Animal Welfare Center Supporter

The animal rescue center lovingly takes care of nursing the animals back to health. The best case scenario is their reintroduction back to the  wild. Unfortunately, this is only possible in rare cases, as many animals would no longer survive in their natrual habitat or would become victims of poaching again. So, about 300 animals have found a safe home in the animal rescue center. In addition to the extensive areas for the rescued animals, there is also a vet station and a visitors' center.

The animal sanctuary has its origins in 1923 when it was a small farm on which the settlement of certain animal species was sought. Back in 1985 is was run as a zoo under a new administration. Since then efforts have been made in order to change this business model and transform the center into what it is today: a safe habitat for wildlife. Today the animal sanctuary is managed by the local government and is considered a natural reserve.

This volunteer work allows you to learn a lot about local flora and fauna of Panama. You can experience the impressive biodiversity up close and help to protect it. The wildlife conservation center borders on a large area of evergreen rainforest. You can even see animals in their natural habitat that live free in the vicinity.

Volunteers normaly work Monday through Friday, and sometimes sign up for weekend feeding rounds. Work starts in the morning at about 7 am and ends in the early afternoon with a long lunch break (work schedule subject to change). This volunteer project gives you the chance to learn a lot about the breathtaking flora and fauna of Central America. You can experience wild animals up close while helping with the feeding and cleaning as well as the maintenance of the cages and enclosures. You will learn about the eating habits of the individual animal species as well as how they are handled and kept.

In the station you have the opportunity to see rare bird species such as the national bird the harpy eagle, beautiful macaws and other parrots, as well as big cats (e.g. jaguars, pumas, wild cats) and other mammals such as tapirs, wild boars, ocelots, anteaters, tayra (Central American madder species), monkeys, sloths and other exotic wildlife. Even reptiles such as crocodiles and iguanas find refuge in the animal sanctuary. 

The sanctuary is also open to visitors and welcomes guests at the visitor center. In workshops on topics such as environmental education, animal welfare, ecological footprint and recycling and other relevant ecological issues, visitors are made aware of the importance of wildlife conservation and nature protection. Here, too, volunteers have the opportunity to make a contribution to a more conscious use of our natural resources and inhabitants of our earth.

Please note that we do not have any influence on the types or number of animals at the center and that this information is subject to changes.

Note: The tasks may vary. They depend on factors such as the number of volunteers, time of year, weather, current needs of the project and self-motivation. Not every volunteer may be fully involved in all these tasks.

A very popular destination is the Cerro Ancón surrounded by evergreen nature and with fantastic views of the city, the skyline and the world-famous Panama Canal. Here you will also find the impressive species-rich flora and fauna of Panama right on the doorstep of the capital.

In Panama City itself, volunteers will find an abundance of leisure activities, be it museums, historical sites, a visit to the interesting old town (Casco Antiguo), the many shopping malls, the causeway and, last but not least, a visit to the world-famous Panama Canal.