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Perfect 4.63rating (58)
  • Life On Land

Wildlife Conservation/Animal Sciences Internship

location
1 - 20 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • Hands-on Wildlife Conservation practice: Work closely together with specialists and gain new knowledge about Wildlife Conservation and Animal Care Sciences.
  • Gain Knowledge: Collaborate closely with our staff on site as Biologists and Caretakers acquiring valuable insights throught hands on experiences, lectures and workshops.
  • Develop Conservation and Animal Welfare Projects: Participate directly in ongoing projects or access to data, fieldwork, and expert mentorship to help you shape and develop your own research.

Highlights

  • Hands-on Wildlife Conservation practice: Work closely together with specialists and gain new knowledge about Wildlife Conservation and Animal Care Sciences.
  • Gain Knowledge: Collaborate closely with our staff on site as Biologists and Caretakers acquiring valuable insights throught hands on experiences, lectures and workshops.
  • Develop Conservation and Animal Welfare Projects: Participate directly in ongoing projects or access to data, fieldwork, and expert mentorship to help you shape and develop your own research.
  • Develop plans to prepare animals for release, learn post-release monitoring techniques, participate directly in real conservation efforts.
  • Thrilling Adventures included: Boat rides along the majestic Amazon River to watch dolphins, explore in a National Reserve and visit traditional markets and ancestral tribes!
    • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Families
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    This special program is aimed to professionals or students of any career related with Animal Care, Animal Welfare and Wildlife Conservation.

    Conserving the Amazon's extraordinary biodiversity requires more than rescuing wildlife today—it requires training the next generation of conservation professionals to protect the rainforest for years to come.

    This internship has been designed for students and graduates who want to gain practical, ...

    About the program

    Conserving the Amazon's extraordinary biodiversity requires more than rescuing wildlife today—it requires training the next generation of conservation professionals to protect the rainforest for years to come.

    This internship has been designed for students and graduates who want to gain practical, hands-on experience in wildlife conservation while working at a fully licensed wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centre in the Peruvian Amazon.

    Working alongside experienced biologists, wildlife caretakers and veterinarians, you'll contribute directly to the rescue, rehabilitation and long-term conservation of Amazonian wildlife. Throughout your placement, you'll develop practical conservation skills while gaining valuable insight into wildlife management, animal welfare, ecological monitoring, environmental education and research.

    Every day offers new learning opportunities, allowing you to experience first-hand the challenges and rewards of conserving one of the world's most biodiverse ecosystems.

    What will I be doing?

    Your internship is tailored to your academic background, professional interests and learning objectives. Depending on your experience and the centre's conservation priorities, you may have the opportunity to:

    • Assist with wildlife welfare assessments and daily monitoring of animals in rehabilitation.
    • Support the care of adult animals, new arrivals in quarantine and young animals in the nursery.
    • Assist with the rescue, rehabilitation and long-term care of species such as manatees, primates, ocelots, giant anteaters, tamanduas and many other native Amazonian wildlife.
    • Prepare specialised diets, bottle-feed young animals where appropriate, and monitor animal growth, behaviour and recovery.
    • Assist with behavioural observations and training programmes designed to prepare suitable animals for release.
    • Forage for native food sources including insects, plants and flowers used in the animals' diets.
    • Learn safe wildlife handling and restraint techniques.
    • Support camera trap monitoring and other field research projects across the RAREC property.
    • Participate in biodiversity surveys, including bird, and amphibian monitoring.
    • Learn field monitoring techniques using GPS, compass navigation, transects and ecological survey methods.
    • Attend lectures and workshops covering wildlife conservation, rehabilitation, Amazonian biodiversity, animal welfare and South American wildlife.
    • Assist with environmental education activities for volunteers, staff and local communities.
    • Learn how individual rehabilitation and release plans are developed for each resident animal.
    • Contribute to conservation planning for priority species, including spider monkeys (Ateles chamek), giant anteaters, southern tamanduas, ocelots and other animals preparing for release.
    • Help improve animal welfare protocols, monitoring systems and rehabilitation procedures.
    • Undertake or contribute to an independent research or observational project to support your university studies or professional development.

    Throughout your internship, practical experience is complemented by scheduled lectures, workshops and one-to-one mentoring from the conservation team, allowing you to build both your knowledge and field experience.

    What can I expect?

    You'll be based at a wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centre deep in the Peruvian Amazon, working alongside a passionate international team committed to protecting wildlife and restoring native ecosystems.

    The centre offers a supportive learning environment where experienced biologists, wildlife caretakers and veterinarians provide ongoing guidance throughout your placement. English and Spanish are both spoken by staff, ensuring international participants feel well supported while developing their practical conservation skills.

