Animal Caretaker in Custody Center

location
3 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+

rating  Perfect 4.6  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Very high response rate

Highlights

  • Learn more about the fragile eco system in South America
  • Become more passionate about animal welfare and conservation work
  • Boost your resume with international volunteer experience
  • Explore a country that is famous for its rich biodiversity
  • Broaden your horizon while immersing yourself into a new culture


Especially good for

Age 18+
Singles
Couples
Groups
50+

About the program

Stand up for animal welfare. Work as a volunteer in this wonderful animal sanctuary. Take care of local wildlife, learn about their species and make an important impact.

It was back in 2009 when the rescue and custody center for wild animals in Bolivia was founded as an NGO. A Swiss animal lover created this wonderful animal welfare project on a 45 hectare protected nature reserve in the middle of a very varied tropical landscape. Wild animals find ideal conditions ...

About the program

It was back in 2009 when the rescue and custody center for wild animals in Bolivia was founded as an NGO. A Swiss animal lover created this wonderful animal welfare project on a 45 hectare protected nature reserve in the middle of a very varied tropical landscape. Wild animals find ideal conditions for a secure life in the primeval forests, swamps and savannahs. The nature reserve has extensive, species-appropriate animal facilities, where the freed wild animals have a second chance for a better life.

Bolivia is one of the most biodiverse countries on our planet. Despite or precisely because of this unique biodiversity, the local flora and fauna are threatened by massive deforestation, poaching and illegal animal trade. Huge areas of intact rainforest are falling victim to uncontrolled deforestation, wetlands are being drained and countless animal species are endangered. A sad balance of our human actions. This permanent threat and a huge respect for the local wildlife, led to the founding of the animal custody center.

The center takes in confiscated wild animals, that have been held illegally as pets or that private households give up voluntarily as they understood that these animals are no pets. In the very best case, the animals can be released into the wild again, what however, is only possible in very exceptional cases. In most cases, it is not possible due to the trauma and the loss of the animals' natural (protective) instincts.

In addition to the varied terrain for the wild animals, the animal welfare project has a well thought-out infrastructure such as a spacious kitchen for the preparation of daily food and the storage of fresh vegetables/fruit for the animals. There are also veterinary areas for the veterinarian, as well as a closed quarantine room. In a special "nursery" young abandoned wild animals receive special care.

One part of the animal sanctuary is accessible to visitors, where they can learn more about the fantastic flora and fauna from experienced guides. Visitors can explore the jungle on well-signposted paths, cross the swamps and see different lagoons in the Pampas.

In this breathtaking landscape you can support animal welfare and make your contribution to preserving biodiversity on our mother earth.


Typical day

The animal welfare center cares for approximately 350 wild animals (number subject to change). Animals include various species of monkeys, tortoises, wild boar, deer, badgers, macaws and other species of parrots, toucans, wild cats, coatis, kinkajous and foxes. Many turtles live in the lagoons and ...

Typical day

The animal welfare center cares for approximately 350 wild animals (number subject to change). Animals include various species of monkeys, tortoises, wild boar, deer, badgers, macaws and other species of parrots, toucans, wild cats, coatis, kinkajous and foxes. Many turtles live in the lagoons and around 80 sloths in the jungle, which is rich in species. Many of these animals were subjected to constant stress and dirt, confined in small cages or shackled. In the custody center they have large enclosures with lots of nature, lush greenery and secure fences. 

Very small animals get special care and attention. The volunteers can help take care of the babies and small animals. There are 4 closed interior spaces for them, where they are particularly protected. The project's aim is to grow and have even more space for more animals in need. Volunteers not only help with animal care but also with construction work, especially if they have manual skills.

Tasks may include:
  • Preparation of feed for the animals
  • Feeding the animals (2 - 3 times a day)
  • Cleaning of animal enclosures
  • Intensive care of small animals in the "kindergarten"
  • Repair and construction of fences and cages in the care center and animal park
  • Planting trees, shrubs and fruit plants
  • Checking the fences of the animal park so that the animals cannot escape
  • Assisting in the transportation of wildlife from Santa Cruz to the animal sanctuary
The volunteers work approximately 6 hours a day, 5 days a week. Work starts in the morning at about 8 am and ends around 5 pm with breaks in between. Particularly motivated volunteers are also encouraged to take on feeding shifts at the weekend.

Free-time activities

This fantastic animal welfare project is located about 50 kilometers north of Santa Cruz de la Sierra, a pretty Bolivian colonial city in the country's tropical region. The city has 2 million inhabitants and is the largest city in the country. Different cultures from the highlands, the Amazon region ...

