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Get involved at a wildlife sanctuary in Bolivia. The sanctuary is situated within a 45-hectare protected nature reserve in the province of Santa Cruz. All the eco-volunteering programmes here
An animal sanctuary set within a 45-hectare reserve
This programme takes place at a wildlife rescue and care centre, established in 2009 by a Swiss animal lover. The centre has a 45-hectare protected nature reserve in the province of Santa Cruz. The reserve is situated in the heart of a tropical landscape rich in biodiversity. The primeval forests, marshes and savannahs provide the ideal conditions for wild animals to live in complete safety. The wildlife enclosures are spacious, giving the animals a second chance at a better life.
Biodiversity under threat
Neither the Bolivian government nor the province of Santa Cruz provides financial support to the independent NGO responsible for running the animal sanctuary. The centre’s survival therefore depends heavily on donations and the support of volunteers. The animal sanctuary was established to address a variety of reasons and needs. Bolivia is one of the countries with the greatest biodiversity. However, the local flora and fauna are threatened by deforestation, poaching and the illegal trade in animals. Vast swathes of pristine tropical rainforest are being destroyed, wetlands are drying up and countless animal species are at risk.
Animals are sometimes released
The centre takes in and cares for animals rescued from the illegal wildlife trade. It also looks after wild animals that have been voluntarily handed in and kept as pets by private individuals. Ideally, the animals are then released back into the wild, but this rarely happens. These animals are generally no longer fit for life in the wild.
First aid for animals can be provided
The sanctuary has a kitchen for preparing daily meals and storing fresh fruit and vegetables for the animals. It comprises large enclosures for wild animals. There are also veterinary facilities, such as a small first-aid room stocked with the necessary medicines, a secure quarantine room and a special ‘nursery’ where abandoned young wild animals receive specialised care.
Visitors can access parts of the grounds via walking trails, allowing them to explore a variety of natural habitats: marshes, lagoons, the pampas, the jungle… It is an opportunity for them to learn about the amazing flora and fauna of Santa Cruz.
The role of volunteers at the shelter in Bolivia
Volunteers at the sanctuary help to preserve biodiversity in a breathtaking landscape, whilst promoting the animals’ welfare.
The sanctuary is home to around 350 wild animals, though this number is subject to change. These animals were often kept as pets or were victims of poaching, despite Bolivian law prohibiting the ownership of wild animals. Many of these animals were chained up, kept in small cages and subjected to constant stress. The animals include numerous species of monkeys, tortoises, deer, wild boar, badgers, toucans, wild cats, coatis, kinkajous and foxes. The lagoons are home to numerous turtles, and the species-rich jungle is home to around 80 sloths.
The main tasks assigned to eco-volunteers
- Preparing pet food
- Feeding the animals (2 to 3 times a day)
- Cleaning animal pens
- Intensive care for small animals in the ‘nursery’
- Repair and construction of fences and enclosures at the wildlife centre and animal park
- Planting trees, shrubs and fruit plants
- Inspection of the wildlife park’s fences
- Assistance with transporting wild animals from Santa Cruz to the wildlife sanctuary.
Volunteers spend around six hours a day, five days a week at the centre. They need to be particularly motivated. They are also encouraged to help feed the animals at the weekend.
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 be fully involved in all of these tasks.
Dates and prices
- Minimum 3 weeks all year round
- Application fee: €150
- Cost of the programme: €780 (for a minimum stay of 3 weeks)
- Extra week: €160
Included in the price
- Shared room in the volunteers’ house
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Professional advice in English
- Translation of your application documents
- Volunteering placement in Bolivia
- English-speaking support within the country
- A Guide to Bolivia
- Intercultural Guide
- 24/7 emergency number
- Information on suitable travel insurance
- Certificate of attendance
Not included in the price
- Flight tickets
- Travel insurance
Accommodation
On this animal welfare project in Bolivia, volunteers can experience life amidst lush greenery and the sounds of exotic animals. Volunteers live together in comfortable, rustic accommodation situated directly on the project site. This accommodation can house up to 14 volunteers. There is also a large communal area which volunteers can use as a meeting place, where they can play games, read books and relax.
Location
Located around 50 kilometres north of Santa Cruz, this wonderful animal rescue centre offers volunteers the chance to have a life-changing experience. Santa Cruz de la Sierra is a charming colonial town with a population of around 2 million. As Bolivia’s largest city, it is home to a diverse mix of cultures from the western highlands, the northern and eastern Amazonian regions, and the Guarani culture. This makes it a fascinating hub for cultural exchange. Santa Cruz is the most developed city in the country. Agricultural produce grown in the surrounding area is processed here, forming the city’s main industry. This city perfectly illustrates how traditional values can coexist with a modern way of life. The tropical climate, the South American zest for life and a fascinating culture are all hallmarks of the city.
Climate
There are two distinct seasons. The rainy season runs from November to May, with temperatures ranging from 20 to 38 degrees Celsius. The dry season runs from June to October, with temperatures ranging from 18 to 35 degrees Celsius.
In your spare time, you’ll be able to explore the beautiful city of Santa Cruz. Santa Cruz offers a wonderful blend of the modern world – with its contemporary shopping centres, stylish hotels and upmarket restaurants – and a more traditional world, embodied by people dressed in traditional attire who observe ancient customs, and colonial architecture. Hiking, wildlife spotting, rafting and sandboarding are just a few of the unforgettable outdoor activities you can enjoy just outside the city.
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The partner agency
The partner is an intercultural agency founded in 2003 by Marion, a German national living in Chile. Marion specialises in organising solidarity-based and participatory trips, eco-volunteering placements, as well as language courses and educational programmes throughout Latin America. This agency offers placements in Chile, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Ecuador and more. Whether you are a student, a professional or a retiree, these trips are designed for those who want to experience Latin America in a way that goes beyond simply being a tourist. All trips with South America Inside
