Quick Facts
Program code
BO-WN102
Category
Volunteer Work, Animal Welfare
Country
Bolivia
Location
Rurrenabaque, Beni Region
Program start
year round, start and end dates are flexible
Minimum duration
2 weeks
Minimum age
18 years
Contact us
Happy to help you
(+1) 954 762 7607
(+56) 9 7516 9816
(+49) 7735 425 339
skype: chileinside
8 am - 4 pm EST
Project details
This wildlife sanctuary on the banks of the Beni River has been in operation for almost 30 years. Its primary goal is to rescue endangered animals that suffer from poaching, animal trafficking, deforestation, and other dangers.
Additionally, the animal rescue center aims to protect the local flora while pushing towards the preservation of the Bolivian natural environment. The wildlife custody center is located at the edge of the Madidi National Park. It sits on a large protected area of almost 2 million hectare (5 million acres) and has a really unique biodiversity.
The volunteer program is supported by people from all around the world through both donations and volunteering. Volunteers who travel to Bolivia to work hands-on at the rescue center gain a deep insight into the adventurous life in pristine nature in the Amazon region.
One of the main goals of the wildlife protection project is to spread environmental awareness and understanding in order to foster fair interaction between humans and animals. The Bolivian population, which currently strives for growth and innovation, needs to realize the necessity of caring for the fragile ecosystem. It is important that they gain awareness regarding these problems, since large portions of the jungle are endangered due to oil drilling and intense deforestation.
Tasks
The tasks the volunteers engage in during this wildlife and nature volunteer project are centered on protecting the fragile ecosystem of the Amazon region. Volunteers work in a protected area and perform construction and maintenance work. The animal protection center must grow in order to grant more space for endangered animals. At the moment, there is only a small number of animals in the center, however, this is supposed to change in the near future. That is why volunteers help with construction work and engage in craftsmanship tasks.
If volunteers help with the project for more than 6 weeks, they are allowed to help with feeding and caring for the pumas and other animals.
Note: The tasks may vary. They depend on factors such as number of volunteers, weather, season, current needs of the project, as well as self-motivation. Not every volunteer may be fully involved in all these tasks.
Accommodation
Living in the evergreen nature, surrounded by exotic wildlife is what awaits you while working in this project! The volunteers live together in a volunteer house, directly on-site. There is a big dormitory with bunk beds, equipped with sheets and mosquito nets.
There are shared ecological toilets and showers (no hot water) available for the volunteers. The water that is used in the facility comes from a nearby river. It is prepared before use in order to grant drinking water quality.
The project has electricity; however, it is only installed in the dining room to provide power to the refrigerator, some light and in order to charge mobile devices. Local staff and volunteers use candles in the main areas and torches to light the rest of the camp.
The volunteer program includes daily breakfast, lunch and dinner. The meals are prepared in shifts by the volunteers and local staff. The food is vegetarian (meat would get bad too fast due to the tropical climate).
Note: In Latin America, especially in remote areas where many of our volunteer projects take place, the cellular or internet connection is not always reliable and fast.
Location
Rurrenabaque is located north of the Andes foothills at the border of the Bolivian lowlands and the Andean valleys on the Río Beni. In recent years, the area around Rurrenabaque has become a major tourist destination in Bolivia.
Most tourists come to Rurrenabaque to visit the Madidi National Park, known for its extraordinary biodiversity. In addition to the exotic flora and fauna, one can see indigenous settlements in the national park.
Another attraction in the area is the "Pampas", riverbanks in the lowlands, where you can watch wonderful mammals, colorful birds, fish and reptiles.
The climate in Rurrenabaque is tropical with an average temperature of 26 °C. The rainiest months are from December to March.
Language skills
In our Wildlife & Nature projects, our volunteers get along well with English language skills.
For optimal program preparation and cultural integration in the destination country, we recommend participating in a Spanish course in Bolivia (optional).
You can book your Spanish course in Bolivia directly with us!
Requirements
- English skills. Basic Spanish skills (book your Spanish course in Bolivia!)
- Minimum age 18 years
- Application at least 4 weeks before the desired start of the program. Read more about our application process here.
- Completion of a foreign travel health insurance (get your travel insurance here!)
- Yellow fever vaccination. Please ask your doctor for additional advice.
Pre-departure and in-country support
Before arrival, our experienced team will be at your disposal to assist you throughout the booking process and travel planning. With the booking confirmation you will receive our 24-hour emergency number, so that you can reach us 24/7 in case of emergency.
In addition to the assistance given by our office staff you will be supported by the volunteer coordinator on-site.
Costs & Services
Our volunteer project in the Wildlife Center in Bolivia includes:
- Shared room in Volunteer House
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner (from Sunday to Friday)
- Advice from our experienced staff
- On-going support via WhatsApp, phone or mail
- Elaboration of your application profile in Spanish
- Your placement in the volunteer project
- Pre-departure information
- Packing list
- Country handbook
- Intercultural guide
- Orientation upon arrival
- On-site volunteer coordinator
- 24/7 emergency number
- Advice on travel insurance
- Certificate of participation
Costs
Application fee: US$ 150
Program fee: US$ 630 (minimum stay 15 days)
Extra week: US$ 145 (up to 1 month)
Extra week after 1 month: US$ 95
There is a guarantee deposit of 300 bs (approx. US$ 45) to be paid on site. This deposit is returned once the booked volunteering time has been completed.
Additionally, you can book:
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Volunteer Guide
Find valuable information about volunteering abroad in our program guides. Find out about all the benefits, possibilities and challenges, that a stay abroad offers you. Read more about the great opportunities that South America Inside has at your disposal.
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