from 822€

Great 4.4rating (78)

Wildlife Sanctuary

location
2 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+

rating  Great 4.4  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Good response rate

Highlights

  • Learn more about Bolivia's exotic wildlife
  • Get to know the Bolivian Amazon Jungle, a place of very rich biodiversity
  • Experience local culture while sharing with indigenous
  • Do meaningful volunteer work abroad supporting a good cause to protect endangered animals
  • Gain new intercultural skills

Especially suitable

Age 18+
Singles
Couples
Groups
50+

About the program

Protect our wildlife! Support this jungle sanctuary by preparing food for the animals, cleaning cages, and assisting with general maintenance.

This volunteer project takes place at a wildlife center located between Ascensión de Guarayos and Trinidad, near the village of Santa María. Some of the surrounding areas of the center have suffered from serious deforestation as a result of unsustainable “slash-and-burn” agricultural ...

About the program

This volunteer project takes place at a wildlife center located between Ascensión de Guarayos and Trinidad, near the village of Santa María. Some of the surrounding areas of the center have suffered from serious deforestation as a result of unsustainable “slash-and-burn” agricultural techniques practiced by local farmers. Due to the high risk of fires in the surrounding areas of the project, many wild animals are forced to seek refuge in the protected area of the wildlife center. Thanks to the early efforts of both Bolivian and foreign volunteers in 1996, the center now has more than 800 hectares of land and offers a home to dozens of animals. 

The center has a number of threatened species including tapirs, tortoises, and birds. The center also specializes in caring for howler monkeys, a variety of bird species, and wild felines, including ocelots, pumas, and jaguars. The majority of the felines are kept in large enclosures. Following strict safety regulations, the grounds can be explored alone throughout the day. 

Your Tasks

The center cares for a variety of animals and specializes in wild felines, which are separated into designated areas. Aside from general assignments, such as cleaning the enclosures and preparing food for the animals, volunteers are needed in other areas as well. These areas include the animal refugee center and the quarantine area, where volunteers help nurse sick animals back to health. Volunteers will also help with some construction work and work with wild felines, such as cougars and jaguars, and other exotic animals.

To ensure that you have a positive volunteer experience and to take into consideration the wellbeing of the animals at the center, some working areas require a minimum time of participation. If you would like to work with the wild felines or the howler monkeys, please make sure you stay at least 4 weeks so the animals can get used to you. Volunteering in any of the other areas require a minimum time of 2 weeks.


Typical day

We will gladly take any of your preferences concerning work areas into consideration while coordinating and planning your project. However, it is possible that duties will be changed upon arrival depending on season and the center’s current demand. Work areas include:

Animal Refugee Center

In this ...

Typical day

We will gladly take any of your preferences concerning work areas into consideration while coordinating and planning your project. However, it is possible that duties will be changed upon arrival depending on season and the center’s current demand. Work areas include:

Animal Refugee Center

In this area, a maximum of two volunteers can make direct contact with the animals in the refuge station. You will be responsible to take care of tapirs, pekaris and exotic birds like toucans, macaws, nandus, and parrots.

Work in the Quarantine Area

3 to 4 volunteers are usually assigned to work in the quarantine area where they help nurture sick animals back to health. This area focuses especially on small animals that arrive to the center and need extra care and attention from the volunteers. Naturally, the species in this area of the center change constantly, as animals who have regained their health are released back into the wild. Most of the animals in this area include monkeys of different species, exotic birds, tortoises, and coatis.

Construction

Maintenance on the park grounds is also a very important task that volunteers can assist with at the wildlife center because it helps to ensure an optimal infrastructure throughout the area. Duties concerning construction work can include the restoration and expansion of cages, or the general maintenance of the centers facilities and pathways. There is always a lot of work to be done on the 800 hectares of grounds that are part of the center, and you will either be divided up into small work groups or asked to work on your own. Whether or not you work alone or with a group depends on the workload of the other areas of the wildlife center.

Caring for Howler Monkeys

Amongst other varieties of exotic animals, numerous howler monkeys live at the wildlife center. This monkey species can only be found in Central and South America, and their screams wake up the whole camp every morning.

Up to 4 volunteers can care for the monkeys at the same time. The duties include feeding and playing with them. There are no boundaries for your creativity, and new ideas for toys are always welcome. In this area, volunteers have even been spotted climbing the trees with the monkeys!

Working with Wild Felines

If you’ve always wanted to play with a wild feline, this is your chance of making your wish come true! The wildlife center is home to wild cougars, jaguars, Geoffrey’s cats, and ocelots. As a volunteer, you will be assigned to take care of these wonderful animals. Depending on the season, you may be responsible for up to three felines yourself (low season) or share your duty with other volunteers (peak season, 1-3 volunteers per feline).

