what our volunteers can expect in this animal welfare project in Bolivia. The volunteers live together in cozy, rustic volunteer accommodation, which is located directly on the project site. Up to 14 volunteers can be accommodated here. There is also a spacious common room that serves as a meeting point for the volunteers, where they can play, read and relax together.
Full board (3 meals / 7 days) is included in the program.
Good access at the project site
Visa, flights, travel insurance or vaccinations are NOT included in the program fees.
An airport pickup isn't included within the program fees either.
The nearest airport is El Trompillo (SRZ) in Santa Cruz. We assist you to find cheap flights to Bolivia.
Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Bolivia provides security and is a plus to have.
If you are intending to volunteer in Bolivia you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Bolivia.
Dates & Fees
NO CREDIT CARD FEES
Details on arrival
The project is open year round and can be started on any day.
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
3 - 12 weeks
Program fees
3 weeks
(min. stay)
$915
4 weeks
$1,080
5 weeks
$1,245
6 weeks
$1,410
7 weeks
$1,575
8 weeks
$1,740
12 weeks
(max. stay)
$2,400
Average fees
$253
/week
Please note that the above shown program fees are estimated.
South America Inside
will let you know about the final price during your application process.
The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.
Your final payment will be agreed with South America Inside during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.
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What are people saying about Volunteer World?
Animal Caretaker in Custody Center
Stand up for animal welfare and work as a volunteer in this wonderful animal sanctuary in Bolivia. Take care of exotic animals.
$253/week
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