Animal volunteering abroad is a great way to contribute to the global community and make a positive impact on both conservation and social development. Many different regions around the world are in need of animal volunteers to assist with conservation efforts to help protect the local wildlife.

Animal volunteering abroad: Asia

One region that is particularly in need of animal volunteers is Asia. Many countries in Asia, such as Thailand and Vietnam, are home to a wide variety of animals that are at risk due to habitat loss, poaching and other human activities. Volunteers in these countries can offer support by working to protect animals’ habitats, supporting sea turtle conservation and monitoring animal behaviours such as fish and Asian elephants.

African animal volunteering abroad

Another region where animal volunteering is needed is Africa. Many African countries, such as Kenya and South Africa, are home to a rich diversity of wildlife, including some of the most iconic animals on the planet, such as lions, elephants and giraffes. However, these animals are under threat from illegal hunting, poaching and habitat destruction. Volunteers in Africa can assist with monitoring wildlife, such as cheetahs, and conducting vital conservation research.

Madagascar is a unique and biodiverse island nation off the African coast, and it is home to many endangered species that are found nowhere else in the world. Through animal volunteering abroad programs in Madagascar, volunteers may have the chance to assist with habitat restoration and conservation efforts for lemurs, which are endangered due to habitat loss and other threats.

The Americas and animal volunteering abroad

Another region where animal volunteering is needed is in South and Central America. Many countries in this region, such as Costa Rica and Brazil, are home to a wide variety of animals, including many species that are found nowhere else on the planet such as jaguars and ocelots. However, these animals are also under threat from a variety of human activities, such as illegal logging and mining. 

GVI offers wildlife conservation volunteering abroad opportunities for individuals who are passionate about conservation and animal welfare. Through GVI, volunteers can get involved in a variety of conservation projects focused on protecting and supporting animals in need. Some examples of animal volunteering abroad opportunities with GVI include working on a marine conservation project to protect endangered sea turtles, assisting with animal rescue and rehabilitation efforts at a wildlife sanctuary, or helping to monitor and research populations of vulnerable species. By participating in these animal volunteering abroad programs, volunteers can make a meaningful contribution to conservation efforts and help to protect some of the world’s most beautiful and important animals.

There are many different ways that animal volunteers can make a difference abroad. You could choose to:

• Work on conservation projects, helping to protect and restore animal habitats. 
• Work on research projects, gathering data that can be used to better understand and protect the animals in their local area.

No matter what type of animal volunteering you choose to do, the most important thing is to do your research and make sure that the organisation offering the volunteer opportunities has strict ethical policies in place to ensure the wellbeing of participants and most importantly the animals. Do your research and find the right opportunity for you. You may just end up having the experience of a lifetime.