Take action: Join an animal volunteer program abroad

What to consider when choosing your animal volunteer program abroad

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) maintains a list of threatened species known as the Red List. This list includes a range of animals that are considered to be in a critical state, including many species of birds, mammals, amphibians, and reptiles.

Some examples of animals on the IUCN Red List that are in a critical state include the following:

The northern white rhino, which is considered to be “possibly extinct in the wild” and only has two individuals remaining in captivity.

The black rhino, which is classified as “critically endangered” due to high levels of poaching and habitat loss.

The mountain gorilla, which is classified as “critically endangered” due to habitat loss, disease, and poaching.

The vaquita, a small porpoise found in the Gulf of California, which is considered to be “critically endangered” due to entanglement in fishing gear.

The saola, a deer-like mammal found in Vietnam and Laos, which is considered to be “critically endangered” due to habitat loss and hunting.

These are just a few examples of animals that are in a critical state, according to the IUCN Red List. There are many other species of animals that are also threatened and in need of conservation efforts to prevent their extinction.

Animal volunteer programs abroad: choosing an ethical organisation

When choosing an animal volunteer program abroad, there are a few things you should be mindful of to ensure you have a positive and meaningful experience. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Research the organisation and its programs carefully. Look for organisations with a good reputation and a proven track record of success. Read reviews from past volunteers and ask for references if possible.

Consider the type of work you will be doing and the skills and experience required. Make sure the program is a good fit for your interests and abilities.

Be aware of potential risks and challenges. Volunteering abroad can be a rewarding experience, but it can also be physically and emotionally demanding. Be prepared for the challenges you may face and make sure you have the necessary support and resources to cope with them.

Be cautious of scams and fraudulent organisations. Unfortunately, there are some organisations that claim to offer animal volunteer programs abroad, but are actually scams or do not provide the support and resources promised. Be wary of organisations that ask for large upfront fees or do not provide clear information about their programs and policies.

Credible animal volunteer programs abroad typically provide the opportunity for volunteers to work with a variety of animals – supporting tasks such as animal rescue, rehabilitation and conservation, and data collection for research projects.

GVI has a number of animal volunteer programs in countries such as Thailand, Costa Rica, Madagascar, Seychelles and South Africa – with projects running in other locations as well. These programs give volunteers the chance to work with animals such as elephants, sea turtles, big cats like lions and jaguars, and assist with animal rescue and rehabilitation.

Choose locally-led animal volunteer programs abroad

It’s important for local organisations to take the lead in animal conservation projects. First and foremost, local organisations are often more familiar with the local environment, culture, and community, and are therefore better equipped to design and implement conservation efforts that are effective and sustainable. They are also more likely to have the support and cooperation of the local community, which is essential for the success of any conservation project.