Laos Wildlife Sanctuary

  (17 reviews)

Join the incredible team at Laos’ first wildlife sanctuary and help care for animals rescued from the illegal wildlife trafficking trade.

Located just 60km north of Laos’ peaceful capital, Vientiane lies a wildlife sanctuary buzzing with activity. The Laos Wildlife Sanctuary is home to more than 200 animals, with many having suffered a lifetime of cruelty before being given a second lease of life.

Unfortunately, animal cruelty is commonplace in Laos, and this is most notable in the prevalence of the wildlife trade. Laos is a major gateway for this illegal trade, and each day, thousands of protected animals are smuggled in and out of the country. Recognising a need for intervention, a small group of conservationists sought support from the local government and other wildlife organisations to found what we know today as the Laos Wildlife Sanctuary, having transformed an old zoo into a place where animals could seek protection and receive care.

However, in 2023, the sanctuary was evicted from the grounds and worked tirelessly to secure a new site, build a new conservation centre, and turn an impenetrable slice of rainforest into a world-class wildlife sanctuary. Volunteers are helping shape the new site, constructing new enclosures for both resident animals and new arrivals who regularly come through the doors.

Your time spent volunteering here will see you contribute to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of many vulnerable and endangered animals, and you will also help to provide ongoing care for those who sadly cannot be released into the wild. The Laos Wildlife Sanctuary serves as a pillar of hope for many of the country’s most in-need animals, and your contribution to the project will have a meaningful and lasting impact for many years to come.

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From $1,057.00

  • Up to 10 Persons
  • All Meals Included
  • 7 - 84 Nights
  • Starts Every Sunday
  • Minimum Age 18 (Or From 16 Years Old With An Adult)

Speak To A Travel Expert

Lauren Mackinnon

Activities

Animal Feeding @ Laos Wildlife Sanctuary
Animal Feeding The sanctuary is home to over 200 animals of all species and sizes, and each of these animals needs to be fed. You will help prepare a range of meals daily in the correct portions and with the right nutrition for each respective animal. Additionally, you will help distribute the food, making this a great opportunity to get close to some of Asia’s most amazing species, such as monkeys, bears, and pangolins!
Volunteers Creating Enrichment at the Laos Wildlife Sanctuary
Enrichment The sanctuary is home to over 200 animals of all species and sizes, and Ensuring the physical and mental health of the resident animals is vitally important. Enrichment enhances the animals' mental health by alleviating boredom, reducing stress, and stimulating their natural behaviours. To help increase the chance of release, the team have implemented an enrichment schedule which will see you creating puzzles and tasks for the animals, with each enrichment item designed to stimulate their minds and bodies and equip them with the skills they would need in the wild.
Building a Wall at the Laos Wildlife Sanctuary
Construction Projects The wildlife sanctuary is ever-expanding and striving for improvement, which means new areas are being developed alongside general wear-and-tear repairs that need fixing. You will help the project team to work through their construction schedule by helping to build or improve enclosures for the animals, and you may also assist in the construction of other structures such as climbing towers, shelters, and even swimming pools for the animals to use throughout their rehabilitation.
Volunteers Cleaning Enclusres at the Laos Wildlife Sanctuary
Husbandry & Maintenance In addition to creating new suitable homes for the animals, you will also assist with the maintenance of the existing enclosures. Providing the sanctuary’s animals with a comfortable and clean place to eat and sleep is part of delivering a high standard of care, and volunteers assist the team with these husbandry tasks which also provide an incredible opportunity to see the animals up close.
Volunteers Relax at the Laos Wildlife Sanctuary
Free Time When the working day is over, you are free to relax as you wish. There are no mandatory activities, and you may choose to socialise with the rest of your group over a board game, take a dip in the infinity pool or take a little alone time to read a book in the comfort of your own room. Often, the team arrange a market or karaoke bar visit, and on days off, for an additional fee, you can take the opportunity to go zip-lining or quad-biking at a nearby eco-resort!

Itinerary

Day 1 - The Adventure Begins: After arriving at Vientiane International Airport, you will be collected and transferred to the project site (approximately 2 hours away), stopping at a Western-style shop along the way to pick up any snacks that may not be available in the smaller town where the sanctuary is located. Once you have arrived, you will be shown to your room to settle in before being taken on an orientation tour of the grounds to learn more about the facilities and resident animals.
Day 2 to 14 - Project Days: These are your project days, which typically run from 7am to 4pm. Each morning will begin with a briefing to discuss the day’s schedule, which will include some time to feed the animals and clean their enclosures. The remainder of your day will consist of construction activities or special projects, such as enrichment, and you will enjoy a 1-hour lunch break at around midday. Sundays are elected as days off, and you are free to spend this time as you wish!
Day 15 - Final Day: Today is your final day at the project, so after saying goodbye to your fellow volunteers, the staff and the animals at the sanctuary, you will be transferred back to Vientiane International Airport in time for your return flight home, or to continue with your onward travel plans.

