Wildlife conservation and community volunteer projects and internships worldwide

Use WorkingAbroad’s comprehensive volunteer database to find the volunteering or internship opportunity abroad that’s right for you.

Our international volunteering database features projects from across the globe sorted into categories, making your search simple. You can search by country and activity for wildlife conservation volunteering projects, healthcare volunteering opportunities, environmental and farming projects and many more.

We hope that your choice will provide you with new opportunities to make a positive difference in the world. Please also rest assured that all projects listed on our website meet our policies on ethical volunteering abroad.

  • Wildlife Rescue Biology Internship, Costa Rica

    This Wildlife Rescue centre rescues injured and abandoned animals with the aim of returning them to the wild as soon as they are fit and able. Wildlife Biology Interns are expected to help the Rescue Centre with data collection and analysis to better care for current and future patients.

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  • Playa Tortuga Tree Boa Research Project, Costa Rica

    Volunteers can join the tree boa research study taking place at night time. These reptiles are an important part of the ecosystem, depending on the wetlands nearby. The aim of the research is to determinate the population size, local movements of the individuals and add more data to the biology of the species by getting morphometric data, to determine aspects such as the sex ratio in the population.

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  • Wolf Conservation Volunteer Project, Portugal

    Volunteer at an ethical wolf sanctuary. Learn about wolf conservation in Portugal whilst supporting the welfare of the endangered Iberian wolf.

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  • Cloud Forest Conservation Project, Ecuador

    The aim of this programme is to help to conserve a part of the Ecuadorian Cloud Forest by participating in tree planting, trail work, research activities, sustainable living and food production as well as community projects. Conservation and Sustainability Volunteers can join this programme all year round from 1 week up to 3 months in duration. We also offer weekly lectures, bi-weekly hikes, the opportunity for cultural exchange with the Ecuadorian staff, and friendships with other volunteers from around the world.

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  • Cloud Forest 5-day Family Volunteer Experience, Ecuador

    An authentic and worthwhile short-term experience for Families, this project is designed for families who may only have a limited time to travel in Ecuador and want to maximise their experience. Activities available are condensed into a 5-day package, however, if visitors want to extend or reduce their stay they are more than welcome to do so. Besides enjoying a family-friendly, peaceful atmosphere, visitors can taste our homemade food prepared with ingredients mostly from the farm, which families and volunteers help to grow and harvest.

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  • Conservation Volunteer Project, Spain

    This project offers volunteers who enjoy the outdoors the chance to take part in projects undertaken in the Valencia region aimed at the protection of biodiversity and ecosystems from degradation, the improvement of water resources, the prevention of forest fires, the reforestation of the land with native species and the conservation of natural habitats and species in danger of extinction.

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  • Wildlife Rescue Conservation Internship, Costa Rica

    This Wildlife Rescue centre rescues injured and abandoned animals with the aim of returning them to the wild as soon as they are fit and able. For those who can no longer fend for themselves in the wild, we make them as comfortable as possible and hope that their presence will help to educate others of the dangers these precious animals face and what we can do to live more harmoniously with them in nature. Conservation interns are expected to help the Rescue Centre educate the public on our goals towards the rescue, rehabilitation, and reintroduction of wildlife as well as the issues we face.

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  • Wildlife Rescue Primatology Field Course, Costa Rica

    Our 4 week Primatology Field Course is a comprehensive introduction to field primatology with particular focus on the mantled howler monkey (Alouatta palliata) and the white-faced capuchin (Cebus capucinus) in the Nicoya Peninsula. This course is most suitable for students at an advanced undergraduate or early postgraduate level, or recent graduates who have a keen interest, but little experience, in field primatology and wish to pursue a future in independent research.

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  • Turtle Monitoring Intern, Mauritius

    Volunteer in Mauritius in the Indian Ocean and take part in a coral reef monitoring and marine conservation programme. Become the Turtle Monitoring Intern and be responsible for all aspects of the Turtle Monitoring program in the beautiful Blue Bay Marine Park, while also getting the chance to be involved in a variety of other projects on site. Interns can join the project for between 2 and 5 months throughout the year.

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  • Amazon Permaculture & Forestry Conservation Programme, Peru

    Sustainability is one of the highest priorities on this project. Previous volunteers have helped create a recycling system, a compost pit and a pilot project for composting toilets. Maintenance of these systems is essential. They must function properly. Thus, volunteers are asked to help in maintaining and harvesting the compost. In addition, volunteers get to use their own background to suggest new systems that the project may not be aware of. Permaculture volunteers also assist in the medicinal and vegetable gardens. As well as on reforestation projects. Be prepared to get your hands dirty!