    Living on-site allows you to become fully immersed in life at the rescue centre, where every day brings new conservation challenges and opportunities to learn. Beyond your daily responsibilities, you'll gain insight into research projects, rehabilitation programmes and community education initiatives that all contribute to the long-term protection of Amazonian wildlife.

    Depending on the length of your internship, you'll also have the opportunity to visit other conservation sites and ecological attractions in the region, broadening your understanding of Amazonian biodiversity and conservation in action.

    Important Information

    • Upon arrival, all volunteers participate in a short orientation period to become familiar with the center, the animals, and daily routines. During their first week, volunteers actively participate in daily activities and animal care of all animals, with the exception of very young babies, while working under staff supervision. It is mandatory to use masks and gloves during their first 7 days at the center. This gradual introduction helps protect animal welfare while allowing volunteers to gain experience and become familiar with the center’s procedures.
    • As a rescue and rehabilitation center, the species present at RAREC change depending on current rescue cases. This means that the animals at the center during your stay may vary, and we cannot guarantee the presence of any specific species.

    Typical day

    No two days are exactly the same, as your activities will depend on the needs of the animals and the ongoing conservation projects. A typical day generally follows this schedule:

    7:00 am – Breakfast

    Start the day with breakfast before preparing for the morning's activities.

    8:00am – Morning ...

    Typical day

    No two days are exactly the same, as your activities will depend on the needs of the animals and the ongoing conservation projects. A typical day generally follows this schedule:

    7:00 am – Breakfast

    Start the day with breakfast before preparing for the morning's activities.

    8:00am – Morning practical activities

    The day usually begins by preparing specialised diets and helping care for animals in quarantine, the nursery and rehabilitation areas. You'll then continue with practical training, conservation activities and wildlife care under the supervision of RAREC's experienced biologists, veterinarians and animal caretakers.

    Throughout your internship, you'll take part in a combination of practical fieldwork and scheduled lectures covering wildlife conservation, rehabilitation techniques, animal welfare, biodiversity monitoring and research methods.

    Whenever new wildlife rescues arrive, interns are given priority to accompany the team and observe or assist with the rescue and admission process whenever appropriate.

    12:00 pm – Lunch time

    1:00pm – 4:00pm – Afternoon activities

    Afternoons may include animal care, behavioural observations, enrichment activities, research projects, field monitoring, conservation planning or practical workshops, depending on the day's priorities.

    Your working day normally finishes around 4:00pm, leaving time to relax, study or enjoy the rainforest surroundings.

    Interns generally have one day off each week, usually scheduled according to the team's needs. Many participants use this time to explore Iquitos or visit nearby attractions, and our Volunteer Support Manager can help organise excursions or accompany you as a guide or translator if required.

    Evening Activities (After 7:00 pm – at least once per week)

    • Movie nights
    • Board game nights
    • Night walks in RAREC

    Extra Activities

    Depending on the length of stay, volunteers will also enjoy special excursions included in the program:

    • 2 weeks or more: Boat ride on the Amazon River to observe dolphins in their natural habitat (transport included)
    • 4 weeks or more: Visit to the traditional Belén Market (transport and translator included)
    • 6 weeks or more: Visit to the Aquarium of the Amazon Research Center (transport, tickets, and translator included)
    • 8 weeks or more: Visit to the National Reserve Alpahuayo Mishana (transport, tickets, and translator included)

    Schedule

    The working schedule runs from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, with one day off per week (two days off for long-term volunteers).

    On days off, volunteers may choose to relax or join optional external tours. Our Volunteer & Staff Support Manager can help organize and guide these activities, as well as provide information about available options and costs.

    Free-time activities

    Volunteers have access to comfortable shared spaces to relax during their free time. The dining room is equipped with Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and board games, offering a welcoming environment to unwind and socialize. The education room is used for movie nights, conservation lectures, and other ...

    Free-time activities

    Volunteers have access to comfortable shared spaces to relax during their free time. The dining room is equipped with Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and board games, offering a welcoming environment to unwind and socialize. The education room is used for movie nights, conservation lectures, and other group learning or recreational activities.

    Within RAREC, volunteers can also enjoy nature walks and hike to the creek located at the end of the property, surrounded by Amazonian forest.

    Included Activities

    Depending on the length of stay, volunteers will also enjoy special excursions included in the program:

    • From 2 weeks or more: Boat ride on the Amazon River to observe dolphins in their natural habitat (transport included)
    • From 4 weeks or more: Visit to the traditional Belén Market (transport and translator included)
    • From 6 weeks or more: Visit to the Aquarium of the Amazon Research Center
    • From 8 weeks or more: Visit to the National Reserve (transport, tickets and translator included)

    Evening Activities (After 7:00 pm)

    • Intro night every Monday
    • Movie nights
    • Board game nights
    • Night walks within RAREC

    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 18 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (basic level)

    Education Requirements

    Wildlife Animal Welfare, Animal Care Sciences at level

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Other Skills

    Develop practical skills in wildlife conservation through hands-on experience in animal husbandry, welfare assessment, rehabilitation, behavioural monitoring, environmental enrichment, biodiversity surveys, camera trapping, GPS and transect monitoring, conservation research, field data collection, environmental education, teamwork and conservation project planning, while working alongside experienced biologists, veterinarians and wildlife professionals.

