Wildlife Conservation Programs

Protecting the Sea Turtles in Guayabitos
Rincon de Guayabitos, Nayarit, Mexico       13 projects of 2 wks from July to February

Volunteer project: Experience the paradise and protect the turtles at the beach! We have been organizing this volunteer project regularly in Rincon de Guayabitos, Nayarit since 2014. The aim of the project is to protect the sea turtles with the help of volunteers who will be cooperating with a team of biologists. Up to now, the project has been quite successful and has reached extraordinary results. Participating in marine turtle conservation is a great opportunity to discover the rather charming life of sea turtles.
There are five species of turtles arriving to this area: Negra (Black Turtle), Golfina (Olive Ridley Turtle), Laud (Leatherback Turtle), Carey (Hawksbill Turtle) and more! The size of the turtles varies from 1 meter to 2.4 meters long and the weight from 40 kg to 500 kg. Every turtle makes a nest of around 150 eggs.

Based on the time of the year, the volunteers will be working during the day or at night in the months of August and September from 8:00pm to 8:00am. Depending on the number of turtles that come ashore, two teams might be formed among the volunteers. This way, each group will be taking turns, working one night and taking the next night off for recovery. In addition, the weekends are also spared for resting. The main work consists in patrolling the beaches at night. The goal is to find the adult turtles and collect their eggs, to move the eggs to a protected place called Vivero and release newborn baby turtles into the sea when they hatch. Activities must be carried out at night since turtles do not go out of the ocean during the day (because of natural predators, it is safer for turtles to get out of the ocean in the dark). The group will also take part in the reconstruction of some of the most important turtle camps in the region.

Please take into account that the schedule is subject to change depending on the weather conditions and the condition of the sea turtles. It is also possible to work with crocodiles in case there is no work with turtles - this can happen mostly in the months of January and February. The coordinator or the group leader will be informing you regarding your work schedule. Some of the activities to be performed are:

If you love nature, want to have a great time by the beautiful beaches, at the same time enjoying all the amenities of a hotel and witnessing the magical spectacle of natural miracles that has been reoccurring for millions of years... then this project is for you!

Special requirements: This camp is open to everyone who is sensible and open minded. It is crucial for the participants to be respectful, open to learn and appreciate the conditions of rural lifestyle of indigenous communities, as well as their culture and wisdom.

Language: English

Leisure time: Volunteers will have free time during the day to do many fun and interesting activities and to discover many marvelous places around. The volunteers can learn to surf, go fishing, visit local towns, get to know and enjoy the local culture. Rincón de Guayabitos is well connected by bus to localities and cities around.

Volunteers will have the opportunity to visit solitary beaches and towns with an extraordinary natural richness. Among those places are Flamingos, with its three beautiful lakes; Bucerias, with a long beach and cobblestone streets; La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, a picturesque fishing town; Destiladeras, a paradise for surfers. Volunteers will have the chance to visit the Islas Marietas - one of the most beautiful places on Earth, or travel to Sayulita - a bohemian town ideal for camping. The beaches of Rincon de Guayabitos with crystal-clear waters and calm waves resemble a large swimming pool. Nearby, participants will find the pre-Hispanic sanctuary of Altavista and the semi-virgin beach named Chacala, the perfect site to be amazed by nature.

Accommodation: The volunteers will be hosted in a hotel in shared rooms with all facilities at their disposal: private bathroom, hot water, swimming pool, Wi-Fi, and air conditioning. Three meals a day are provided at the hotel restaurant consisting of good typical Mexican food. Vegetarian meals are also available.

Location: Rincon de Guayabitos, also known as Guayabitos, is a beach town located in the astonishing Sierra Madre Occidental, in the state of Nayarit and bathed by the waters of the Pacific Ocean. It is a popular tourist destination due to its proximity to the cities of Tepic, Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta.

Nestled in the imposing Sierra Madre Occidental, and washed by the waters of the Pacific Ocean, Riviera Nayarit is emerging as one of the most attractive and magic destinations of Mexico. The area extends approximately 300 kilometers along the coast, backed by mountainous jungle and facing coastal islands. There is plenty of remote backcountry for those wanting to see a more rustic side of rural Mexico. Banderas Bay, on the southern section of the Riviera Nayarit, is famous for being the destination spot of thousands of humpback whales that offer an unmatched spectacle. In addition, Puerto Vallarta is famous for its long seafront walkway and its vibrant nightlife. The Huichol Indians are the most famous ethnic group within the region. They are characterized by their eye-catching clothing, hats adorned with feathers and their colorful handcrafts, such as masks and animal figurines made of beads.

Nearest bus station: La Peñita de Jaltemba, Nayarit

Nearest airports: Puerto Vallarta International Airport Licenciado Gustavo Diaz Ordaz, Mexico City International Airport, Guadalajara International Airport

Age range: 18 and over

Extra fee: 355 Euro
The extra fee is intended to support the local host of the project who does not have sufficient funds. It is due upon arrival.

All available dates for this project:
July 5 - July 17, 2023
July 19 - July 31, 2023
August 2 - August 14, 2023
August 16 - August 28, 2023
August 30 - September 11, 2023
September 13 - September 25, 2023
September 27 - October 9, 2023
October 11 - October 23, 2023
October 25 - November 6, 2023
November 8 - November 20, 2023
November 22 - December 4, 2023
January 10 - January 22, 2024
January 24 - February 5, 2024

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Elephant conservation in Sumatra
Lampung, Sumatra, Indonesia       2 projects of 2 wks in July and January

Volunteer project: Currently the conflict between elephants and humans is rising because there's less area for the elephants to live in. Elephants are being squeezed into a smaller area, since the local farmers plant the crops and elephants like to eat them. The elephants frequently raid and destroy the crops which causes conflict between people and elephants. Due to this reason, the local government and organizations, concerned about the wildlife, are working together to save and conserve the elephants and reduce the conflict.

