Wolf Sanctuary Caretaker
Coordinator | Patrick
Coordinator | Patrick
Book with Flex Option!
Choose new departure dates or change to a different volunteer program at no extra costs.
Highlights
The wolves are of paramount importance as they contribute not only for the protection of the target species but all others that interact with it.
Opportunity to observe a wolf for the first time in semi-natural conditions.
Become a volunteer and assist by providing care for wolves that cannot live in the wild and enjoy visiting beautiful Portugal!
Improve your Portguese
Meet new friends!
Join our Wolf conservation and sanctuary project in Portugal to help care and rehabilitate Iberian wolves that can not be released back in to the wild!
This volunteer program is especially suitable for:
Age 18+
Singles
Couples
Families
Groups
50+
Join our Wolf conservation and sanctuary project to help careand rehabilitate Iberian wolves that can not be released back in to the wild. Iberian wolves are being threatened by the intense persecution driven by the human population. Wolves need adequate refuge and wildlife preys to survive but with the growing population of farms, protection of livestock is priority. The organizations main efforts are divided by running a sanctuary for wolves that can not be released back in to the wild as well as protecting and conservating existing wolves in the wild. The volunteers main focus is the Wolf Sanctuary.
Wolves, like all other wildlife, have a right to exist in a wild state in viable populations. This right is in no way related to their known value to mankind. Instead, it derives from the right of all living creatures to co-exist with man as a part of natural ecosystems. " (Manifesto and guidelines on wolf conservation)
This is an amazing opportunity to understand the ecological and socioeconomic conditions essential for effective conservation of the wolf population in Portugal, together with the public awareness. Experience living off the grid while helping with the daily routine to provide the best captive conditions for wolves that cannot live in the wild: victims of trapping, abuse, and illegal captivity or those coming from other zoos or parks. These wolves who find refuge here are true ambassadors of wolves in nature, contributing to public awareness to conservation of the last big carnivore of this country.!
Typical day
Volunteers and Interns are the backbone and the main force that pushes the organization forward. Attitude is the first thing the project looks at. It is always important to show respect, take initiative, ask questions and to get involved in all the activities that are done at the project.
You will take part in some of the following tasks:
- preparation of food and feeding and providing water to the wolves: helping on handling the meat and giving it to the wolves, checking the wolves’ water supplies (during summer at least 3 times a day). Food preparation involves handling and cutting raw meat.
- monitoring and observation of the wolves.
- site maintenance (e.g. picking litter, forest clearing, digging, painting, cleaning, etc only in winter); - during the summer months (June to October) fire watch - can include night rounds.
- Forest maintenance (70% of the time of your time) tree felling and pruning removal of branches and other materials and subsequent burning vegetation clearing using agricultural tools like hoes and scythes and so on (mainly during winter). During the summer (May to October) fire watch can include night rounds.
- Infrastructures maintenance checking enclosure’s walls and fences, painting pathways improvement.
- Be flexible and help out with any new tasks that come up
- Enjoy your time and volunteer knowing all your tasks help with this great cause.
Free-time activities
Your weekend are off and you have plenty off time to visit the nearby country side or visit the coast!
Sightseeing
Climbing
Hiking
Sports
Riding
Requirements
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.
You need to speak English (intermediate level)
CV, Letter of motivation, Application Form, 2 pictures and Liability Waiver and Volunteer Policy forms (provided during application process)
No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.
Flexible, initiative, outgoing, teamworker
Your helping hand will be required on
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
from
09:00
- 18:00
What's Included
Placement
Wolf Conservation & Sanctuary
Pick Up
We pick up the volunteers at the closest bus stop (Vale da Guarda). Volunteers must arrive at the pick-up point between 2 and 4 pm.
Accommodation
You’ll be staying in a shared wooden Cabins with other volunteers.
Meals
Meals are not included. However the project will arrange transportation to the nearest grocery store. Your food can be prepared individually and as a group. You are responsible for preparing and buying your own meals.
Ongoing service
If there are any problems with your volunteer project we are always there to help you and mediate between yourself and the organization.
Tours
Through FRONTEERING you have the possibility to book tours in Scotland after you have finished your volunteer project.
24/7 Emergency contact
If there are any problems during you stay in Portugal you can reach us 24/7 to assist you.
What's not included: flights, Meals and Insurance.
There is no women/men separation and both kitchen and bathroom are shared by all occupants. Volunteers will stay in wooden houses, The houses are equipped with washing machine, stove, oven, microwave, fridge/freezer and cooking utensils. We provide towels and blankets.
Bungalow
Good access at the project site
Visa, flights, travel insurance or vaccinations are NOT included in the program fees.
An airport pickup isn't included within the program fees either.
Food, snacks or beverages are at extra costs.
The nearest airport is Lisbon Portela Airport (LIS) in Lisbon. We assist you to find cheap flights to Portugal.
Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Portugal provides security and is a plus to have.
If you are intending to volunteer in Portugal you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Portugal.
Dates & Fees
NO CREDIT CARD FEES
Details on arrival
Key start dates are From February till the end of November each year (book early in advance to be assured of a volunteer placement).
Volunteers work 7 hours daily starting at 9 am and finishing at 6 pm (with 2 hours lunch time) During the summer the schedule can be changed and the work day start earlier and finish later with a large break on hottest hours of the day Volunteers can have 2 days off (weekends usually), but extra days are possible if requested.
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
2 - 4 weeks
Program fees
12 days
(min. stay)
$795
3 weeks
$1,095
24 days
(max. stay)
$1,195
Average fees
$406
/week
Please note that the above shown program fees are estimated.
Fronteering Travel
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 Fronteering Travel during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.
Why book with Volunteer World
Volunteer World is the world's leading comparison platform for international volunteer opportunities. We guide you through a safe and easy
application process
- including all necessary payments. Planning your next meaningful trip with Volunteer World gives you free access to our:
Quality Assurance
High ethical standards & transparent social impact
Flex Option
Change your reservation at no extra costs
Refund Guarantee
We refund your fees if Fronteering Travel cancels your trip
Support & Mediation
We cover your back no matter what happens
Our services are free of charge!
All program fees are charged directly by Fronteering Travel.
What are people saying about Volunteer World?
Wolf Sanctuary Caretaker
Join our Wolf conservation and sanctuary project in Portugal to help care and rehabilitate Iberian wolves that can not be released back in to the wild!
$406/week
You might be also interested in
Escazu, Costa Rica
As part of our local animal shelter, you'll be responsible for a variety of activities such as feeding, maintenance and engaging with animals!
Quepos, Costa Rica
Volunteer and save turtles, make a difference and meet one of the most beautiful beaches in the world! Join us in Pacific CR!
Tenerife, Spain
Contribute to critical whale & dolphin conservation initiatives in the beautiful subtropical island archipelago - Canary Islands.
Napoli, Italy
Help the refugee and migrant community to gain a foothold in Europe by supporting shelters, schools, health care and activities tailored to their long-term integration.
Calgary, Canada
Take a trip to Canada and take part in our amazing Sheep/Cattle Farm project! Here you get to experience the working alongside a local farming family!
Amazon rainforest, Guyana
Join our indigenous guides and military team on a real jungle survival course to learn and put to practice all the skills needed to survival the Isolation Phase!!!
404 Not Found
Why am I seeing this?
You requested a page that doesn't exist on this site any more. This could be caused by a link you followed that was out of date, by a typing in the wrong address in the address bar, or simply because the post has been deleted.