from 1,101€

Perfect 4.6rating (184)

The Wildlife Sanctuary

location
2 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+

rating  Perfect 4.6  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Very high response rate

Especially suitable

Age 18+
Singles
Couples
Groups

About the program

Help to take care of wildlife rescued animals from illegal traffickers in Bolivia as a conservation volunteer! Our animals are happy for every helping hand.

About the Project

Situated next to the stunning town of Coroico in Bolivia, not far from the country’s capital La Paz, this project is based in a truly incredible wildlife sanctuary, caring for illegally trafficked animals that have been rescued from lives of captivity and cruelty. Established in ...

About the program

About the Project

Situated next to the stunning town of Coroico in Bolivia, not far from the country’s capital La Paz, this project is based in a truly incredible wildlife sanctuary, caring for illegally trafficked animals that have been rescued from lives of captivity and cruelty. Established in 2003 as an ecotourism project, the sanctuary began taking in monkeys and parrots that had been rescued from traffickers. Today, the sanctuary is dedicated to the conservation of wildlife and flora in the area.

The problem of animal trafficking in South America has worsened in recent years, as exotic and rare animals have a high monetary value when sold into the pet trade overseas. For this reason, many of Bolivia’s native species are under threat from traffickers, and their populations in the wild are slowly declining. This sanctuary aims to reverse this trend, rescuing animals that were otherwise destined for the international pet trade, and that have been snatched from their natural habitat.

The overall aim of this project is to have a direct, positive impact on the wildlife species in the region, to prevent other animals from being trafficked, and to create a sustainable, eco-tourism venture. The money invested in this project by volunteers and other sources also goes towards local community initiatives, helping to educate indigenous people about the importance of animal conservation and the threats facing their environment due to trafficking.

Volunteers on this project play a vital role in the care of the animals at the sanctuary, enriching their lives with feeding programs and husbandry tasks. Volunteers will also get to create enrichment for the animals at the sanctuary to keep them mentally and physically active. You will also be taking part in maintaining the facilities at the sanctuary, these tasks involve building cages and enclosures and if you intend on staying between 2-4 weeks you can take part in the care bear program. This also means that the sanctuary’s permanent staff are less occupied with the day-to-day running of the sanctuary itself, leaving them with more free time to rescue other animals in danger of being trafficked.

Prior to Arrival

Citizens of most countries can get a tourist card on arrival for up to 90 days. This will be dependent on your nationality however. Please make sure you double check, as this can be subject to change. There are often numerous passport checks, so they must be carried at all times. It is safest to carry photocopies rather than originals. As with most countries, your passport will need to be valid for at least six months in order to gain entry.



Typical day

First Day

After Arriving into La Paz airport you will be met at the airport and transferred to the project site. You will then spend the day settling in and meeting staff and your fellow volunteers.

Regular Days

These days will be spent working at the project. You will be engaged in a variety of ...

Typical day

First Day

After Arriving into La Paz airport you will be met at the airport and transferred to the project site. You will then spend the day settling in and meeting staff and your fellow volunteers.

Regular Days

These days will be spent working at the project. You will be engaged in a variety of different conservation activities every day from 7.30am until 5.30pm. There are no typical days but mainly tasks include:

Basic Husbandry: 

Feeding, cleaning, and caring for monkeys, birds, wild cats, turtles and various other animals.

Monitoring: 

Monitor and document feeding and behavioural habits to ensure proper diets and portions.

Maintaining the Facilities: 

Improving existing facilities and help build additional facilities. The task involves building cages and enclosures.

Enrichment: 

Working on enrichment projects for the animals to keep active mentally and physically.

Last Day

This is your final day and after saying your fond farewells you will transfer back to La Paz airport for your return flight or commence your independent travel plans.


Free-time activities

Included within the project price is a voucher which allows you to either zipline or go canyoning down the lush canyons of the Vagantes. Both are exciting activities exploring the stunning scenery of the Yungas province - all with an extra pinch of adrenaline! Either add a whole new aspect of ...

Free-time activities

Included within the project price is a voucher which allows you to either zipline or go canyoning down the lush canyons of the Vagantes. Both are exciting activities exploring the stunning scenery of the Yungas province - all with an extra pinch of adrenaline! Either add a whole new aspect of adventure when volunteering in Bolivia.


Requirements

Requirements

Minimum Age: 18 years

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.

Language Skills

You need to speak English (intermediate level)

Nationality Restrictions

No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

Other Skills

No specific skills or experience are required. However, we do ask that you are a reliable, hardworking and trustworthy person with a willingness to get your hands dirty!

Time Commitment

Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 07:30 - 17:30

What's Included

What's Included

Services by The Great Projects

Shared accommodation in the volunteer quarters - Private transfers to and from the airport - Three meals per day - Hot showers - Bed linen and towels - A voucher to use for extra activities (ziplining or canyoning) - Laundry facilities - Food and medicine for the animals that you are caring for.

Airport Pickup at El Alto International Airport

We organise transportation from El Alto International Airport in La Paz to the sanctuary for you on your project start day. This is included within the trip cost. The Bolivia Wildlife Sanctuary is around 100km from La Paz, meaning the journey will take about two hours.

Accommodation

You will be accommodated at the Volunteer House, a cosy wooden house with jatata leaf roofing located across the river from the animal refuge. There is one six bed dormitory and one three bed dormitory so you should be prepared to share a room with your fellow volunteers. Toilet and hot showers are adjoined to the house and laundry facilities are also available. Bed linen and towels are provided.

Food & Beverages

There are three meals provided per day whilst here. All meals are included in the project price and will be prepared for you by staff at the project. If you have any medical requirements it is important that you let people know as soon as possible so the staff can be prepared as it may mean buying different ingredients to normal. Please note that water is not included within the project price. However, bottles are available for purchase for a small fee at the sanctuary.