This volunteer project aims to assist the conservation efforts of the Elephant Conservation Centre in Way Kambas National Park in Lampung province, Southern Sumatera Island. This is not a safari place, but a sanctuary for the conservation of elephants facing problems of critical decrease in population. The park consists of swamp forest and lowland rainforest, and covers around 1.300 square kilometers. There are about 60 elephants and 60 mahouts in the conservation center (one mahout is responsible for one elephant).

The volunteers will help local mahouts daily to take care of the elephants including bathing/showering, feeding, health checking and grassing the elephants. One local mahout will be accompanied by one volunteer in doing the daily job.

Study theme: The volunteers will learn about the life of elephants, how local people take care of them and what they do for their conservation.

Special requirements: Volunteers on this project are expected to be open-minded, to understand and accept the way local mahouts are taking care of the elephants and must follow all the project regulations.

Leisure time: During free time, the volunteers will have an opportunity to enjoy exciting attractions in Lampung such as a beach, home industry, traditional market and fruit plantation.

Language: English

Accommodation: The volunteers will be accommodated in the Elephant Conservation Centre, dormitory style accommodation (basic conditions, sleeping bag and mat needed). Food will be provided with catering service. There will be also a homestay in the nearby village.

Location: The project will take place in Way Kambas National Park, Lampung province, on the southern tip of the island of Sumatra.

Terminal: Radin Inten II Airport (TKG) in Lampung

Age range: 18 and over

Extra fee: 400 Euro
The extra fee is intended to support the local host of the project who does not have sufficient funds. It is due upon arrival.

All available dates for this project:
July 24 - August 1, 2023
January 8 - January 16, 2024

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Animal rescue program at Morona Santiago Zoo
Morona Santiago, Ecuador       4 weeks - 12 months

Volunteer project: In this project, volunteers will support a little zoo, located near Macas in Morona Santiago in the Amazon region. The zoo started in early 2006 as a "rescue center" for wild species to respond to the inadequate treatment of these animals who were hunted and sold to citizens as pets, were hold captive in confined spaces with inadequate diet, hygiene, etc. That was the reason to create the center to rescue mammals, reptiles, birds, etc. We started with the rescue of a tapir (Tapirus terrestris). In April of 2006 a 7-month old male jaguar (Panthera onca) was brought from San José de Morona. Other animals were brought to the Center by the Ministry of Environment or individuals. This led to the need of a larger area where to build dens for each animal and provide the right habitat.

We need volunteers to ameliorate the difficult economic situation of the zoo due to the lack of involvement of local institutions and the government. If you want to help us feed the animals, care for them and learn about them, you are welcome to this project.
The activities carried out at the zoo are: Preparation of food for the animals; Washing and chopping fruit; Placing containers for animal feed; Cleaning dens; Weeding and maintaining the dens; Composting organic wastes; Fertilizing ornamental, medicinal and fruit plants that are part of the recreational area; Placing signs and maintaining the ecological trail; Guidance for visitors and tourists.

Animal rescue volunteer program

Language: English / Spanish

Duration of the project: The project is running all year round. Minimum commitment required is 4 weeks, up to 12 months.

Accommodation: Accommodation is provided in the project house.

Location: The project takes place in the head of the Amazon Basin, in the Province of Morona Santiago, near Macas, the capital of the province.

Age range: 18 and over

Participation fee: $690

Extra fee: $500 US for 4 weeks
The extra fee is intended to support the local host of the project who does not have sufficient funds. It is due upon arrival.

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Support the operation and conservation efforts of the Azuay animal shelter
Azuay, Ecuador       4 weeks - 12 months

Azuay animal shelterVolunteer project: The animal shelter is located in the Province of Azuay and it has about 600 animals. We are looking for volunteers who have interest and motivation to learn about the various animals and plants, and good will to help the animals and the staff.

The animal shelter has ocelots, penguins, blue footed boobies, tapir, buffalo, deer, ostriches, yamalas (small deer) cuchuchos, variety of birds, alligators, peacocks, turtles, etc. Initially there were just 5 deer and a capuchin monkey, but the number of animals increased as people donated wild animals they used to keep in their homes. The shelter only receives donated animals; it never buys animals as the sale or purchase of wild animals is prohibited in Ecuador.

The project activities will be coordinated by the staff of the animal shelter. The volunteers will be involved in the work of the different departments: Education; Animal and plant management; Research and conservation; Maintenance and construction.
Volunteers' tasks include: Preparation of food for the animals; Washing and chopping fruit; Placing containers for animal feed; Cleaning dens; Weeding and maintaining the dens; Composting organic wastes; Fertilizing ornamental, medicinal and fruit plants that are part of the recreational area; Placing signs and maintaining the ecological trail; Guiding visitors and tourists.

Language: English / Spanish

Duration of the project: The project is running all year round. Minimum commitment required is 4 weeks, up to 12 months.

Accommodation: Accommodation is provided in a modest volunteer house near the zoo.

CADIP Wildlife conservation programs

Location: Province of Azuay, near Cuenca, the capital city. Cuenca is the most beautiful city of Ecuador, with all public services.

Age range: 18 and over

Participation fee: $690

Extra fee: $500 US for 4 weeks
The extra fee is intended to support the local host of the project who does not have sufficient funds. It is due upon arrival.

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