Note: You need to stay minimum 30 days in the project to be able to work with the felines!


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


Free-time activities

In this volunteer project you will get to know how it is like to live in the jungle - an amazing and unique experience!
In your free time you have a wide range of free time activities to choose from, such as sports with co-workers, going on hikes through the jungle, admiring the breathtaking nature, ...

Free-time activities

In this volunteer project you will get to know how it is like to live in the jungle - an amazing and unique experience!
In your free time you have a wide range of free time activities to choose from, such as sports with co-workers, going on hikes through the jungle, admiring the breathtaking nature, bird-watching, visiting local communities.

There is also a town, about a 45-minute bus ride away, that has internet cafes and other amenities.


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) or Spanish (basic level)

Education Requirements

at High School level

Required Documents

CV, Volunteer Questionnaire and Yellow Fever Vaccination

Nationality Restrictions

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

Other Skills

Yellow Fever Vaccination is required.

Time Commitment

Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday from 08:00 - 16:30

What's Included

What's Included

Services by South America Inside

  1. Shared room in Volunteer House
  2. Breakfast, lunch, dinner (except dinner on saturdays)
  3. Advice from our experienced staff
  4. On-going support via WhatsApp, phone or mail
  5. Elaboration of your application profile in Spanish
  6. Your placement in the volunteer project
  7. Pre-departure information
  8. Packing list
  9. Country handbook
  10. Intercultural guide
  11. Orientation upon arrival
  12. On-site volunteer coordinator
  13. 24/7 emergency number
  14. Advice on travel insurance
  15. Certificate of participation

I M P O R T A N T   N O T E:
There is a guarantee deposit of 300 bs (approx. US$ 45) to be paid on site. This deposit is returned once the booked volunteering time has been completed.

Accommodation

Volunteer live in the volunteer house surrounded by lush nature and the sounds of the animals. It is an amazing experience!

The center has dormitory accommodation for up to 30 volunteers. There is not 24/7 electricity. Showers are with cold water, what is not problem due to the tropical climate. The toilets are ecological and do not use plumbing.

Internet is not available on the project site, but volunteers stay in touch via cel phone data packages, though mobile connection is not strong everywhere.

Food & Beverages

The volunteer program includes daily breakfast, lunch and dinner. Lunch and dinner is mostly vegetarian, but meat options are available 2-3 times a week. Special diatry requirements can be taken care off, but you should bring a supply of suitable food with you. Some food items can be purchased in a nearby village, and even more offers can be purchased in Ascensión de Guarayos, which is located about 45 minutes away by bus.

The drinking water comes from a well and most volunteers drink it without experiencing any problems.

Internet Access

Limited access at the project site

What's NOT included?

What's NOT included?

Airport Pickup at Viru Viru International Airport

An airport pickup isn't included within the program fees either.

Flight Tickets

The nearest airport is Viru Viru International Airport (VVI) in Santa Cruz. 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

The volunteer work can be joined throughout the year. The start and end date can be set flexible, according to your availability and travel plans. Ask our experienced staff to coordinate your participation in this meaningfull volunteer project.


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

Program fees

2 weeks (min. stay) 822€
3 weeks 965€
4 weeks 1,109€
5 weeks 1,203€
6 weeks 1,297€
7 weeks 1,391€
8 weeks 1,485€
9 weeks 1,579€
10 weeks 1,673€
11 weeks 1,767€
12 weeks (max. stay) 1,861€
Average fees 282€/week

Program fees

282€ 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 South America Inside during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


Meet your organization

South America Inside

Great 4.4 rating (78 reviews)

Agency - founded in 2003

Verified by Volunteer World

  Good response rate

Coordinated by

Marion

Spoken languages: German, Spanish, English

About the project

South America Inside promotes intercultural, linguistic and educational exchanges. Its volunteer programs are addressed to students, professionals and retirees.

Meet your organization

South America Inside is an intercultural management agency, founded back in 2003, which specializes in the promotion of programs abroad, language travel and educational programs throughout Latin America.

Since 2007, to enrich the experience of our global-minded clients and to provide them with even more possibilities, South America Inside has been expanding their program offerings throughout South and Central America.

Working together with some of the best language schools in Latin America, South America Inside provides high quality language courses in almost every Latin American country.

Thanks to a professional team of motivated and friendly staff, South America Inside has been very successful over the past several years and have been able to establish an outstanding network of what we call "Insider Contacts." To enrich the experience of their clients and to provide them with more possibilities, South America Inside has been expanding our program offerings throughout Central and South America, in addition to our well-established Chilean programs.

Volunteer Work

Do you dream of staying abroad while doing something positive? Are you looking for a unique experience that will leave a mark on your life? Then a Volunteer Work program in South America or Central America is perfect for you!

