Wolf Sanctuary Caretaker

location
2 - 4 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+

rating  Perfect 4.6  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Excellent response rate

Highlights

  • The wolves are of paramount importance as they contribute not only for the protection of the target species but all others that interact with it.
  • Opportunity to observe a wolf for the first time in semi-natural conditions.
  • Become a volunteer and assist by providing care for wolves that cannot live in the wild and enjoy visiting beautiful Portugal!
  • Improve your Portguese
  • Meet new friends!


Especially good for

Age 18+
Singles
Couples
Families
Groups
50+

About the program

Join our Wolf conservation and sanctuary project in Portugal to help care and rehabilitate Iberian wolves that can not be released back in to the wild!

Join our Wolf conservation and sanctuary project to help careand rehabilitate Iberian wolves that can not be released back in to the wild. Iberian wolves are being threatened by the intense persecution driven by the human population. Wolves need adequate refuge and wildlife preys to survive but with ...

About the program

Join our Wolf conservation and sanctuary project to help careand rehabilitate Iberian wolves that can not be released back in to the wild. Iberian wolves are being threatened by the intense persecution driven by the human population. Wolves need adequate refuge and wildlife preys to survive but with the growing population of farms, protection of livestock is priority. The organizations main efforts are divided by running a sanctuary for wolves that can not be released back in to the wild as well as protecting and conservating existing wolves in the wild. The volunteers main focus is the Wolf Sanctuary. 

Wolves, like all other wildlife, have a right to exist in a wild state in viable populations. This right is in no way related to their known value to mankind. Instead, it derives from the right of all living creatures to co-exist with man as a part of natural ecosystems. " (Manifesto and guidelines on wolf conservation)

This is an amazing opportunity to understand the ecological and socioeconomic conditions essential for effective conservation of the wolf population in Portugal, together with the public awareness. Experience living off the grid while helping with the daily routine to provide the best captive conditions for wolves that cannot live in the wild: victims of trapping, abuse, and illegal captivity or those coming from other zoos or parks. These wolves who find refuge here are true ambassadors of wolves in nature, contributing to public awareness to conservation of the last big carnivore of this country.! 

Typical day

Volunteers and Interns are the backbone and the main force that pushes the organization forward. Attitude is the first thing the project looks at. It is always important to show respect, take initiative, ask questions and to get involved in all the activities that are done at the project. 

You will ...

Typical day

Volunteers and Interns are the backbone and the main force that pushes the organization forward. Attitude is the first thing the project looks at. It is always important to show respect, take initiative, ask questions and to get involved in all the activities that are done at the project. 

You will take part in some of the following tasks:

  • preparation of food and feeding and providing water to the wolves: helping on handling the meat and giving it to the wolves, checking the wolves’ water supplies (during summer at least 3 times a day). Food preparation involves handling and cutting raw meat.
  • monitoring and observation of the wolves.
  • site maintenance (e.g. picking litter, forest clearing, digging, painting, cleaning, etc only in winter); - during the summer months (June to October) fire watch - can include night rounds.
  • Forest maintenance (70% of the time of your time) tree felling and pruning removal of branches and other materials and subsequent burning vegetation clearing using agricultural tools like hoes and scythes and so on (mainly during winter). During the summer (May to October) fire watch can include night rounds.
  • Infrastructures maintenance checking enclosure’s walls and fences, painting pathways improvement.
  • Be flexible and help out with any new tasks that come up
  • Enjoy your time and volunteer knowing all your tasks help with this great cause.

Free-time activities

Your weekend are off and you have plenty off time to visit the nearby country side or visit the coast!

Free-time activities

Your weekend are off and you have plenty off time to visit the nearby country side or visit the coast!