Internet Access

Limited access at the project site

What's NOT included?

What's NOT included?

Flight Tickets

The nearest airport is El Alto International Airport (LPB) in La Paz. We assist you to find cheap flights to Bolivia. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

Travel Insurance

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. GET A QUOTE

Vaccines

If you are intending to volunteer in Bolivia you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Bolivia. VACCINE CHECKER

Details on arrival

It is possible to start this project on any Monday, Wednesday or Friday throughout the year. Please contact us to see if your preferred start date is available.

Availability
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Program fees

2 weeks (min. stay) 1,101€
3 weeks 1,347€
4 weeks 1,593€
5 weeks 1,839€
6 weeks 2,085€
7 weeks 2,331€
8 weeks 2,577€
9 weeks 2,823€
10 weeks 3,069€
11 weeks 3,315€
12 weeks (max. stay) 3,561€
Average fees 423€/week

Program fees

423€ per week 2 - 12 weeks Age 18 - 50+

Payment methods

Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

NO CREDIT CARD FEES


Duration

2 - 12 weeks

Deposit

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.


Final Payment

Your final payment will be agreed with The Great Projects during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


Meet your organization

The Great Projects

Perfect 4.6 rating (184 reviews)

Agency - founded in 2003

Verified by Volunteer World

  Very high response rate

Coordinated by

Lauren

Spoken languages: English

About the project

The Great Projects work with organisations worldwide to establish high standards in animal welfare and conservation within the responsible tourism sector.

Meet your organization

Looking to volunteer abroad with animals? Here at The Great Projects we believe that there is a better way to holiday. Our award-winning wildlife volunteering abroad with animals projects and signature tours are not only designed to provide truly unique and life-changing experiences for volunteering worldwide, but our donation and conservation pledges ensure that your travel will have a lasting and sustainable impact on some of the planet's most incredible and endangered species and the local communities which live alongside them.

It all began with The Great Orangutan Project in Malaysian Borneo and after a number of years working with local authorities, passionate project facilitators, and hard-working volunteers to create a sustainable, progressive, and effective project - The Great Projects decided to use the experiences and knowledge we had gained to expand our expertise to other projects in Asia, Africa, South America and Europe!

Now with over 35 projects, you can be confident in the fact that you’ll be able to volunteer with some of the world's most incredible wildlife species in completely breath-taking environments. From orangutans in the Bornean rainforest to whale sharks in the Indian Ocean; you’re sure to find something suited to your interests. What’s more, The Great Projects make sure that with us, volunteers are completely immersed into the heart of the matter, at site, delivering an experience like no other as you become familiar with the life of an animal keeper, game ranger, or wildlife conservationist.

Plus, every time someone volunteers with The Great Projects  in addition to their fee which covers accommodation, food, and transfers, we donate up to £350 to the project visited to help the project itself. Therefore, our ecotours and projects are not only designed to be an experience that you will remember for the rest of your life, but you will also join a project knowing that your travel truly does help to save endangered animals and the local communities with which they live alongside.

Here at The Great Projects, we believe that we should practice what we preach. We send volunteers to worldwide destinations on a range of truly unique and thoroughly worthwhile projects that make a real, sustainable difference to their causes. What’s more, The Great Projects provide them with dedicated UK-based staff that ensure volunteers have informative and friendly help throughout all stages of their experience, from initial enquiry to their return.

Through this, we can show volunteers that there is a better way to holiday. Our award-winning wildlife volunteering abroad with animals projects and signature tours are not only designed to provide truly unique and life-changing experiences for volunteering worldwide, but our donation and conservation pledges ensure that your travel will have a lasting and sustainable impact on some of the planet's most incredible and endangered species and the local communities which live alongside them.


Further, The Great Projects does not only aim to provide travel destinations that hold responsibility for animal welfare, but also to the environmental, economic and social impact of our conservation projects as a whole.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

Here at The Great Projects, we are completely dedicated to providing our volunteers with the utmost protection with regards to health and safety.

Adventurous travel always involves some degree of risk. Our priority is to keep you safe and protect you as much as possible whilst still giving you an authentic experience of life in your chosen destination.

We conduct extensive risk assessments to make sure we have identified potential hazards and done everything we can to reduce them and we make sure you have the information you need about the destination you are visiting and how to stay safe and healthy while you are out there. We also are partnered with Endsleigh Insurance who are able to offer volunteers comprehensive insurance for all of our projects.

184 reviews · rating4.6

Philipp Lang rating5

2017 at The Wildlife Sanctuary

My stay in the Wildlife Sanctuary was amazing. You get in touch with all the animals and you will soon fall in love with them. Also the people were very nice and the food was good. I liked also the part where you take tourists and local people on a tour through the station and have so the ...
Tristan rating4.8

2016 at The Wildlife Sanctuary

My highlight would be working with the monkeys and just the general feeling of being in South America! There was one monkey called "Bosko" who stood out for me. All of the animals at the sanctuary are there for a reason, and unfortunately that reason is normally a sad one. However, Bosko was the ...
John rating4

2016 at The Wildlife Sanctuary

Spending time with the owl monkeys was an amazing experience! ...
Sanne rating4.4

2016 at The Wildlife Sanctuary

That I could spend time with the monkeys.. That was the best...! ...
Jacquelyn rating4.8

2016 at The Wildlife Sanctuary

All the animals and people were remarkable. It felt good to make a difference. ...
Samantha rating4.4

2015 at The Wildlife Sanctuary

My favourite moment is when I was feeding the turtles and tortoises, sitting and monitoring them, a spider monkey came over to me, sat on my lap cuddled me and curled up to go to ...

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