Sea Turtle

A Brief Guide to Volunteer Wildlife Projects Abroad

Wildlife conservation has always been at the very heart of voluntary projects abroad. Although it is by no means the only option available to the selfless backpacker these days – with opportunities ranging from journalism to helping out on a community project – it is still by far the most popular form of voluntary travel placement.

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So if like me, your passion is animals, exactly what could you be doing with your time away? And with such a vast array of different locations and issues to choose from, how do you decide which is for you? Well, this is clearly a very personal decision.

Chances are, you’ll know exactly what you want to do and where you want to go. For me it was made easy by my life-long fascination with wildlife documentaries exploring the Amazon rainforest. If you’re not so sure, then think carefully about places or species that have interested you before.

There’s nothing wrong with ruling somewhere out if there’s a particular creepy-crawly you’d rather not spend time with. I’m thinking the enormous Goliath bird-eating spiders of the South-American rainforests. But the old clichés of ”˜facing your fears’ and ”˜broadening your horizons’ are also well worth considering.

Tiger, Philadelphia Zoo
Tiger, Philadelphia Zoo © fPat Murray

My unforgettable experience in the remote jungle of Peru saw me taking part in a wide range of exciting activities, from midnight river-trips in search of caiman, to working with local farmers exploring new ideas for lucrative crops. However, this type of project represents only one of many different areas of conservation available to traveling volunteers.

The need to address a variety of environmental issues means that on most placements volunteers will be involved in several areas of conservation. However, in most cases, you will need to choose the main focus of your project. Whilst the following list is by no means exhaustive, it looks at some of the key concerns of wildlife conservation programmes around the world.

Environmental Education

Teaching forms a key element to conservation efforts around the world. Educating local communities on the benefits of conservation is crucial if much of the planet’s wildlife is to be protected. Sustainable methods must be taught and damaging habits altered for conservation to be successful in the long-term.

This important area of conservation work could involve teaching in a primary school in Madagascar, or helping to launch an environmental education project in a small Costa Rican community.

Sea Turtle
Sea Turtle

Conserving Threatened Species

These projects offer the chance to work and interact with some of the most iconic and threatened species on earth. With the list of critically endangered animals seemingly longer than ever, there has never been a better time to get involved.

A vast array of projects in locations all around the world mean that working with high profile animals such as the giant panda of China, or the elusive Sumatran Tiger, need not be merely a dream. From breeding centres working to boost species numbers, to park ranger courses guarding against poaching, there are so many options.

Coral Reef Conservation

Marine conservation projects are hugely popular; a perfect chance to gain scuba experience in some of the most remote and serene locations on the planet, whilst carrying-out essential and cutting-edge research. A range of different threats currently jeopardise the world’s coral reefs, such as the bleaching effects of rising global sea temperatures and damaging fishing methods.

As well as helping to conserve these vulnerable ecosystems, many projects will include a diving qualification – an absolute must if you wish to discover the full potential of many countries around the world on your future travels. Opportunities in coral reef conservation are widespread, meaning you could find yourself tantalisingly close to the sea turtles of Sri Lanka, or observing the magnificent manta rays around the Pacific islands of Fiji.

Tigers in Rehabilitation
Tigers in Rehabilitation

Animal Rehabilitation Centres

Animal rehabilitation schemes are also an important element of conservation efforts around the world. Both orphaned and injured animals often require care and nourishment in order to stand any chance of returning to their natural environment.

Many rescue centres work to address this issue, which provides an excellent chance for volunteers to get closer than usual to many exciting species. An important and often over-looked problem, this is certainly a worthwhile and rewarding area to get involved in.

Species Observation and Biodiversity

Much of what conservation projects achieve relies heavily on knowing exactly which species are where. It enables the successful implementation of future conservation programmes, as well as allowing existing ones to become more effective.

Most wildlife conservation projects are constantly updating detailed species lists, with early starts and late finishes often being vital for the best results. One of my most incredible memories from Peru was waking at dawn in a canopy-top tree-house for a morning’s wildlife spotting after spending the night under stars with nothing but a sleeping bag and a mozzie net.

Volunteering on a wildlife conservation project is an amazing chance to travel with a real purpose. Not only could you travel to some of the most exciting, remote and beautiful places on earth, but you could also encounter the incredibly diverse and important species that these locations support.

Founding Editor
  1. Thanks for such an interesting article! It’s not often I get to read about volunteer opportunities that involve the unique wildlife of different areas. Frontier sounds like a sweet org! Would love to be in contact with them. :)

  2. Thanks for this information Mike. I am planning on spending time volunteering in 2014 so always on the look out for good info. Ive already signed up for wildlife rescue center in Costa Rica and looking forward to signing up to a few more!

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