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  • Human Activity Monitoring Intern, Mauritius

    Volunteer in Mauritius in the Indian Ocean and take part in a coral reef monitoring and marine conservation programme. Become the Human Activity Monitoring Intern and be responsible for all tracking and recording illegal fishing activity in the beautiful Blue Bay Marine Park, while also getting the chance to be involved in a variety of other projects on site. Interns can join the project for between 2 and 5 months throughout the year.

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  • Coastal and Marine Conservation Volunteer, Spain

    Volunteers can discover the unique flora and fauna of the Montgo Natural Park with more than 650 different plant species; the Marine Reserve of Cape San Antonio, corals, Posidonia oceanica meadows and a wide range of wildlife. It’s also a unique place to see whales and dolphins from springtime to autumn (if you are very lucky!). Coastal & marine conservation volunteers will also experience the Pego Wetland Natural Park, where volunteers will find a great diversity of birds and endemic vegetation in one of the most amazing places in Spain.

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  • Cloud Forest Travelling, Volunteering and Learning Programme, Ecuador

    This is a Summer programme which is ideal for groups of volunteers who do not have much time to travel (one or two weeks) but still want to do something worthwhile. This project is only available for group bookings (minimum of 5 participants). The aim of this programme is to help to conserve a part of the Ecuadorian Cloud Forest by participating in tree planting, trail work, research activities, sustainable living and food production as well as community projects.

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  • Playa Tortuga Mammal Inventory Monitoring Project, Costa Rica

    Conservation volunteers work within a non-profit biological research and education centre, using camera traps to monitor the diverse array of mammal species in Playa Tortuga. Within the Reserve, there are more than 11 species of mammals – the most common being raccoons, coatis, kinkajous, weasels, River Otters, Tayra and Monkeys. Capuchin Monkeys are easy to find into the Reserve forest, others such as Anteaters, Oposums, and Sloths are also common in the area but hard to observe. There is also evidence of an Ocelot (detected by trail cameras) in the Balso River.

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  • Cloud Forest Conservation & Sustainability Volunteer Project, Ecuador

    Become an environmental volunteer in Ecuador to conserve a part of the Ecuadorian Cloud Forest and get involved in reforestation, organic agriculture, sustainable living and building projects.

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  • Bear Volunteer Project, India

    As a volunteer with wildlife in India, you will have the opportunity to assist with the conservation and support of bears at the project’s ethical rescue centres. Typical duties at the bear sanctuary include building hammocks for Sloth Bears to rest in, constructing enrichment structures for play and assisting keepers on daily afternoon feedings.

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  • Elephant Volunteer Project, India

    The project rescues a number of orphaned, injured, and displaced wildlife found in cities and locations from wherever they are forced to work in India. As a volunteer with wildlife in India, you will have the opportunity to assist with the conservation and support of elephants at the project’s ethical rescue centres. Typical duties with the elephants include chopping fruit, feeding them, and going on walks.

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  • Sustainable Agriculture Volunteer Project, Galapagos

    Volunteers will learn local techniques for sustainable tropical agriculture and will help to create food sovereignty, lower the carbon footprint of island life, lower waste from shipping materials, lowers cost to local consumers, increase local income, and increase the nutritional content of the food available in Isabela, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador.

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  • California Conservation Volunteer Project

    An opportunity to volunteer all across National Parks and Nature Reserves throughout California, whilst gaining experience in ecological restoration and conservation work.

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  • Playa Tortuga Environmental Education Volunteering Project, Costa Rica

    You will have the opportunity to be part of the workshops, prepare materials, make crafts, conduct and work with children of the schools during the workshops, and participate in the maintenance of our Butterfly garden, data collection, care of pupae, feed and release butterflies, as well as the opportunity to help us care for the plants. If you have at least basic Spanish for this programme, that would be very helpful.

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  • Playa Tortuga Crocodilian Monitoring Volunteer Programme, Costa Rica

    Work on the Playa Tortuga reserve, Costa Rica, where the main objective of this study is to collect real information about the Crocodilians at the Reserve area: their distribution, relationship with the environment and the human impact on the ecosystem. Do an initial profile of the population, in order to help the conservation and management of this species adding new information about its condition in the South Pacific of Costa Rica.

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  • Amazon Conservation Volunteer Forest Ranger Programme, Peru

    While on patrol, the Forest Rangers collect a wealth of research data. This helps keep track of wildlife populations and biodiversity. They also identify areas where impact to the forest may be likely to happen in the future. The Forest Ranger team also contributes to the long-term collection of core data sets. This is for both Neotropical mammals and for big trees. The rangers are also responsible for maintaining an extensive trail network and boundary lines. As well as all boundary signage and flagging. They also support relations with our neighbouring communities and forest concessionaires.

