Top 10 Animal Volunteering Opportunities Around The World

1. Help rehabilitate gentle giants at Elephant Nature Park; Chiang Mai, Thailand

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

This award-winning volunteer project has been developed under Saengduean “Lek” Chailert, an animal rights advocate. She was honored in 2010 by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton at the Women Heroes of Global Conservation forum.

Elephant Nature Park’s two-week volunteer program aims to improve the living conditions of elephants, the national symbol of Thailand. The park provides a haven for abused and orphaned elephants. In addition to the elephants, the park also helps to protect a variety of rescued animals, including buffalos, dogs, cats, and others.

A typical day at the camp begins with breakfast at 7am, with the rest of the day involving preparing food for and feeding the animals. Volunteers also help in constructing and maintaining mud pits and providing help in the nearby villages. The volunteer fee includes shared accommodation, vegan meals, and transportation to and from Chiang Mai.

Elephant National Park

Address: 1 Ratmakka Road, Phrasing, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand

Website: Elephant National Park

Opening hours: 7am - 5pm (daily)

Price: from 12,000 THB (342 USD)

2. Join initiatives on protecting turtles and sloths; Quepos, Costa Rica

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

This program is an excellent opportunity, especially for Marine Biology students, to gain some first-hand experience in helping protect delicate sea turtles. Volunteers work with experienced local staff to help create safer turtle nesting sites and protected paths leading to the ocean. In addition to this, volunteer work also includes collecting scientific data to aid research and long-term conservation. Another aspect is participating in reforestation efforts to ensure that the sloth population continues to thrive in its natural habitat.

Volunteers should have no criminal records and be at least 18 years old. Moreover, the cost includes dorm-style accommodation, two meals, and pick-up from San Jose International Airport. Upon request, a certificate of completion is provided for participants.

Turtle and Sloth Conservation Program

Address: Quepos, Puntarenas Province, Pacific Coast, Costa Rica

Website: Turtle and Sloth Conservation Program

Price: from 520 USD for one week plus an application fee of 229 USD

3. Help protect Namibia's wildlife; Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary, Namibia

This sanctuary, across 8,000 ac (3,237 ha), cares for orphaned and injured animals. Here, volunteers work with local staff to help improve the quality of life for long-term animal residents with no chance of surviving in the wild. They will even help rehabilitate injured animals who will be released into their natural habitats.

A regular day will include a variety of tasks such as, but not limited to, food preparation, health monitoring, and tracking released animals. This sanctuary also does not allow the breeding of carnivore animals as per local law.

Volunteer work is from Monday to Friday, with a non-work-related activity scheduled for Saturday afternoon. Participants get half day off on Sunday to rest or explore the town of Windhoek. Note that a uniform needs to be purchased upon arrival. It’s worth noting that the program requires volunteers to be at least 18 years old with a medical certificate from a physician. Moreover, the sanctuary provides accommodation options and three meals with vegetarian menus.

Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary

Address: Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary, Namibia

Website: Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 5pm

Price: from 1,195 USD for two weeks

4. Become a sea turtle conservation ambassador; Matapalo, Costa Rica

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Tortugas de Pacuare’s sea turtle conservation program is accredited by the Ministry of the Environment. The project aims to protect the endangered species and is in Matapalo, with the site just 100 m (328 ft) from the beach.

Participants are involved in patrolling the beach, protecting the hatchery from poachers and predators, and doing overall maintenance. However, note that the beach patrols and hatchery work shifts change seasonally. The role can also include working with the local community.

Volunteers work approximately three to six hours Monday to Saturday, with a full day off on Sunday. They can even explore the nearby areas in their free time or enroll at the nearby surf school to expertly ride the waves. Additionally, vegetarian meals and camp-style accommodation are included in the program fee.

Sea Turtle Conservation

Address: 300 Metros Este De La Estación De Guarda Costas Pacuare, Limón, Matina, 70501, Costa Rica

Website: Sea Turtle Conservation

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 8am - 5pm

Price: from 529 EUR (579 USD)

5. Help rehabilitate animals and conserve the rainforest; Mera, Ecuador

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Located deep within the Amazon Rainforest, this program gears toward wildlife rescue and rehabilitation. Volunteers have a lot of ground to cover since the location is across 250 ac (101 ha), which serves as a shelter for animals. Participants work five and a half days each week, with the free days on rotation. The main task is feeding the animals three times a day, usually between two to three hours. Other tasks include preparing the food, cleaning enclosures, and general upkeep of the reserve.

Shared dorm-style accommodation and meals are included in the price. Volunteers also prepare breakfast and lunch, while dinner is a communal affair. Note that there is no Wi-Fi access or electricity in the jungle, letting volunteers experience living an off-grid stay. Plus, the on-site generator is accessible a couple of times a week to charge electronics.

