What is the Construction and Animal Welfare Volunteering project in the Bolivian Andes all about?

Volunteer with animals in the beautiful Bolivian Andes. This project allows you to work on construction for animal welfare at the city zoo or work to improve buildings and gardens of the children’s centre. The city zoo is a forward-thinking initiative (in collaboration with Chester Zoo in the UK) that used modern practices for animal welfare. It serves as a rescue center for indigenous animals, such as pumas, jaguars, bears and condors; and is also the home to animals rescued from circuses, such as lions. This project also incorporates groundwork at the local children’s centre where maintenance of buildings and gardens, and construction of playground areas is needed.

Why choose this Construction & Animal Welfare Volunteering project?

The zoo welcomes hundreds of local Bolivian visitors every week and is an important centre for environmental awareness and education. Volunteers provide assistance that help the zoo to work towards its aim of being a leading example of modern zoological institutions in Latin America. With more help available to the zoo, more stimulus can be provided for the animals, which improves their livelihoods, and more improvements can be made in the park. Volunteers benefit from seeing direct results of their endeavours, and being able to add an amazing experience to a CV/Resume.

Role of the Community & Conservation Volunteer

At the zoo, volunteers help with ground maintenance as well as food preparation and developing stimulating games for the different animals. You will work alongside zookeepers, learning up-close about magnificent animals. Volunteers also help prepare enclosures for incoming animals, carry out research with the on-site vets and zoologists, and make improvement around the park.

Outside the zoo, there is plenty to keep you busy and many ways that you can support local initiatives. The whole village is working to redevelop their beautiful area through community enterprises and volunteers are able to get more involved with these projects in order to connect with and learn about this indigenous Bolivian culture. On weekends, volunteers have the option to work with horses and children on an equine therapy initiative.

What skills do I need to be a Community & Conservation Volunteer in the Bolivian Andes?

This project is perfect for those who love being outdoors and working with animals. Volunteers should enjoy hands-on activities and not mind getting dirty! A basic level of Spanish (level A1 Basic User of CEFR or better) is requested, however it is possible to take Spanish classes on-site. Skills in environmental training, veterinary knowledge, or an interest in gardening are highly valued. You will be asked to submit a CV/Resume, send in two personal references and attend a telephone interview to be accepted onto this placement.

Travel during COVID times

The health and safety of our travelers and our local communities remain central to our plans for reopening countries and projects. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have been adapting our programs and protocols to protect all those involved, and ask for everyone’s patience and collaboration as new rules are implemented in-country. For all projects, new standards of sanitation, procedures and social behaviors are in place, including new health and hygiene protocols and social distancing practices. You can read more here. Each location may be slightly different in the way they operate. We encourage you to inquire to your placement advisor to learn more about your specific project as you plan for your responsible return to travel!

Read all about our project reopening response to COVID-19

REQUEST MORE INFO   RESERVE YOUR PLACE