With South America Inside you can combine an adventure abroad with social commitment, and create lasting memories in Latin America. Support the protection of endangered species; help a local community construct new homes; give new hope to impoverished children.

The possibilities to lend a hand are diverse, as there are the many places where help is needed. We have classified our volunteer projects in different areas so you can easily find the one (or more!) projects that best match your needs and interests.

Why with us

There are many persuasive reasons that speak in favor of South America Inside when it comes to selecting your perfect provider of language, study and volunteer travel abroad. Following, we have prepared a short summary so that you can get us to know a little better.

Our Insider benefits at a glance:

  Regional Experience
Over one decade (established in 2003) of dedication to language, work and study travel programs in Latin America. Thanks to our long standing work and life experience in the South American continent, we know this region really well. Therefore, we can help and inform you in a professional and competent way.

  Multifaceted Offers
Over time we have developed new programs to offer a wide array of work abroad opportunities to our clients. We have been pioneers in launching new exchange programs, as we have been the first in offering Work & Travel/Working Holiday and Farm Stays in Chile and successfully introduced these programs into the market back in 2005. Since 2012, we are the only agency to offer this type of program in Costa Rica.

  Insider Advice
Despite living in the modern era of the internet, we know that reliable and competent advice is still an important criterion for most of us. At South America Inside, you will find the benefits of an internet provider and an independent travel agency. We will be glad to pass on our extensive knowledge and regional experience.!

  Location
It is difficult to run programs when there is nobody “on the ground” to evaluate existing options and search for new opportunities. So, we are located in Chile, on location, and we know everything that is going on first hand. We know what it is like to live as a foreigner in South America and will be happy to assist you in making your stay unforgettable!

  Independence
South America Inside is an independent provider of language courses, internships, volunteer work, Farm Stays and Work & Travel programs in Latin America. We neither depend financially nor structurally on any other company, language school, association or organization. Therefore, we are able to give personalized information in accordance to your needs and availability.

•  Multilingual Team

Our team is multilingual and international! We speak fluent English, Spanish and German, as well as some French and Portuguese. With our customers, we can communicate in their native language and we avoid misunderstandings with local partners by communicating in Spanish with them. You can be sure that there will be an English-speaking contact person for you before, during, and after your stay.

  Customer Service
Excellent customer service is one of the most important goals for South America Inside, and this is evident with the positive feedback we regularly receive from our many happy clients. Emails are answered within 48 business hours and every client is treated with the same friendliness and expertise.

  Gapless and Accurate Information flow
With South America Inside you will have one and the same contact person before, during and after your trip. With that said, we guarantee a gapless and accurate information flow and you will always be very well informed.

  Approved Program Places
Many of our program places, especially in the area of internships and volunteer work, are designed in the way that they will be recognized by most universities, colleges or academies.

78 reviews · rating4.4

lyne bourbonnais rating3.8

2024 at Eco Farm Worker

j'ai bien aimé mon expérience à Antigua qui est une superbe ville facile à visiter. Vivre dans une famille, y prendre les repas est une très belle incursion dans la vie guatémaltèque. et quoi de mieux pour l'immersion en langue espagnole! eco farm: bien qu'au départ je n'ai pas bien saisi ...
GERALDINE QUIRKE rating3.2

2024 at Work in a National Park

When I scheduled volunteer time the indication was that there was a limited number of volunteers based on the projects/work to be done. As more and more volunteers arrived i realized that we were more valued for the money we paid than for the limited amount of work to be done. Also, I felt that ...
Floriana D. rating5

2023 at Local Wildlife Helper

Hey there, I love my experience, it is amazing !!! Tomorrow I am going to visit and I am working, it's going very well ! Thank you for everything!! ...
Ich bin gut auf der Osterinsel angekommen. Wurde von dem Projektleiter am Flughafen abgeholt. Er hatte sogar eine Kollegin mit, die deutsch spricht, sollte ich mit spanisch nicht so gut umgehen können. Echt toll! Die Unterkunft ist gut und ordentlich und groß, sie liegt am Ende der Ortschaft, ...
Emilie Hasni rating4.2

2023 at Help Save Sea Turtles

Magnifique expérience avec les tortues et avec les autres volontaires aussi. Le cadre est magnifique, les couchers de soleil et les balades dans la nature autour du lieu du volontariat sont superbes. Petite info : si tu veux avoir internet, le seul réseau qui fonctionne est Kolbi. Nous on a ...
Laurence M. rating5

2023 at Wildlife Rescue Assistant

The country is magnifique and at this moment all the people who I’ve met are nice. The projet and his place is very cool and the family home stay too! Everything is OK thank you for ...

Location

Americas > South America > Bolivia > Ascención

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Contact Marion
  Good response rate
German, Spanish, English

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