Caretaker of Several Bird Species
Coordinator | Laurie
Coordinator | Laurie
Book with Flex Option!
Choose new departure dates or change to a different volunteer program at no extra costs.
Highlights
Enjoy the wonderful nature of Cochabamba and Bolivia
Help and take care of beautiful animals
Learn to speak Spanish
Enjoy Bolivian life style
Go on hikes and experience South-American nature in your free time
Several bird species have been kept by humans illegally, and can therefore no longer live in their natural habitat. You can help them.
This volunteer program is especially suitable for:
Age 20+
Singles
Couples
Volunteer at a Refuge for Birds and Other Animals
This project is located in Quillacollo, a place 45 minutes away from Cochabamba. Several bird species and also other animals live here, such as parrots, owls, eagles, flamingos, toucans, monkeys, reptiles, ocelotes, foxes and turtles. The animals have been (illegally) traded or kept as pets. The animals come from different backgrounds, but they have one thing in common: they have lost their freedom because of humans. The animal recognizes the human as guardian and feeder, and loses its ability to recognize its enemies and select its food in a natural environment. This makes reintegration into their natural environment impossible.
This shelter gives the animals a second chance. Many of them can no longer be released into the wild and have become dependent on humans. It is possible for some animals to live in semi-freedom, but unfortunately this is not the case for all. As a result, extra hands are always needed from volunteers to take care of these animals. As a volunteer you help with cleaning the enclosures and paths in the park, preparing the food, or devising activities to keep the animals mentally occupied. Sometimes repairs are also necessary. Depending on your level of Spanish and experience, you may assist the veterinarian or guide groups in the park. Exactly what your day looks like depends on where the help is most needed at that moment. Your tasks and activities are therefore completely adapted to the needs of the animals.
It is hard work and you often make long days here, but the days give a lot of satisfaction. In this sustainable project you can really make a difference for the animals, because everything is done and organized by the shelter itself. They find financial self-reliance important and are therefore dependent on volunteers in many aspects. Your help thus ensures that this project can continue to exist!
Due to new rules and regulations made by the project owner, the volunteer must buy his/her own project t-shirt and should bring (or buy) good working shoes and gloves.
Typical day
A typical day at the bird shelter starts at 10:00 AM and finishes at 18:00 PM. That being said, it's possible to modify the hours depending on volunteer's wishes and needs. The mornings are all about food by feeding the birds, turkey's, foxes, monkeys and all other animals that reside at this shelter. The afternoons are all about cleaning and repairing. During the day there is plenty of time mentally occupy the animals with games and pet and cuddle them.
Free-time activities
In Cochabamba you can find hospitals and western doctors, supermarkets, good mobile signal and a vast cultural life. There are National Parks nearby, sportstudios, museums and music-schools and yoga studios. Hiking-trails in the nearby mountains and trips to Villa Tunari and other Bolivian Hotspots.
Sightseeing
Shopping/
Souvenirs
Souvenirs
Safari/
Zoo
Zoo
Hiking
Museum/
Opera
Opera
Sports
Yoga/
Meditation
Meditation
Requirements
In order to join the program you need to be at least 20 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
What's Included
Our one-time mediation fee includes:
- search and mediation for a suitable project
- preparation via Skype calls
- search and mediation for accommodation (host family and/or volunteer house)
- airport pick up and city tour; SIM-card; donation to the project; support with visa
- 24/7 contact to coordinator on site
- emergency support and hospital transport;
- evaluation of the project
- transport to your project (one-time)
Note: We offer an upgrade package (comfort class) for volunteers that need more support. This package includes more contact time. We take you more often to your project/Spanish classes, we offer 'airport drop-off' and there is extra time to explore Cochabamba. Naturally, this upgrade comes with a small price increase.
Which costs are not included?
- Flights
- Insurance
- Accommodation (we do offer accommodation, either in our volunteerhouse or with a host family. NOTE: additional costs)
- food/meals and daily needs
- Spanish classes (possible)
- Project t-shirt + working shoes and gloves
We will send you detailed information about the costs of living you can expect in Bolivia.
Please note, that all the profit of Beyond South America goes to the foundation "Casa de la Alegría" providing therapeutic workshops for children and adolescence in social projects in and around Cochabamba/Bolivia
Yes we provide airport pick up. If you chose the 'Comfort Class' package we also drop you off at the airport the day you leave.
Good access at the project site
Visa, flights, travel insurance or vaccinations are NOT included in the program fees.
Please arrange your own accommodation.
Food, snacks or beverages are at extra costs.
The nearest airport is J Wilsterman Airport (CBB) in Cochabamba. 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
Volunteers can start during the whole year.
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
8 - 34 weeks
Program fees
8 weeks
(min. stay)
$840
34 weeks
(max. stay)
$840
Average fees
$65
/week
The organization charges its fees in EUR. The price table in USD is subject to currency fluctuation.
Beyond South America
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 Beyond South America during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.
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Caretaker of Several Bird Species
Several bird species have been kept by humans illegally, and can therefore no longer live in their natural habitat. You can help them.
$58/week
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