Animal Rehabilitation and Rainforest Conservation

Address: Merazonia Wildlife Refuge, Colonia Alvarez Miño Lista de Correos, Puyo, Mera, Ecuador

Website: Animal Rehabilitation and Rainforest Conservation

Opening hours: Mon - Sat

Price: from 300 USD for two weeks

6. Support animal care and rescue; Cape Town, South Africa

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

This animal rescue organization is outside the city center of Cape Town and helps to relocate strays and neglected pets to safe homes. The center is pro-life and aims to increase longevity and provide an appropriate quality of life. Moreover, the center relies on the efforts of volunteers to operate effectively, so their main requirement is that participants love animals as much as they do.

Volunteers work five days per week, and their tasks include feeding, playing, and cleaning the kennels of the rescues. Planning and executing fundraising events are also part of the role. It is recommended that volunteers present a valid certificate for their rabies and tetanus vaccination before beginning the program.

Family homes host the participants, and the program fee includes three meals a day. On the day off, volunteers can explore the city and visit the beaches and other cultural sites.

Domestic Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation

Website: Domestic Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 3pm

Price: from 260 EUR (285 USD) for one week

7. Join Panthera Africa's rescue and care for big cats; Standford, South Africa

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Panthera Africa Big Cat Sanctuary’s highly successful program helps to rescue and care for captive-bred cats. The sanctuary is across 40 ha (98 ac), where 28 cats and a jackal live. Volunteers help to prepare the food for the animals and clean their enclosures. A large aspect of the work focuses on educating the public regarding animal welfare and the negative impact of captivity. Continuing that forward, volunteers will play a role in educating visitors.

Participants can access accommodation and transfer to and from Cape Town International Airport. Breakfast supplies are provided, but volunteers usually prepare them. Lunch is even available when participants are on-site. There is also a weekly run to pick up supplies for individual dinners and snacks.

Panthera Africa Big Cat Sanctuary

Address: Panthera Africa Big Cat Sanctuary, Standford, South Africa

Website: Big Cats Sanctuary

Opening hours: Mon - Wed, Fri

Price: from 1,202 EUR (1,316 USD) for two weeks

8. Become a volunteer at an Australian wildlife sanctuary; Calga, Australia

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

This program allows volunteers to work at one of Australia’s heritage-listed wildlife sanctuaries, Walkabout Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary houses more than 60 species of animals in care, with over 200 roaming freely in their natural habitat. Participants will work alongside a local team in 170 ac (69 ha) of bushland to rescue and breed endangered species to be released into the wild.

Tasks include taking care of animals, repairing educational displays, and helping maintain the vast sanctuary grounds, to name a few. The sanctuary is also home to protected Aboriginal sites. The program fees include dorm-style accommodation, supplies for three meals a day, and pick-up from Gosford Station. Moreover, a police clearance and a double COVID vaccination certificate are required when applying for the volunteer position.

Volunteers can even roam around Sydney on weekends and head to attractions such as Sydney Opera House and Bondi Beach.

Wildlife Animal Sanctuary

Address: Walkabout Wildlife Sanctuary, Calga, Australia

Website: Wildlife Animal Sanctuary

Opening hours: Mon - Fri

Price: from 1,880 USD for 12 nights

9. Become a marine life conservation assistant; Placencia, Belize

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

This program by Reef Conservation International is an excellent opportunity for a hands-on experience in active conservation. The project takes place Monday to Friday on a private island off the coast of Belize, but the weekends are free for volunteers. With the program fee, participants can access accommodations for the project week, three meals, and 12 dives, including a night dive.

Each workday differs, but tasks can include helping remove invasive species from the reef while learning about the reef ecosystem and the steps taken to protect this delicate ecosystem. Participants also do marine life identification dives, help record whale shark sightings, and participate in beach clean-ups.

Volunteers must be 16 years of age or above and certified scuba divers to participate in the program. The program offers a chance for divers to further hone their skills with paid specialty courses.

Marine Life Conservation

Address: Placencia, Belize

Website: Marine Life Conservation

Opening hours: Mon - Fri

Price: from 1,080 EUR (1,182 USD) for one week

10. Learn about sun bear conservation; Sandakan, Malaysia

Get a chance to work up close and personal with the sun bears of Borneo while participating in this program. Volunteer work involves cleaning the pens, creating a conducive environment for activities, and preparing meals. Throughout the program, participants will learn about the living condition of the sun bears and Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre’s steps to rehabilitate and release the bears.

To participate, volunteers need to provide proof of COVID and Hepatitis vaccinations along with a doctor’s note stating that the participant did not suffer from tuberculosis in the past year. Shared accommodation, meals, and pick-up from Sandakan Airport are provided for all participants.

Sun Bear Conservation Volunteering Project

Address: Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, PPM 219, Elopura, 90000 Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia

Website: Sun Bear Conservation Volunteering Project

Price: 1,226 USD for two weeks plus a 229 USD application fee

Take a holiday while making a difference

Holidays can be an excellent opportunity to learn and make a positive impact on the local community. Animal volunteering transport participants to some of the most delicate ecosystems, where they can be a part of a meaningful initiative for the environment and wildlife. For an enriching experience, look no further than these top animal volunteering opportunities around the world.