Volunteer in Animal Conservation

Project Summary: This project is based in a zoo located in Santa Cruz and is suited for volunteers interested in Bolivian animal species diversity and/or interested in working with animal conservation. Privately founded in 1974, it was opened to the public in 1979 and is now one of the leading zoos in South America. The Zoo is wholly dedicated to species preservation and education. It is a municipal non-government project that plays an important educational and recreational role. The zoo's primary function is the protection and conservation of wild fauna and runs studies and investigations about fauna resources in order to increase the life expectancy of wild animals. The zoo mainly represents Bolivian fauna (reptiles, birds and mammals), as well as animals from other parts of South America.

Why the placement needs volunteers

As a non-governmental and privately funded project, the zoo lacks readily available financial resources and depends upon private donors and aid in order to maintain its operations. The Zoo is largely dependent on volunteers in up keeping the facility and caring for the animals.

Program Requirements

You should have an interest in working with animals and a desire to help preserve and educate the public about endangered species of animals. You should also be open minded and creative as you may be asked to take on different and multiple tasks and as resources can be limited.

Your role as a volunteer

Your daily tasks will involve taking care of animals, helping with veterinary work and maintenance of the zoo grounds. In addition to this, you will also be involved in cleaning cages, preparing food for animals, feeding the animals, veterinary assistance, nutritional advice and checking information signs and correcting them. You can also become involved in the preparation of educational materials and workshops if you have an interest in this type of work.

Program Schedule/Working hours and days

All volunteers working in this project will be expected to work from 7.00AM to 12.00 noon from Monday to Friday. In the afternoons volunteers can choose to work in various other uVolunteer projects in and around Santa Cruz.

Project dress code

Volunteer participants of this program should bear in mind that they will be working with animals in different environments in the zoo. Strong, light but hard wearing clothes are recommended. You should also bring a pair of general all purpose shoes or boots. A full list of what you should bring will be sent to you with your program information pack.