Wildlife Rescue Helper

PMGY have teamed up with a family ran wildlife rescue centre in Cusco. The centre is dedicated to rescuing animals that have suffered any forms of mistreatment. For example, rescuing animals from illicit trafficking or those that have suffered physical neglect from former owners or evil poachers. The rescued animals are put under the care of the forest rangers at the wildlife sanctuary. As a Peru wildlife volunteer, you will play a vital role in supporting the forest rangers. In the same vein, you and your fellow volunteers will work alongside the rangers to complete core tasks at the volunteer project. 

Such tasks for Peru wildlife volunteering include - 

• Taking care of the animals 
• Assisting with cleaning and general maintenance 
• Support with feeding the animals • Helping with any medical treatments required 
• Assisting in any educational programs 
• Help build new houses on-site 

Since 2007, the wildlife rescue centre has been sheltering wild species. Moreover, many species are endangered. The Andean Condor receives special consideration at the centre and is the primary focus of the program. Most noteworthy, because its population has been seriously decimated in recent years. This is all inflicted by human activity. More specifically, the feathers of the bird are sold as souvenirs for tourists. This activity stimulates illegal hunting for these magnificent birds. Efforts at the centre are being made to encourage reproduction in captivity with the aim being to release the young Condors. 

There is a range of other animals at the centre that you will encounter during your Peru wildlife volunteering. For example, pumas and small bears that had been drugged and used for entertainment purposes can usually be found here. In addition, there are many special types of birds to be found at the centre. A hawk who lost one of his eyes because of human hunting cannot hunt anymore in the wild and has been displaced to the centre. Other animals at the centre include foxes, turtles, monkeys, deers, alpacas, llamas and more! 

On a broader level, the sanctuary has a range of programs that you as a Peru wildlife rescue volunteer can support with. For example, educational campaigns at local schools, recovery projects for sick and mistreated animals and reproduction programs for endangered animal species as exemplified with the Andean Condor.

Our Peru wildlife volunteering project allows volunteers and interns to experience their love of animals during their time in Peru. Working at the centre of the project as part of your international volunteering, your daily tasks will make a positive contribution. Moreover, the care and wellbeing these rescued animals receive will greatly improve. The sanctuary cares for all types of wildlife animals. Ultimately, the long-term aim of the project is to liberate the rescued animals back into natural environments. 

Peru wildlife rescue volunteer projects typically receive little to no government funding or assistance. Therefore volunteer support and contributions are a big help to the project that otherwise can receive limited help. By choosing to work closely with this wildlife project in Peru, your support as a Peru wildlife volunteer will be much appreciated by those connected at the sanctuary. 

In short, if you have a love for wildlife, then this project is definitely for you when visiting Peru! We have availability from 1 week to 4 weeks on the project. Furthermore, you will volunteer typically across the morning periods Monday-Friday. At this project, all animals have had their required vaccinations. Older clothing for Peru wildlife volunteering is recommended as are shoes that you do not mind getting dirty!

Your Volunteer Role & Typical Work Day

When you complete volunteer work in Peru at the wildlife rescue centre, you will be helping with the daily chores. As a Peru wildlife rescue volunteer, you will help with cleaning and feeding. Other activities include enrichment activities, medical assistance and general support for the local project staff. The volunteering hours are typically from 9am-1pm and/or 2pm-5pm. In order to reach the wildlife rescue project, you will need to catch the public bus and this takes around 30 minutes. The bus stop is located either just outside the volunteer accommodation or the Spanish school. Furthermore, the local team will assist you in learning the routes to your volunteer project. As a result, you will be acquainted with how to get to and from your volunteer project.

IN & AROUND CUSCO