Protect the Iberian wolf in Portugal. Are you passionate about wolves? Join a program to preserve the Iberian wolf in Portugal, in a sanctuary that takes in wolves that have become too dependent on humans. All programs in Europe here
Protect the Iberian wolf in Portugal
The Iberian wolf lives on the Iberian peninsula and goes by the scientific name Canis lupus signatus. It was described in 1907 by Spanish zoologist Angel Cabrera. It can be distinguished from the wolf that inhabits the rest of Europe mainly by its smaller size and yellow-brown coat. Considered a potentially endangered species, the Iberian wolf is officially protected in Portugal. However, it still faces many challenges, including habitat destruction, poaching and captivity.
Wolves live in a huge sanctuary
In the 1980s, north of Lisbon, in a valley near Mafra, a huge sanctuary for wolves was created. This sanctuary takes in wolves that have become too dependent on humans and unfit to return to the wild. However, it allows them to evolve in an environment as close as possible to their natural habitat. The wolves are housed in large enclosures. The refuge, which is open to the public at weekends, is part of a project to educate people about the conservation of wolves and their habitat.
At the bedside of wolves in a sanctuary north of Lisbon
As a member of this sanctuary dedicated to the protection of Iberian wolves, you will contribute to the animals' well-being by providing them with basic needs and observing their behavior. You will also participate in the upkeep of their habitat
On a daily basis, your tasks will be as follows:
- Provide meals and check water for the wolves.
- Observe and record wolf behavior and health indicators.
- Remove non-native plants and replant with native species.
- Help maintain the center's facilities and infrastructure.
- Participate in activities to maintain a healthy forest environment.
- 2 weeks: €1,590
- 4 weeks: €2340
- February to November
- Sunday arrival
- Saturdays and Sundays off
- 2 or 4 weeks
Included in price
- Airport pick-up on Sunday
- Transport between Lisbon (where you'll be staying for the first two days) and the project
- Housing
- Framing
- Guided tour of the city with tips on how to explore it
- Ongoing support throughout your stay
- 24/7 emergency assistance, just in case, provided by Impact Trip
Not included in price
- Airline tickets
- Airport pick-up on dates other than Sunday
- Back to the airport
- Transport between the project and Lisbon
- Meals (a kitchen is available for cooking your own meals)
- Personal expenses
- Insurance
- Private room
- From age 21
- Physical work
- Language: English (intermediate level)
Housing
You'll stay, in shared rooms, in comfortable wooden cabins in the center.
The cabins are equipped with a washing machine, oven, fridge/freezer, cooking utensils and cutlery.
Please note that there are no separate male/female bedrooms, and that the kitchen and bathroom are shared by all occupants.
The house can accommodate up to 6 people.
The first two nights are in Lisbon in a dormitory.
Meals
You'll cook your own meals in the communal kitchen and have the opportunity to go shopping twice a week.
Free WiFi
Arrival
Pick-up at Lisbon airport on Sunday. The first two days are spent in Lisbon. You are then transferred to the project site in Mafra.
Bring your gloves
You'll have plenty of free time to explore, stroll around the area, visit the most important sites, interact with the locals or simply relax! And of course, you'll also have your weekends free!
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About the partner
ImpacTrip is a social enterprise whose mission is to support and strengthen the work of non-profit social and environmental organizations. The company was founded in 2015 by Rita and Diogo, two social entrepreneurs who wanted to change the way people travel. ImpacTrip offers travelers the chance to integrate various projects, mainly in Europe. It is B Corp certified, meaning it reconciles social and environmental objectives with profit. The B Corp community works to reduce inequality, lower poverty levels, build healthier environments and stronger communities, and create more high-quality jobs with dignity and purpose. All Impactrip missions.
