Help look after animals rescued from illegal traffickers by becoming a wildlife volunteer in Bolivia!
Nestled in a verdant riverine valley near the town of Coroico, the Bolivia Wildlife Sanctuary stands as a beacon of hope for much of the country’s vulnerable wildlife. As illegal trafficking is still rife throughout South America, many animals find themselves in desperate need for care – and this is where the Bolivia Wildlife Sanctuary comes in. In partnership with Bolivia’s Environmental Ministry, the sanctuary has succeeded in rescuing countless animals over the past 10 years, working hard to remedy their ailments against all odds and providing many with a permanent home.
While laws in Bolivia prohibit certain species of animal from being released back into the wild, the sanctuary believes in providing defenceless animals with a good quality of life, making this their mission over the past decade. After years of mistreatment in the illegal pet trade, many monkeys, exotic birds, wild cats and more have all found a safe home within the sanctuary and have been provided with the veterinary care they so desperately needed.
As a volunteer, you will play a vital role in the care and recovery of monkeys, exotic birds, wild cats, bears and more, many of which have had a traumatic and tough start to life. By caring for the animals day-to-day, you’ll undertake observational, enrichment and construction tasks, all which work towards providing these once mistreated animals with new hope and a better quality of life. So join us on this worthwhile and rewarding project and help leave a lasting impact on the wildlife of Bolivia!
Nestled in a verdant riverine valley near the town of Coroico, the Bolivia Wildlife Sanctuary stands as a beacon of hope for much of the country’s vulnerable wildlife. As illegal trafficking is still rife throughout South America, many animals find themselves in desperate need for care – and this is where the Bolivia Wildlife Sanctuary comes in. In partnership with Bolivia’s Environmental Ministry, the sanctuary has succeeded in rescuing countless animals over the past 10 years, working hard to remedy their ailments against all odds and providing many with a permanent home.
While laws in Bolivia prohibit certain species of animal from being released back into the wild, the sanctuary believes in providing defenceless animals with a good quality of life, making this their mission over the past decade. After years of mistreatment in the illegal pet trade, many monkeys, exotic birds, wild cats and more have all found a safe home within the sanctuary and have been provided with the veterinary care they so desperately needed.
As a volunteer, you will play a vital role in the care and recovery of monkeys, exotic birds, wild cats, bears and more, many of which have had a traumatic and tough start to life. By caring for the animals day-to-day, you’ll undertake observational, enrichment and construction tasks, all which work towards providing these once mistreated animals with new hope and a better quality of life. So join us on this worthwhile and rewarding project and help leave a lasting impact on the wildlife of Bolivia!
Activities
Whilst at the sanctuary, you will engage in a wide variety of activities on a rotational basis. Below are some of the activities you can expect to be involved with.
Animal Feeding
With over 800 animals to feed up to 3 times per day, the sanctuary needs as much help as it can get in the kitchen! As a volunteer, you’ll help to prepare and distribute tailored nutritional meals to all the animals. With so many meals to make, there will be plenty of food deliveries where your assistance will also be needed.
Enclosure Cleaning and Maintenance
Many of the animals arriving at the sanctuary are extremely vulnerable and may be prone to infection if the area is not kept sanitary. You will therefore assist in cleaning the enclosures, veterinary clinic and quarantine area to ensure the animals have a safe and hygienic place to live. Additionally, you may be given the task of building or maintaining animal enclosures and taking part in landscaping activities.
Observation
As many of the animals have been rescued from traumatic circumstances, it’s extremely important to observe their behaviour to ensure their health and well-being are in the best condition. For this reason, volunteers spend a minimum of 2 hours per day watching and taking notes on their assigned animal and updating staff on any issues should they arise. This is a popular activity with volunteers as it means spending time up close with their favourite animals!
Enrichment
Enrichment not only helps to keep the animals stimulated but also helps to alleviate any stress or unusual behaviours they may exhibit from their time in the pet trade. Volunteers therefore work to create species-appropriate challenges that engage the animals both mentally and physically. This could be anything from hiding food around their enclosures to introducing them to puzzle-type toys, so if you have an idea for some creative enrichment, be sure to put it forward!
Extra Activities
It’s not all work and no play on this project! During your time volunteering you’ll have the opportunity to go either canyoning or ziplining - the former being a full-day activity and the latter being only a couple of hours away from the project site. Additionally, if you stay for longer than two weeks you will be allocated a day off, during which you can see a little more of the sights and sounds that Bolivia has to offer.
Itinerary
Please note, itineraries are subject to change depending on the needs of the sanctuary and what follows is only a rough guideline.
Day 1 - The Adventure Begins:
After arriving into La Paz Airport, you will be met by the driver and transferred to the Bolivia Wildlife Sanctuary. You will then spend time getting to know your fellow volunteers and settling into your new surroundings before enjoying a dinner with your group. Make sure you get a good night’s sleep as tomorrow will be a busy day!
After arriving into La Paz Airport, you will be met by the driver and transferred to the Bolivia Wildlife Sanctuary. You will then spend time getting to know your fellow volunteers and settling into your new surroundings before enjoying a dinner with your group. Make sure you get a good night’s sleep as tomorrow will be a busy day!