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 (intermediate level)

Required Documents

CV, Letter of motivation, Application Form, 2 pictures and Liability Waiver and Volunteer Policy forms (provided during application process)

Nationality Restrictions

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

Other Skills

Flexible, initiative, outgoing, teamworker

Time Commitment

Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 09:00 - 18:00

What's Included

What's Included

Services by Fronteering Travel

Placement
Wolf Conservation & Sanctuary
Pick Up
We pick up the volunteers at the closest bus stop (Vale da Guarda). Volunteers must arrive at the pick-up point between 2 and 4 pm.
Accommodation
You’ll be staying in a shared wooden Cabins with other volunteers.
Meals
Meals are not included. However the project will arrange transportation to the nearest grocery store. Your food can be prepared individually and as a group. You are responsible for preparing and buying your own meals.
Ongoing service
If there are any problems with your volunteer project we are always there to help you and mediate between yourself and the organization.
Tours
Through FRONTEERING you have the possibility to book tours in Scotland after you have finished your volunteer project.
24/7 Emergency contact
If there are any problems during you stay in Portugal you can reach us 24/7 to assist you.
What's not included: flights, Meals and Insurance.



Accommodation

There is no women/men separation and both kitchen and bathroom are shared by all occupants. Volunteers will stay in wooden houses, The houses are equipped with washing machine, stove, oven, microwave, fridge/freezer and cooking utensils. We provide towels and blankets.

Internet Access

Good access at the project site

What's NOT included?

What's NOT included?

Airport Pickup at Lisbon Portela Airport

An airport pickup isn't included within the program fees either.

Food & Beverages

Food, snacks or beverages are at extra costs.

Flight Tickets

The nearest airport is Lisbon Portela Airport (LIS) in Lisbon. We assist you to find cheap flights to Portugal. 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 Portugal provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

Vaccines

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

Details on arrival

Key start dates are From February till the end of November each year (book early in advance to be assured of a volunteer placement).

Volunteers work 7 hours daily starting at 9 am and finishing at 6 pm (with 2 hours lunch time) During the summer the schedule can be changed and the work day start earlier and finish later with a large break on hottest hours of the day Volunteers can have 2 days off (weekends usually), but extra days are possible if requested.

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

Program fees

2 weeks (min. stay) 1,287€
4 weeks (max. stay) 1,983€
Average fees 570€/week

Program fees

570€ per week 2 - 4 weeks Age 18 - 50+

Payment methods

Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

NO CREDIT CARD FEES


Duration

2 - 4 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 Fronteering Travel during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


Meet your organization

Fronteering Travel

Perfect 4.6 rating (87 reviews)

Non-profit - founded in 2010

Verified by Volunteer World

  Excellent response rate

Coordinated by

Patrick

Spoken languages: Dutch, English, German

About the project

Fronteering arranges volunteering programs related to wildlife and indigenous people in less visited places of this world as well as more unique destinations.

Meet your organization

Fronteering arranges volunteering programs in some of the last frontiers of this world as well as more unique locations that other organizations ignore. From Field research programs in the Far north of Canada and Husky ranches in the Canadian Arctic to Amerindian community programs and wildlife conservation in the Amazon Rainforest and everything in between.

Most of our programs Focus on either wildlife rehabilitation and release, wildlife conservation & research or involve local indigenous communities.

Fronteering currently offers programs in Canada, Guyana, USA, Australia, Brazil, Borneo, South Africa, Madagascar and Panama.

True good causes: FRONTEERINGS volunteer abroad projects are either existing local projects or projects that are build from the group up by FRONTEERING. What these projects have in common is that you will be supporting a true good cause! You will have the opportunity to help where the need is the greatest. Our projects focus on helping the local communities, wildlife, indigenous people and the environment in cooperation with the local/indigenous communities. We focus on true volunteer projects where your effort really makes a difference. That’s why through Fronteering you will rehabilitate injured & orphaned wildlife with the goal to release the animal. That is the reason why will not send you to some far southern country to cuddle with tame lions & tigers with any real purpose. If you want to volunteer abroad with a real purpose, contact us!

