The natural world is as beautiful as it is fragile, and it needs your help. Our wildlife conservation volunteering projects give you the chance to experience nature like never before while protecting and preserving our planet. So, grab your backpack — you’re going on an adventure.
Our conservation volunteer projects cover an incredible range of species and environments, from mountains to the islands that inspired Charles Darwin to ponder the origin of species. If you want to experience working with animals abroad, you could:
- research and protect lions and giraffes in a famous Kenyan nature reserve
- feed and monitor the gentle Galapagos giant tortoises with exclusive access to the Galapagos national park
- rehabilitate rainforest species like Peruvian spider monkeys in the heart of the Amazon Rainforest
- protect majestic greater one-horned rhinos in Chitwan National Park, Nepal
- and much more!
More interested in aquatic adventures? Prefer sharks to sloths or turtles over tortoises? Then dive into our marine conservation volunteering opportunities instead!
Find out more about a wildlife conservation project
1-3 of 22 Projects
Africa’s Big 5 and Wilderness Conservation in Botswana
See this project- Price: $4,445 NZD for 1 week
- Extra Weeks: $755 NZD
- Start Date: July and August
- Minimum Stay: 1 week
- Age: 16 or over
Giraffe & Lion Conservation in Kenya
See this project- Price: $4,120 NZD for 1 week
- Extra Weeks: $705 NZD
- Start Date: Anytime
- Minimum Stay: 1 week
- Age: 16 or over
Animal Rehab in the Amazon Rainforest – Peru
See this project- Price: $3,520 NZD for 1 week
- Extra Weeks: $630 NZD
- Start Date: Anytime
- Minimum Stay: 1 week
- Age: 16 or over
Can’t find what you’re looking for?
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What will I do while conservation volunteering abroad?
You’ll learn from and support professional environmentalists and scientists, as well as people from the local community. You will embark on a safe, ethical, and sustainable environmental volunteering project that has a real impact on the planet.
In addition to making a difference, you’ll develop important skills for working in wildlife conservation and developing your CV. These include soft skills, like communication or independence, along with hard skills like building an understanding of reforestation efforts and scientific research methods.
We’re here to help you choose the project that lets you pursue your passion for animals and nature. Read more about our best animal volunteer projects abroad on our blog or get in touch with a Project Expert to discuss your options!
Who is this for?
Our environment and conservation volunteering projects are ideal for people who want to do animal volunteering abroad and carry out fieldwork in fascinating environments. You’ll be given the relevant training when you arrive, like reforestation techniques or setting camera traps, so there’s no need for previous experience. A passion for wildlife conservation and your explorer’s hat are great starting points!
Get ready to make a difference — these projects are a great fit for anyone interested in the outdoors and in animal conservation volunteer work. While volunteering abroad, you'll be at the forefront of protecting our planet. From educating local communities to conducting vital research and planting trees to help reforestation efforts, your work will have a real impact.
If you're looking to complete a conservation internship abroad instead, we've got just the thing. Read our blog on Wildlife Conservation internships, where we give you the low down on the practical opportunities we provide on our Animal Conservation Projects.
If you’re interested in volunteer work with animals abroad, but feel a Conservation & Environment Project isn’t right for you, you may be interested in our Veterinary Medicine Projects. Read our full list of projects for volunteering abroad.
What will I gain from conservation volunteering abroad?
By volunteering with animals in the heart of natural environments, you’ll support a local community while also developing your own skills.
Here are just some of the benefits that our previous volunteers talk about:
- Knowledge of practical conservation and environmental sciences.
- Soft skills like teamwork, communication, leadership, resilience, organisation, planning, and time management.
- The ability to work and empathise with people of different cultures and backgrounds, helping develop a ‘global mindset’.
- Confidence from pushing past your comfort zone.
All of the above will enhance your CV, university applications, and personal development.
Gain Academic Credit
As a wildlife volunteer, you can sign up for our Diploma in International Volunteering. This has the option to specialise in Wildlife Conservation, designed to pair perfectly with our animal volunteer programs. You’ll gain academic credit while you volunteer, giving your university applications an extra boost.
"The staff were easy to get on with, the project was fun and rewarding, the meals were delicious and the activities during the weekends were entertaining. I felt like the staff really wanted you to have a good experience, helping to organise weekend excursions for you and coming with you to the city or the local town. If I had the chance I would do it again in a heartbeat, and I would change nothing." — Jake M, African Savannah Conservation in Kenya
Why does wildlife conservation volunteering abroad matter?
Protecting our planet is more important than ever. As the human population increases, natural habitats and resources decrease. This has a devastating impact on wildlife and vulnerable ecosystems, and will affect human life too.
In today’s fast-paced society, it’s easy to feel like part of the problem rather than the solution. Now’s the time to start making a worthwhile contribution.
Can I do a conservation trip with my family?
Absolutely — family conservation holidays are a popular and rewarding alternative to traditional trips abroad. You can enjoy a truly memorable bonding experience while:
- exploring new cultures
- contributing towards positive global change
- providing vital learning opportunities to your children
- being fully looked after by dedicated Projects Abroad staff
Find out more about our family volunteering holidays or get in touch to discuss your needs!
How are our Conservation Volunteer Projects Abroad different?
At Projects Abroad, our first aim is to benefit the communities and environments we work in. You can be assured that your project is ethical, well-supported, and part of a better future. Here are just a few elements of our work that set it apart from other wildlife volunteer opportunities abroad:
Be fully supported by staff
You’ll work alongside members of the local community and Projects Abroad staff. You’ll also be part of a wider network of volunteers. In each project, there is a full-time member of staff whose job it is to support our volunteers. They’ll work with you to make sure you spend your time in a way that genuinely makes an impact and brings value to the project you visit.
In addition, many of our staff at Conservation Projects are experts in the field, with years of training and practical experience under their belts.
Projects that have an impact
All our projects are well-researched, targeted, and sustainable. We aim to make a long-term difference to the communities and the animal species we work with. This means that even if you only go for two weeks, you’re contributing to the bigger picture with the help of every other volunteer on that project.
Read our Impact Report for more information, broken down by year.
Our Animal Protection Policy
We take protecting the animals and wildlife we work with very seriously. That’s why we’ve put together a comprehensive Animal Protection Policy to help guide our animal conservation volunteer programs abroad.
Next Steps
Not quite what you’re looking for?
Take a look at the following pages where you'll find collections of similar projects:
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