Day 2 - 14 - Project Days:
These are your project days and you will have a briefing each morning at 7:30am to discuss the tasks for the day ahead. It’s important to make sure that the animals are fed, so you will take part in food preparation and distribution before taking an hour for breakfast at 9am. The rest of your day will consist of a variety of activities with a brief lunch break at 1:30pm. Each day ends at 5:30pm when you will have time to relax before dinner and then have the evening to spend at leisure.
These are your project days and you will have a briefing each morning at 7:30am to discuss the tasks for the day ahead. It’s important to make sure that the animals are fed, so you will take part in food preparation and distribution before taking an hour for breakfast at 9am. The rest of your day will consist of a variety of activities with a brief lunch break at 1:30pm. Each day ends at 5:30pm when you will have time to relax before dinner and then have the evening to spend at leisure.
Day 15 - Final Day:
Today is your final day, so bid farewell to your new friends (human and animal alike!), before being transferred back to La Paz Airport for your return flight home or to continue your onward travel plans. If you join the project for longer than 2 weeks, your itinerary will continue as before, though you will be allocated a day off in between.
Today is your final day, so bid farewell to your new friends (human and animal alike!), before being transferred back to La Paz Airport for your return flight home or to continue your onward travel plans. If you join the project for longer than 2 weeks, your itinerary will continue as before, though you will be allocated a day off in between.
Start Dates & Prices
To secure a place on this project a deposit of $245 is required at the time of booking, with the remaining balance due any time up to 60 days prior to your start date.
Select a duration below to see the available start dates. All dates shown are currently available for you to join this project!
Accommodation
Accommodation
During your time on the project you’ll be accommodated in the volunteer house, located just across the river from the wildlife sanctuary. There is one six-bed dormitory and one three-bed dormitory, as well as a bathroom with western-style toilets and warm showers.
If you are travelling as a couple or would prefer some more privacy, separate accommodation in one of the on-site Eco-Huts is available, however, there is an additional cost for this and is dependent on availability.
Meals & Beverages
All volunteers are provided with three meals per day which are all prepared by the sanctuary staff. Tea and coffee is readily available throughout the day and you will have complimentary juice with breakfast and lemonade with lunch each day. Water, however, is not included in the cost of the project but bottles are available for purchase for a small fee.
Vegetarians, vegans and other dietary requirements can be catered for but please do let us know of any before you travel.
Project Details
When is the best time to volunteer?
As this project is based at a wildlife sanctuary, there are animals here year-round, so there is no best time to volunteer regarding wildlife. The weather can, however, have an impact on when you may choose to take part.
Throughout the year, the average day-time temperature is between 20-25°C (68-77°F) and the night-time temperature averages between 5-10°C (41-50°F). Rainfall, however, does vary with May to September being the driest months and December to February being the wettest.
Getting There
You will need to fly into La Paz El Alto International Airport, where you will be met before taking a private transfer to the sanctuary. This transfer is included in the cost of the project and will take approximately 2 hours.
Visa Requirements
Citizens of most countries can get a tourist visa on arrival for stays of up to 90 days. Please make sure you check with your local embassy regarding visa requirements, as this can be subject to change. There are often numerous passport checks, so your passport must be carried at all times. Your passport will also need to be valid for at least six months in order to gain entry.
What is included in the extra voucher?
Included within the price of the project is a voucher which allows you to either go ziplining or canyoning. Both are exciting activities which allow you to explore the stunning scenery of the Yungas province - with an extra pinch of adrenaline! Either activity can add a whole new aspect of adventure when volunteering in Bolivia and if you would like any more information about these activities, please enquire with us directly.
Fitness & Skills
Due to the hilly nature of the area, we recommend that all volunteers have at least a moderate level of fitness and the ability to walk on steep terrain. La Paz has one of the highest altitudes in the world, and subsequently, you may find yourself out of breath from time to time - making it important to prepare for the effects of altitude sickness. No specific skills are needed to take part but we do ask that you arrive with a strong work ethic, a passion for animals and a willingness to get your hands dirty!
Vaccinations
There are no specific vaccination or medical requirements needed to join this project and so the vaccinations you require will depend on your medical history. We therefore recommend that you consult with your GP/Doctor regarding your own vaccination requirements.
Videos
Volunteering at the Bolivia Wildlife Sanctuary
See what it's like to volunteer at the Bolivia Wildlife Sanctuary with The Great Projects.
Tristan's Volunteer Experience
Take a look at Tristan's incredible video of his time at the Bolivia Wildlife Sanctuary and check out the project through a volunteers eyes.
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Download Project Guide
What's Included
- Accommodation
- Private airport transfers
- Three meals per day
- Bed linen and towels
- Laundry facilities
- A ziplining or canyoning excursion
What's Not Included
- Flights
- Travel insurance
- Water, soft or alcoholic beverages, except any provided with breakfast and lunch
Where you can go
Contact Info
UK OfficeThe Great Traveller Ltd,
3 Dairy Yard
Star Street
Ware, Hertfordshire
SG12 7DX
United Kingdom
Opening hours:
Mon-Fri 8:30am–5:30pm
Sat 10am-4pm
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