Volunteering with wildlife abroad is a perfect way to explore new parts of the world, gain hands-on experience working with animals, and, most importantly, make a difference! If you’re asking yourself, “where can I volunteer to help wildlife?” look no further. In this guide, we’ll tell you about the best places to volunteer with wildlife worldwide.
From volunteering with elephants in Thailand to conducting underwater research in Indonesia, there are exciting wildlife volunteer opportunities for everyone. If you’re ready to start your wildlife volunteering journey, read on for the best tips and tricks for choosing the right program for you. Once you’ve chosen the right wildlife volunteer opportunity, you’ll be ready to pack your bags and begin your adventure!
Why volunteer with wildlife?
If you love animals and want to make a difference, wildlife volunteering could be for you.
There are endless benefits to volunteering with wildlife, both for you and the animals you’ll work with. Here are just a few reasons to add volunteering with wildlife to your future plans:
- Gain cultural competence: When you volunteer with wildlife abroad, you’ll be working alongside people from diverse cultural backgrounds. You’ll gain experience with the local culture and improve your ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds.
- Explore new environments and ecosystems: Volunteering with wildlife abroad will allow you to experience new habitats and ecosystems. You’ll get to learn about the unique ways that animals, plants, and humans interact in the local ecosystem, expanding your scientific knowledge.
- Gain hands-on experience working with wildlife: This real-life experience will be invaluable to your future education and career. Employers love to see that you have real work experience. Whether you want a future career in wildlife conservation or another field, volunteering with wildlife will look good on any resume!
- Make a difference in the lives of animals: If you volunteer with wildlife, you’ll know that your work is making a real difference. Wake up every morning with a purpose, and know that what you’re doing matters!
Our Online Advisor can match you with 5 wildlife volunteer programs—it’s free!
Where can I volunteer with wildlife? 8 best places
1. South Africa
South Africa is home to some of the world's most spectacular big game reserves. If you volunteer with wildlife in South Africa, you’ll have the opportunity to work with animals such as lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, and buffalo. As a wildlife volunteer, you’ll be able to help tackle issues such as poaching, habitat destruction, and invasive species.
South Africa is a wonderland for wildlife enthusiasts. Try going on a safari to explore more of this beautiful country in your free time! With mild winters and sunny summers, South Africa is a great place to volunteer all year long.
- Recommended program: African Big 5 and Wildlife Conservation in South Africa
2. Costa Rica
You’ll quickly see why Costa Rica is one of the best places to volunteer with wildlife.
Costa Rica is an international leader in sustainability. A stunning 25% of the country’s land is protected as part of the National System of Conservation Areas, making it a great place to experience untouched wildlife habitats.
From volcanoes to Caribbean beaches and rainforests, Costa Rica boasts a fantastic variety of natural wonders. If you choose Costa Rica for your wildlife volunteering, you’ll have the chance to work with diverse wildlife and experience the country’s extraordinary biodiversity! In your free time, try your hand at surfing, scuba diving, and other outdoor adventures.
- Recommended program: Conservation Projects—Volunteer in Costa Rica!
3. Thailand
Thailand has long welcomed travelers from across the world looking to experience the culture, food, and landscapes. With impressive Buddhist temples, delicious food, world-class beaches, and scuba diving, Thailand is an exciting place to visit. Volunteering with wildlife will allow you to experience Thailand in a way that most visitors never will.
If you choose Thailand for your wildlife volunteering experience, try working with Asian elephants, one of the most recognizable symbols of Thailand. When you aren’t volunteering, explore delicious Thai cuisine, stunning beaches, lush jungles, and exquisite temples.
- Recommended program: Volunteer in Thailand with World Endeavors
4. Ecuador
Ecuador is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world. The Galápagos Islands, located about 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador, are one of the best places in the world for wildlife viewing and are home to many species found nowhere else in the world.
If you’re looking for a unique wildlife volunteering location, Ecuador may just be the place. You’ll have the opportunity to work in some of the most biodiverse areas in the world and see some of the world’s most unique wildlife. It’s sure to be the experience of a lifetime!
- Recommended program: Giant Tortoise Breeding Center Volunteer in Galapagos
5. Brazil
Brazil’s Amazon Rainforest boasts a wide range of interesting species, and you’ll find volunteer opportunities to lend your support.
Hosting 15 to 20% of the world’s biological diversity, Brazil boasts an impressive array of species, making it one of the best places to volunteer with wildlife. Brazil is the largest country in South America, spanning diverse climates. With beautiful beaches, wetlands, tropical savannahs, rainforests, and more, volunteering in Brazil will allow you to explore a wide variety of habitats.
The Amazon Rainforest, one of the most critical ecosystems in the world, makes up about 40% of Brazil’s land. It also faces extensive environmental issues such as deforestation and fires, which have widespread consequences for wildlife and humans. Be a part of the change by volunteering with wildlife in Brazil and helping to solve the environmental issues facing the country.
- Recommended program: IPBio Amazon Biodiversity Research Assistant
6. Indonesia
The country is home to 566 national parks featuring volcanoes, rainforests, world-class scuba diving, and beautiful sandy beaches, so you’re sure to experience natural wonders wherever you go. If you choose to volunteer with wildlife in Indonesia, you’ll have the opportunity to protect the country’s remarkable biodiversity, which is being threatened by deforestation, pollution, climate change, and other issues.
You’ll never be far from the beach in Indonesia, a nation made up of over 17,000 islands, so volunteering with ocean wildlife is a great way to make a difference!
- Recommended program: Indonesia Project - Dive Master & Research Diver Internship
7. Peru
Peru’s breathtaking landscapes and unique wildlife offer another great volunteering destination.
From the jagged peaks of the Andes Mountains to the lush green Amazon Rainforest, Peru has truly gorgeous and varied scenery. Volunteering with wildlife in Peru is an excellent opportunity to protect Peru’s fragile ecosystems, which are impacted by mining, illegal logging, and wildlife trafficking.
You’ll make a difference in the lives of wildlife and the ecosystems they are a part of, and you’ll also get to experience Peru’s beautiful culture and landscapes. When you’re not busy volunteering, try a trip to Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage site high in the Andes Mountains.
- Recommended program: Volunteer with a Wildlife Project in Peru
8. Australia
Australia is home to the Great Barrier Reef, one of the world’s seven natural wonders and the largest coral reef system in the world. If you are interested in marine life, volunteering in Australia could be an excellent choice!
If you volunteer in Australia, you’ll have the opportunity to be part of important research to protect the Reef, which is facing environmental issues such as coral bleaching and invasive species. Some wildlife volunteer programs in Australia will allow you to volunteer while working toward a PADI diving certification—an excellent opportunity for any marine enthusiast!
- Recommended program: Australia - Great Barrier Reef Conservation
Can’t pick? Sign up for MyGoAbroad and compare these programs side-by-side for FREE
Your life (and your resume!) will never be the same after wildlife volunteering
Still asking yourself, “Where can I volunteer to help wildlife?” Dive into one of these places and find your ideal destination!
Now you have everything you need to choose the best place to volunteer with wildlife. From helping big game in South Africa to researching tropical fish in Australia, we’ve put together a list of the places where you can volunteer to help wildlife. Now, all you have to do is choose a location, pack your bags, and get ready to start your wildlife volunteering adventure!
Explore ALL Wildlife Volunteer Programs on GoAbroad.com!
Look for the Perfect Volunteer Abroad Program Now
Start Your Search