Volunteer at a wildlife sanctuary in Guatemala

The role of volunteers at the wildlife sanctuary

Cleaning the cages, preparing food and monitoring the animals’ health are at the heart of the volunteers’ work. Due to the stress of being captured, many animals have health problems when they arrive at the centre. They require constant monitoring and medical care. Although they need care, the centre’s staff strive to ensure that the animals are not ‘tamed’ by people. The shelter team also asks volunteers not to handle the animals any more than is necessary, as many of them will be released back into the wild. Animals released into the wild that have become accustomed to humans are far less likely to survive.

Physical and psychological needs

Animals kept in captivity also require attention to ensure their physical and psychological wellbeing. These needs can be divided into four categories: environment, dietary requirements, behaviour and care. Whilst avoiding contact with the animals, enclosures must be inspected regularly to ensure that each of these four needs is met. It is essential to preserve the wild nature of these animals.

Work is organised in line with the animals’ internal clock

Everyone at the rescue centre is expected to do their bit. Volunteers are assigned specific tasks. Early in the morning, the animals are fed and their enclosures are cleaned. Rather than following human schedules, the animals operate on their own internal clock, which means early-morning shifts are needed to feed them. Later in the day, when the temperature and humidity make rest a necessity, it’s the ideal time to unwind and relax. This is a time much loved by volunteers for sunbathing, swimming and relaxing by the lake.

As well as the daily routine of feeding and looking after the animals, you will be required to take part in other activities such as:

• The construction of cages or additional structures
• Trail maintenance
• Collecting food for animals and learning about the diets of wild animals. 

Depending on your training and skills, you may also be required to assist with veterinary procedures and treatments, as well as to take regular blood and faecal samples to monitor the animals’ health. There is plenty of time at night and during those lovely afternoon naps to reflect and listen to the mysterious sounds of the jungle. All the wild animals in your immediate surroundings contribute to the experience. Their lives are in your hands! You just need to pause for a moment, observe and pay attention to realise that preserving our planet’s jungles is a truly worthwhile endeavour.

Please note: tasks may vary. They depend on factors such as the number of volunteers, the time of year, the season, the project’s current needs, and personal motivation. Not all volunteers will be able to participate fully in all of these tasks.