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  • Volunteer Coordination Intern, Mauritius

    Volunteer in Mauritius in the Indian Ocean and take part in a coral reef monitoring and marine conservation programme. Become the volunteer coordinator and be responsible for the coordination of all volunteers helping in the beautiful Blue Bay Marine Park. Interns can join the project all year round for 2 to 5 months.

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  • Coral Farming Intern, Mauritius

    Volunteer in Mauritius in the Indian Ocean and take part in a coral reef monitoring and marine conservation programme. Become the Coral Farming Intern and be responsible for all aspects of the coral farming program in the beautiful Blue Bay Marine Park, while also getting the chance to be involved in a variety of other projects on site. Interns can join the project for between 2 and 5 months throughout the year.

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  • Environmental Volunteering on a Traditional Farming Project, Nepal

    Live alongside a family and help them work in the nearby rice fields. Placements are available in several locations including the Terai of Chitwan in southern Nepal, and the foothills of the Himalayas near Gerkhu. By becoming a part of the family you will truly experience the real life of Nepal and its people. Volunteer for between 2 and 16 weeks.

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  • Statia Environmental Volunteering Project, St. Eustatius

    Volunteer in the Dutch Caribbean on the stunning island of St. Eustatius, and join the St. Eustatius National Parks Foundation and help to protect and conserve their National and Marine Parks. You will have the opportunity to spend time doing various conservation volunteer projects across the parks, including trail maintenance, outreach events and the iguana breeding programme.

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  • Reforestation Volunteer Project, Iceland

    Volunteers are needed to help with ecological restoration and reforestation in the region of Úlfljótsvatn lake in the southwest of Iceland.

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  • Wildlife Rescue Volunteer Project, Costa Rica

    This Wildlife Rescue centre rescues injured and abandoned animals with the aim of returning them to the wild as soon as they are fit and able. There are opportunities for volunteers to work with animals and help improve the rescue centre, whilst also having the opportunity to learn Spanish, and take yoga and surf lessons. Located in the stunning Nicoya province on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, in a paradisical location surrounded by a large tropical garden overlooking the sea.

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  • Environmental Community Conservation Volunteer Project, Peru

    Help communities conserve their local environments in the Cusco region of Peru by supporting planting and reforestation projects. At this project, volunteers assist families in different communities located outside of the city of Cusco. The focus is environmental conservation through tree planting in different districts of the Cusco region. The project will provide support to the farmers, who develop their own planting and reforestation projects. In the field, the team of coordinators and peasant experts will support and guide the volunteer.

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  • Wildlife Rescue Field Research Crash Course, Costa Rica

    Our 2 week Field Research Crash Course will help you gain introductory practical training in field research, with an emphasis on building skills in observational data collection on wild and rehabilitated local species. This course is most suitable for students at an early undergraduate level who have a keen interest, but little experience, in field biology and conservation, and those who wish to gain a rich knowledge about Costa Rica’s wildlife and conservation efforts.

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  • Conservation Volunteers in New Zealand

    Volunteer on a range of conservation projects and help to protect, preserve and restore New Zealand’s environment.

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  • Watamu Sea Turtle Volunteer Project, Kenya

    An opportunity to take part in sea turtle conservation involving research and monitoring, working at a turtle rehabilitation centre and protecting nesting sites along the Watamu Coastline.

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  • Reforestation Volunteer Project, Peru

    Volunteer on the reforestation project in Cusco, Peru and be part of the efforts to bring the forests back to the Peruvian hillsides. To help achieve this goal volunteers will take part in tasks such as; collecting and planting wild plants in the area, research and revaluation of wild plants of the Cusco region, planting and maintenance of tree seeds, taking care of and cleaning the tree nursery, and tree planting in the mountains of the San Sebastián district. Participants will also choose whether to stay in a home-stay or in shared apartments, whilst they also have the opportunity to take Spanish lessons.

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  • Kiwi Conservation Volunteer Project, New Zealand

    Volunteer to work to preserve the native forest and birds on the Kauri Coast, New Zealand and get to explore an undiscovered forest while learning about conservation and wilderness skills.

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  • Playa Tortuga Butterfly Garden Volunteering Project, Costa Rica

    The objectives of the Butterfly Garden project is the investigation of native species of butterflies (Siproeta stelenes, Caligo memnon, Heraclides thoas, Dryas iulia) in the reserve and all aspects of their reproductive cycle and plant foods. Environmental education workshops will also take place, whereby members of the local community will visit the garden and volunteers will help to conduct educational tours and classes. Volunteers can also help to develop workshops for local schools.

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