Safety: At FRONTEERING we do our outmost best to provide the safety measures needed for our Volunteer Abroad projects and Adventure Travel Trips. However due to the fact that many of our projects and trips involve wild animals and/or are in remote locations there is a small element of risk involved. Not all of our projects and trips are for the faint at heart however we do cater to those of all walks of life. If you are not too sure about the suitability of a Volunteer Abroad project or an Adventure Travel trip then feel free to ask as we are always ready to answer any questions or discuss any doubts that come to mind. For more information please check our Safety & In-country Support section before you volunteer abroad.

A real adventure: We do not want our volunteers to end up trying to safe or clean up some small patch of rainforest which in some places they might call a wilderness. Instead you will volunteer in the immense jungle of the Amazon rainforest or venture in to the vast Canadian wilderness! Our volunteer abroad projects are situated in the remote areas of the world and we focus on countries and regions with the lowest population densities. We at FRONTEERING focus on what works; from sleeping in the jungle underneath the stars with nothing more than your own private hammock to back-to-basic cabins in the northern tundra with a cozy smothering fireplace and no electricity! When you volunteer abroad with FRONTEERING you can be sure it will be adventure.

Off the beaten path: With FRONTEERING volunteer abroad projects you will venture to places less visited. We focus on places that are fairly undiscovered where the nature, wildlife and indigenous cultures are still common. You will have the great opportunity to see these amazing places while they are still unspoiled and pure. It is these places where there is the most to lose but even more to gain through successful conservation work and sustainable tourism. 

Community involvement: Foremost when volunteering abroad the well being of the community should come first. For all of our trips we use local guides, local transportation and local communities so that through sustainable tourism we can help to protect the environment, wildlife and sustain the way of life of indigenous cultures & communities. More and more and governments choose the long term benefit of sustainable tourism over the short term gain of mining and logging. A good example is Gabon which in 2002 after recommendations from environmental researchers set up 13 new national parks. The government of Guyana is currently considering protecting its entire rainforest region which still covers 80% of the country. Hopefully through our combined effort this dream will one day become true.

Mission
FRONTEERING specializes in organizing volunteer abroad projects to preserve the environment, wildlife and indigenous people throughout the world while giving the volunteers a real and raw experience in some of the most beautiful and often remote places in the world to make a true difference.

Vision
FRONTEERING strives to provide real off the beaten path volunteer abroad experiences worldwide that satisfy the need for volunteer projects that truly makes a difference for the environment, wildlife and indigenous people.


87 reviews · rating4.6

Nadia Riad rating5

2024 at Scottish Husky Ranch Caretaker

I volunteered here earlier this year and I had a great time. Unfortunately I could not go in winter due to some other obligations I had so I knew I was going to miss out on the dogsledding season. Luckily because it was still quite cold in April and May we were still able to do some dry training and ...
Having found an awesome opportunity to partake in a husky care taker placement in Canada, I was assisted in organizing the placement by the helpful and (patient!) team at Fronteering. The organization was dedicated to helping me contact and communicate with my host organization. I always felt I ...
Carol Breen rating5

2024 at Raptors & Owls Caretaker

I spent 8 weeks, 5 days a week, 7 hours a day volunteering with this organization. It was so worthwhile! They not only rescue injured raptor, but they rehabilitate as many as possible and get them back to where they were rescued in order to release them in the same place. They have a network of ...
泽宇 张 rating5

2024 at Wild Takhi Research & Conservation

The national park is spectacular! We went for an outing every morning for wild Takhi observation every morning. Having a moment in your lifetime in the wild with all the nature surrounding you is probably the most wonderful experience. The accommodation managers and staffs are super helpful and ...
Chris H rating5

2024 at Critter Caretaker

I volunteered at the critter care taker program in Canada in May just 1 month after I turned 18. I was quite nervous and my parents also and so I decided to book through Fronteering instead of trying to arrange it myself. This made it very easy and I felt a lot better. I did travel to Vancouver a ...
I had a great time volunteering in Iceland through Fronteering! The people of the program were very kind and helpful. I was worried about the weather at first but it was actually great! The accommodations were nice but you have to be okay with group living of course. Iceland is just such a beautiful ...

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Dutch, English, German

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