Work and the daily routine can wear down the illusions of even the most avid daydreamer. If one day you discover your passion lies outside an office cubicle and the great concrete jungle, your wandering spirit is guiding you to seek out new adventures. If you’re a person concerned about the damage humans are causing to the planet, maybe your calling holds a far more profound meaning than simply being an ordinary tourist.
The voraciousness of the great industries for the natural resources is limitless. We’ve seen the Pacific Ocean covered with millions of barrels of oil, the Amazonian jungles razed to the ground because of illegal logging, and the rivers and lakes contaminated with chemical waste. It is imperative that we put a halt to this and generate a consciousness that will transform this desolate horizon. If you’re an animal lover strongly engaged with the conservation of nature, here are some volunteering programs made just for you:
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Inti Wara Yassi Community, Bolivia
It is a Bolivian NGO born from the need to help wild animals threatened by the encroaching urban footprint, which is consuming their natural habitat. Through different partnerships with the government, IWYC is in charge of the management, conservation, and care of wild animals from the Amazonian jungle. They are custodians of three parks, Parque Machía, Ambue Ari, and Jacj Cuisi, all of which are located in Bolivia. They offer lodgings, food, and basic needs. If you’re interested, send your information through their official website.
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Mario Ballena National Park, Costa Rica
One of the most important sanctuaries in the planet, Mario Ballena National Park is waiting for dedicated volunteers with a strong teamwork spirit and a profound love for marine species. Year after year, dozens of hunchback whales find refuge in this heavenly place, accompanied by their young during the months of December, April, September, and October. The biodiversity is not limited to this species, since there are programs for dolphins, birds, fish, starfish, mollusks, crabs, and sea turtles. All the species are carefully protected from poaching.
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Hogar Provegan, Spain
It defines itself as a sanctuary where animals can live out the rest of their lives in complete freedom and safe from any form of exploitation. Located in Tarragona, Hogar Provegan promotes the responsible adoption of abandoned and abused animals. To date, the organization is in need of volunteers that will exchange their work hours for food and lodging. All you need is unconditional love for animals and understand that between species what is essential is respect and equality.
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Wildlife Volunteer Projects, South Africa
Just 45 minutes away from the city of Port Elizabeth, a wild life reserve of over 6 thousand acres houses some of the most emblematic species of the African savanna. The Wildlife Volunteer Project leads this great open space filled with life. Your work on the reserve will consist of the care and monitoring of these great species, the protection of the Elephant Sanctuary, the reforestation of the park, and the removal of vegetation introduced into the reserve.
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Animal Rescue Center, Singapore
This site is an oasis in the middle of the capital city. It houses rescued wild animals from their use as pets, or zoos that can no longer care for them, or that have lost their habitat because of the havoc men create on the environment. If you sign up to this volunteering program a unique experience as a guardian and caretaker of wildlife awaits you. Your responsibilities may range from undercover investigation of illegal wildlife trade and care of wild animals that need special attention to offering guided tours to the visitors.
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Conservation Volunteer Program, Australia
One of the best experiences of this program involves travelling to the furthest corners of the planet and coming face to face with the most exotic flora and fauna. The vast expanse of Australia possesses untouched territories and even the great cities live side-by-side wildlife, demonstrating the untamed character of this land. Throughout the volunteering program you can choose to stay in Sidney or its surrounding towns to focus on the wildlife located there. You are also invited to travel and work in the provinces of Melbourne, Perth, or Canberra. There are different conservation projects that range from reforestation to helping scientists and veterinaries in nature parks. What is certain is that you will live an unimaginable adventure in the south hemisphere.
Volunteering is a noble and selfless act that allows you to help in the fight for the conservation of nature, as well as creating strong bonds with fellow volunteers. Stepping into this world will help you spread this consciousness and shine a light on the emergency situation we live in.