Free-time activities

This fantastic animal welfare project is located about 50 kilometers north of Santa Cruz de la Sierra, a pretty Bolivian colonial city in the country's tropical region. The city has 2 million inhabitants and is the largest city in the country. Different cultures from the highlands, the Amazon region and the Guarani culture meet here and make the city an interesting cultural meeting place.

The city is an excellent example that combines traditional values with a modern lifestyle. Traditionally dressed people, old customs, colonial architecture await you in Santa Cruz, as well as modern shopping centers and upscale hotels and restaurants. Santa Cruz is the most modern city in the country. The city is the gateway to unforgettable outdoor activities in Bolivia, including hiking, wildlife spotting, rafting and sandboarding.

Requirements

Requirements

Minimum Age: 18 years

In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

Language Skills

You need to speak English (basic level) or Spanish (basic level)

Required Documents

CV and Volunteer Questionnaire

Nationality Restrictions

No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

Time Commitment

Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 08:00 - 17:00

What's Included

What's Included

Services by South America Inside

  • Shared room in Volunteer House
  • Breakfast, lunch, dinner
  • Airport pick-up in Santa Cruz de la Sierra
  • 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
  • On-site volunteer coordinator
  • 24/7 emergency number
  • Advice on travel insurance
  • Certificate of participation

Airport Pickup at El Trompillo

Airport pick-up in Santa Cruz de la Sierra included.

Accommodation

Living in the midst of evergreen nature with the sounds of exotic animals - that's what our volunteers can expect in this animal welfare project in Bolivia. The volunteers live together in cozy, rustic volunteer accommodation, which is located directly on the project site. Up to 14 volunteers can be accommodated here. There is also a spacious common room that serves as a meeting point for the volunteers, where they can play, read and relax together.

Food & Beverages

The volunteer program includes daily breakfast, lunch and dinner. Special dietary requirements can be accommodated but have to be informed to us in advance. Vegan and vegetarian options are available upon request.

Internet Access

Good access at the project site

What's NOT included?

What's NOT included?

Flight Tickets

The nearest airport is El Trompillo (SRZ) in Santa Cruz. We assist you to find cheap flights to Bolivia. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

Travel Insurance

Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Bolivia provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

Vaccines

If you are intending to volunteer in Bolivia you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Bolivia. VACCINE CHECKER

Details on arrival

The project is open year round and can be started on any day.

Availability
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Program fees

3 weeks (min. stay) 964€
4 weeks 1,128€
5 weeks 1,292€
6 weeks 1,456€
7 weeks 1,620€
8 weeks 1,784€
9 weeks 1,948€
10 weeks 2,113€
11 weeks 2,277€
12 weeks (max. stay) 2,441€
Average fees 261€/week

Program fees

261€ per week 3 - 12 weeks Age 18 - 50+

Payment methods

Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

NO CREDIT CARD FEES


Duration

3 - 12 weeks

Deposit

The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.


Final Payment

Your final payment will be agreed with South America Inside during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


Meet your organization

South America Inside

Perfect 4.6 rating (128 reviews)

Agency - founded in 2003

Verified by Volunteer World

  Very high response rate

Coordinated by

Marion

Spoken languages: German, English, Spanish

About the project

South America Inside promotes intercultural, linguistic and educational exchanges. Its volunteer programs are addressed to students, professionals and retirees.

Meet your organization

South America Inside is an intercultural management agency, founded back in 2003, which specializes in the promotion of programs abroad, language travel and educational programs throughout Latin America.

Since 2007, to enrich the experience of our global-minded clients and to provide them with even more possibilities, South America Inside has been expanding their program offerings throughout South and Central America.

Working together with some of the best language schools in Latin America, South America Inside provides high quality language courses in almost every Latin American country.

Thanks to a professional team of motivated and friendly staff, South America Inside has been very successful over the past several years and have been able to establish an outstanding network of what we call "Insider Contacts." To enrich the experience of their clients and to provide them with more possibilities, South America Inside has been expanding our program offerings throughout Central and South America, in addition to our well-established Chilean programs.

Volunteer Work

Do you dream of staying abroad while doing something positive? Are you looking for a unique experience that will leave a mark on your life? Then a Volunteer Work program in South America or Central America is perfect for you!

With South America Inside you can combine an adventure abroad with social commitment, and create lasting memories in Latin America. Support the protection of endangered species; help a local community construct new homes; give new hope to impoverished children.

The possibilities to lend a hand are diverse, as there are the many places where help is needed. We have classified our volunteer projects in different areas so you can easily find the one (or more!) projects that best match your needs and interests.