Durations & Prices

To secure a place on this project, a deposit of $245 is required at the time of booking. The remaining balance is due 60 days before your start date.

Flexible Payment Options: If you select a start date more than 3 months in advance, we offer convenient payment plans, allowing you to pay off your balance in instalments.

Select a duration below to see the available start dates and book your place today!

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Accommodation

Accommodation at the Laos Wildlife Sanctuary
Accommodation at the Laos Wildlife Sanctuary Accommodation at the Laos Wildlife Sanctuary Accommodation at the Laos Wildlife Sanctuary

Accommodation

During your time on the project, you will stay in one of five bungalows located on-site. Each bungalow will be shared on a same-sex basis (with the exception of couples, friends or families), with two people allocated to each. All rooms come equipped with fans and electrical outlets, and fresh linens are provided. Laundry facilities are also available free of charge. Just a few steps away from the bungalows, there are shower blocks that are separated by gender and fitted with western toilets and both a hot and cold shower.

Dinner at the Laos Wildlife Sanctuary
Dinner at the Laos Wildlife Sanctuary Dinner at the Laos Wildlife Sanctuary

Meals & Beverages

All meals and beverages are provided during your stay at the Laos Wildlife Sanctuary. You will prepare your own breakfast using the items bought in for you by the sanctuary team (such as bread, eggs, cereal and milk), while lunch and dinner will be cooked for you at a local restaurant and delivered each day. You will have a range of traditional Laos and Thai dishes to choose from, all of which are vegetarian, and drinking water is also readily available throughout the day.

Project Details

When is the best time to volunteer?

As this project is based at a wildlife sanctuary, there are animals here year-round, which means there is no favourable time to volunteer regarding wildlife. That said, the weather may impact your decision on when to travel, and the seasons are explained in more detail below.

March to Mid-June: This period is considered the hot season, and you can expect temperatures of up to 33°C (91°F) and high humidity levels which reach approximately 75-90%.

June to October: This is considered the wet season, and though brief but heavy rain showers can be expected, temperatures are still high at up to 32°C (90°F).

November to February: This is the cooler season and is also the driest, with temperatures of around 28-30°C (82-86°F) during the day and dropping further below at night.

Average Monthly Weather in Vientiane, Laos

Getting there

You will need to fly into Wattay International Airport (VTE) in Vientiane, where you’ll be met in the arrival hall between 11:30am-12:30pm by a member of the project staff and transferred to the sanctuary. Transfers are only available during this time.

As flights are limited, we strongly recommend booking a flight that arrives the day before your start date and spending the night in Vientiane. Your transfer to the sanctuary can then be arranged from your accommodation.

For your departure, you will need to book a flight from midday to allow enough time for your transfer and flight check-in.

Visa Requirements

To join this project, you will need a tourist visa and most nationalities are able to obtain a 30-day tourist visa on arrival into Laos or apply online through the E-Visa Portal. You must bring two passport-sized photos with you and pay US$50 dollars for this visa if arranging on arrival.

If you join the project for longer or plan to be in Laos for more than 30 days, you can visit the immigration office in Vientiane and extend your tourist visa twice to a maximum of 90 days.

Fitness & Skills

As a large focus of this project revolves around construction and maintenance, we recommend that all volunteers taking part have a moderate level of fitness. No specific skills are required but we do ask that you arrive with a willingness to get involved with every activity, that you aren’t afraid to get your hands dirty and that you have a respect for the wildlife and sanctuary staff who you will be working alongside.

Vaccinations

There are no other specific vaccination or medical requirements needed to join this project and as such, any other vaccinations you require will depend on your medical history. We, therefore, recommend that you consult your GP/Doctor regarding your own vaccination needs.

No Contact Policy

The sanctuary has a strict ‘No Contact Policy’ and anyone found touching any of the animals will be asked to leave immediately. This policy is in place so that the team can ease the integration of wildlife with their own species, facilitate future releases back to the wild, and ensure the safety of the staff and volunteers.

Unfortunately, most of the animals at the sanctuary have already had too much contact with humans as most are victims of the illegal wildlife trade. Due to this, some may look like they want attention, but it is important that you do not touch them. Animals appearing to give social interaction are NOT trying to be friendly and in the majority of cases, this behaviour is a sign of significant stress and submission. There is also a very real risk of disease transmission, some with obvious symptoms (if you have a cold or cough) and some without.

