Top 10 Wildlife & Environmental Conservation Internships & Volunteer Programmes for 2026

Looking to build a career in wildlife & environmental conservation?

Whether you’re a university student, recent graduate, or simply passionate about nature, these immersive wildlife & environmental conservation volunteer and internship programmes abroad offer the chance to gain field experience, contribute to real research, and make a lasting impact.

Here are ten of WorkingAbroad’s most inspiring and ethical wildlife conservation internships and volunteer programmes for 2026 – from the Amazon rainforest to the Indian Ocean.

1. 🇵🇪 Amazon Ecology & Wildlife Rehabilitation Internship, Peru

“Learning to use camera traps to study wildlife was life-changing. Waking up to the sounds of howler monkeys made it feel like paradise.” – Dale, USA

Join our long-term Amazon Ecology and Wildlife Rehabilitation teams in the Peruvian rainforest. Volunteers and interns work on biodiversity monitoring, wildlife care, and community education – tackling deforestation and helping protect endangered species in one of Earth’s most vital ecosystems.

Learn more about this project here.

2. 🇬🇷 Dolphin Research Volunteer Project, Greece

“The best experience of my life…I learned so much.” – Taylor, USA

Work alongside marine biologists studying bottlenose and short-beaked common dolphins in the Ionian Sea. Collect behavioural data, identify individuals, and contribute to long-term marine conservation science – ideal for anyone seeking marine biology fieldwork.

Learn more about this project here.

3. 🇿🇦 Kariega game reserve volunteer project, South Africa

“It was breathtaking…I truly enjoyed every minute.” – Thomas, UK

Experience behind-the-scenes conservation at a Big Five game reserve. Interns help track lions, elephants and rhinos, monitor ecosystems, and work with local communities to protect South Africa’s wildlife heritage.

Learn more about this project here.

4. 🇵🇹 Wolf Conservation Sanctuary, Portugal

“I fell in love with the wolves, the people, and the landscape.” – Mayté, Belgium

Support rescued Iberian wolves in a peaceful forest sanctuary near Mafra. Volunteers help with enclosure care, behaviour observation and public education, promoting coexistence and predator conservation in Europe.

Learn more about this project here.

5. 🇪🇨 Cloud Forest Conservation & Sustainability Project, Ecuador

“It was the most beautiful place I’ve ever been…full of lush forest and wildlife.” – Kerttu, Finland

Help conserve Ecuador’s cloud forest through reforestation, wildlife monitoring and sustainable farming. Volunteers live within a biodiversity hotspot and learn how sustainable living and conservation science come together.

Learn more about this project here.

6. 🇨🇷 Playa Tortuga Conservation Volunteer Programme, Costa Rica

“Our family agreed this was the most rewarding part of our trip.” – The Lea Family, UK

Join biologists on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast to monitor sea turtles, crocodiles and mammals, and assist local education programmes. A hands-on opportunity to gain field ecology and conservation research experience.

Learn more about this project here.

7. 🇲🇻 Marine Conservation & Sea Turtle Volunteer Project, Maldives

“Easily the best month of my life.” – Josh, UK

On Naifaru Island, volunteers support sea turtle rehabilitation and coral reef restoration. Learn to conduct marine surveys, care for rescued turtles and promote sustainable island conservation while living in paradise.

Learn more about this project here.

8. 🇬🇩 Leatherback Sea Turtle Conservation, Grenada

“A life-changing experience…witnessing these giant turtles up close was incredible.” – Lorraine, UK

Help protect endangered leatherback turtles on the beaches of Grenada. Volunteers patrol nesting sites, collect data and support education programmes that reduce poaching and safeguard marine biodiversity in the Caribbean.

Learn more about this project here.

9. 🇱🇰 Elephant Conservation Programme, Sri Lanka

“An inspiring week…we learned so much about elephants and Sri Lankan culture.” – Volunteer review

Work alongside researchers near Wasgamuwa National Park to study wild elephants and help reduce human-elephant conflict. Volunteers assist with wildlife observation, habitat restoration and community outreach, gaining insight into Asian elephant conservation.

Learn more about this project here.

10. 🇿🇦 Great African Seaforest Research Programme, South Africa

“Diving every day in the kelp forests confirmed this is what I want to do…it was amazing.” – Amanda, USA

Join marine scientists exploring the world’s only Great African Seaforest off Cape Town. Volunteers survey kelp ecosystems, monitor sharks and fish, and collect marine biodiversity data that supports ocean conservation and climate research.

Learn more about this project here.

Why volunteer or intern in conservation in 2026?

Each of these projects offers more than travel – they offer practical fieldwork experience, scientific training and cultural exchange that can help shape your path in environmental science, zoology, marine biology or conservation.

Whether you’re tracking elephants, studying dolphins or planting trees in the cloud forest, you’ll gain skills, confidence and a lifelong connection to nature.

👉 Start your journey into wildlife and environmental conservation today – explore more student internships and volunteer opportunities abroad with WorkingAbroad.