Why with us

There are many persuasive reasons that speak in favor of South America Inside when it comes to selecting your perfect provider of language, study and volunteer travel abroad. Following, we have prepared a short summary so that you can get us to know a little better.

Our Insider benefits at a glance:

  Regional Experience
Over one decade (established in 2003) of dedication to language, work and study travel programs in Latin America. Thanks to our long standing work and life experience in the South American continent, we know this region really well. Therefore, we can help and inform you in a professional and competent way.

  Multifaceted Offers
Over time we have developed new programs to offer a wide array of work abroad opportunities to our clients. We have been pioneers in launching new exchange programs, as we have been the first in offering Work & Travel/Working Holiday and Farm Stays in Chile and successfully introduced these programs into the market back in 2005. Since 2012, we are the only agency to offer this type of program in Costa Rica.

  Insider Advice
Despite living in the modern era of the internet, we know that reliable and competent advice is still an important criterion for most of us. At South America Inside, you will find the benefits of an internet provider and an independent travel agency. We will be glad to pass on our extensive knowledge and regional experience.!

  Location
It is difficult to run programs when there is nobody “on the ground” to evaluate existing options and search for new opportunities. So, we are located in Chile, on location, and we know everything that is going on first hand. We know what it is like to live as a foreigner in South America and will be happy to assist you in making your stay unforgettable!

  Independence
South America Inside is an independent provider of language courses, internships, volunteer work, Farm Stays and Work & Travel programs in Latin America. We neither depend financially nor structurally on any other company, language school, association or organization. Therefore, we are able to give personalized information in accordance to your needs and availability.

•  Multilingual Team

Our team is multilingual and international! We speak fluent English, Spanish and German, as well as some French and Portuguese. With our customers, we can communicate in their native language and we avoid misunderstandings with local partners by communicating in Spanish with them. You can be sure that there will be an English-speaking contact person for you before, during, and after your stay.

  Customer Service
Excellent customer service is one of the most important goals for South America Inside, and this is evident with the positive feedback we regularly receive from our many happy clients. Emails are answered within 48 business hours and every client is treated with the same friendliness and expertise.

  Gapless and Accurate Information flow
With South America Inside you will have one and the same contact person before, during and after your trip. With that said, we guarantee a gapless and accurate information flow and you will always be very well informed.

  Approved Program Places
Many of our program places, especially in the area of internships and volunteer work, are designed in the way that they will be recognized by most universities, colleges or academies.

128 reviews · rating4.6

Peter A. rating4.8

2024 at Animal Caretaker in Custody Center

Ich bin gut angekommen, allest bis jetzt gut, natürlich voll anders als Europa aber für mich super. Danke ...
Hallo, bei mir ist alles bestens! Mit der Ankunft in Santa Cruz hat alles gut geklappt und ich fühle mich sehr wohl in der Tierauffangstation :) Urs und seine Mitarbeiter geben sich wirklich Mühe, dass ich eine gute Zeit habe und die Arbeit mit den Tieren macht auch super Spaß! Das Projekt war ...
Julia G. rating4.8

2023 at Animal Caretaker in Custody Center

Mir geht es gut. Der Hinflug war eine Katastrophe, aber das hat mit dem Projekt ja nichts zu tun :). Und ja, mittlerweile habe ich mich schon etwas eingelebt. Es hat natürlich ein paar Tage gedauert, aber so langsam gewöhnt man sich an alles. Der Ort hier ist natürlich mega schön gelegen, und ...
Regina N. rating5

2024 at Help Stray Dogs

Die Arbeit gefällt mir sehr gut! Ich bin super reingekommen und fühle mich sehr wohl 🙂 Die Menschen sind sehr offen und freundlich! Herzlichen Dank! ...
Stacey Garratt rating5

2024 at Local Women Empowerment Supporter

I have been travelling for 7 months in total and just had the most wonderful experience in Ecuador. I can confidently say in the last 6 weeks I have created my favourite memories of this journey in an all-encompassing way. Firstly, the program itself was incredible, I constantly felt supported, ...
Alex S. rating5

2024 at Help Stray Dogs

Mir geht’s prima. War ein langer Tag, bin daher auch gut kaputt 🙂 Sowohl Spanischkurs als auch die Arbeit im Tierheim machen sehr viel Spaß! Ich muss zwar all das bisschen, was ich an Spanisch kann, zusammenkratzen, um durch den Tag zu kommen, aber das wird sicherlich besser mit der Zeit ...

Location

Americas > South America > Bolivia > Santa Cruz

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Contact Marion
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German, English, Spanish

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