News & Stories

2

Checking In With Pearl

UPDATE | Apr 2025

Pearl was rescued from the illegal wildlife trade last year, weak and emaciated at just 1.6kg. Through the unwavering dedication of the sanctuary team, she is now thriving at 3.4kg and growing stronger every day. Watching her regain her strength and natural behaviours is a powerful reminder of how hope and compassion are essential to recovery

1

Pangolin Rescue & Release

UPDATE | Mar 2025

Another pangolin saved! This time, a Sunda pangolin was found after falling from a truck in Vientiane. Thankfully, compassionate locals stepped in and took it to the sanctuary, ensuring this endangered creature received the necessary care. After a full health check, it was given a clean bill of health and safely released back into the wild where it belongs! 

2

Volunteers Are Helping To Build A Pre-Release Enclosure

UPDATE | Feb 2025

Volunteers have kicked off the year by helping to construct a brand-new pre-release enclosure to provide a safe and comfortable space for animals on their way home. They have also worked hard to maintain the baby crocodile pool, ensuring it stays sparkling clean so the young crocodiles can thrive in a healthy environment!

Reviews

Jane Fletcher, 2025
         

The new site at the Laos Wildlife Sanctuary is amazing. We assisted in building a new enclosure for a leopard cat kitten so she can stay wild and be released when old enough to care of herself. I painted a wall of planters for a new tortoise habitat. I had a knee replacement 3 months before going on this trip of a lifetime and it turned out to be physically harder than my knee could handle but the staff and other volunteers at the sanctuary were amazing and worked hard to include me in what I could do and come up with meaningful work for when I couldn't (like working on uneven ground). Amber the volunteer coordinator and Jeremy the facility's director went above and beyond to make the experience fun and rewarding. If you want to work with ensuring a variety of local wildlife have the best lives possible, this is the place to volunteer. The volunteer cabins were well built, the volunteer centre (our kitchen & resting area) was beautiful, washrooms clean and working, food good, and the eco centre next door was amazing to visit after work and on our days off. I was lucky enough to... The new site at the Laos Wildlife Sanctuary is amazing. We assisted in building a new enclosure for a leopard cat kitten so she can stay wild and be released when old enough to care of herself. I painted a wall of planters for a new tortoise habitat. I had a knee replacement 3 months before going on this trip of a lifetime and it turned out to be physically harder than my knee could handle but the staff and other volunteers at the sanctuary were amazing and worked hard to include me in what I could do and come up with meaningful work for when I couldn't (like working on uneven ground). Amber the volunteer coordinator and Jeremy the facility's director went above and beyond to make the experience fun and rewarding. If you want to work with ensuring a variety of local wildlife have the best lives possible, this is the place to volunteer. The volunteer cabins were well built, the volunteer centre (our kitchen & resting area) was beautiful, washrooms clean and working, food good, and the eco centre next door was amazing to visit after work and on our days off. I was lucky enough to experience enrichment, cleaning and feeding for 3 types of deer, crocodiles, tortoises, 3 types of monkeys, 2 types of bear, a hornbill, a leopard cat kitten, and a binturong named Richard. (Show More)

Alex Pedersen, 2024
         

Laos Wildlife Sanctuary does amazing work to protect and save wildlife in Laos. What a fantastic experience!! I volunteered for 2 weeks and the once in a lifetime experiences became almost a daily routine - releasing several animals, seeing croc eggs hatching, making enrichments that entertained the animals. The staff and the other volunteers became my family instantly, and we had such a great time, both on and off work. Cannot recommend this place enough! I miss it already.

Melissa Hartley, 2024
         

This was a life awesome trip! I enjoyed every moment of it and there is NO WAY I could have even guessed how much I would love it and what I would experience.


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What's Included

  • Accommodation
  • Three meals per day & drinking water
  • Airport transfers
  • An English-speaking facilitator
  • A donation to the project
  • Laundry facilities
  • Wi-Fi

What's Not Included

  • Flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Visas

Speak To A Travel Expert

Lauren Mackinnon Call us on +44 208 885 4987 Submit an Enquiry
From
$1,690.00€1,014.00£845.00$1,057.00
  • Up to 10 Persons
  • All Meals Included
  • 7 - 84 Nights
  • Starts Every Sunday
  • Minimum Age 18 (Or From 16 Years Old With An Adult)
Download Project Guide Image Download Project Guide