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 08:00 - 16:00

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    • Full meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
    • Accommodation in wooden bedrooms (4 volunteers per room) with fans, mosquito nets on beds and windows, and strong Wi-Fi signal
    • Electricity available throughout all facilities
    • Dining room with air conditioning, and board games,
    • Wi-Fi available in common areas, education room, and bedrooms
    • Education room with projector
    • Shared bathrooms with running water located outside the bedrooms
    • Free use of washing machine (no dryer available)
    • Pick-up and drop-off at Iquitos Airport
    • Equipment provided (RAREC T-shirts and rain boots)

      • Important: If your shoe size is EU 45 or larger, you will need to bring your own boots.

      Booking & Payment

      Once you confirm your participation in the program, you will be required to pay a reservation fee via Volunteer World. After this, we will contact you directly with further details to help you prepare for your trip.

      The remaining balance can be paid either in a single payment or in installments, depending on the length of your stay.

      Payment Structure

      • 1 to 2 weeks: 100% reservation payment required
      • 3 to 5 weeks: 50% reservation, remaining balance due 1 month before arrival
      • 6 to 8 weeks: 40% reservation, remaining balance due 1 month before arrival
      • 9 to 11 weeks: 30% reservation, remaining balance due 1 month before arrival
      • 12+ weeks: 25% reservation, remaining balance due 1 month before arrival

    Airport Pickup at C.F. Secada Vignetta International Airport

    ­­­­­­­­­­­­Airport Pick-Up & Drop-Off

    Pick-up and drop-off at Iquitos Airport are included in the program fee.

    Before booking your flights, please carefully review the following information, as RAREC’s private transportation operates only on specific days and at specific times.

    Arrival – Monday only

    All programs begin on Monday.

    • Airport pick-up: 7:30 am.

    You may arrive on any flight landing before 7:30 am.

    • Hotel pick-up in Iquitos: approximately 8:00–8:30 am.

    If you prefer to arrive in Iquitos the day before, you can stay in a hotel in the city and we will pick you up from there on Monday morning.

    • Estimated arrival at RAREC: 10:00 am

    If your flight arrives after 8:30 am, you will need to take a taxi to RAREC at your own expense. The same applies if your flight is delayed beyond the scheduled pick-up time.

    Departure – Sunday or Monday only

    RAREC provides transportation back to the airport on Sundays and Mondays only.

    Monday departure

    • Departure from RAREC: 6:00 am
    • Arrival at the airport: 7:30 am
    • Recommended flights: from 9:30 am onwards

    Sunday departure

    • Departure from RAREC: 10:00 - 11:00 am
    • Arrival at the airport: 11:30 – 12:30 pm
    • Recommended flights: from 2:00 pm onwards

    Important Notes

    If you prefer to take a later departure flight than recommended, we can either:

    • drop you off in Iquitos city, so you can spend some time there before going to the airport, or
    • help arrange a trusted taxi to take you later from RAREC to the airport (paid directly to the driver).

    If you choose to arrive or depart on a day other than Monday or Sunday, we can also help coordinate a trusted taxi service at your own expense.

    Accommodation

    ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­Location & Accommodation

    Volunteers live in RAREC’s facilities, located approximately one hour and a half from the city of Iquitos by car (Km 47). Iquitos is the largest city in the region, while RAREC is situated in a remote area, connected to the city by the only road in the region.

    Despite its remote location, the center is well equipped. We have a reliable electricity system providing power throughout the day in all facilities, as well as strong internet connection supported by three Starlink antennas placed in different areas of the property.

    The Property

    RAREC is built on a large natural area, of which only about one fifth has been developed. The construction has been carefully integrated into the environment, preserving the surrounding forest. Built areas include animal enclosures, volunteer accommodation, and shared structures made of wood and natural materials, such as the kitchen, dining room, and recreation spaces. These facilities are designed to be comfortable while maintaining a close connection to nature.

    The rest of the land remains untouched jungle. Within this natural environment, volunteers can explore walking trails and reach the creek located at the end of the property.

    Accommodation

    Volunteers are assigned shared rooms, typically with other volunteers. The rooms are built with natural wood and noble materials and include bunk beds, mosquito nets for beds and windows, and one fan per bed to ensure comfort in the tropical climate.

    A laundry machine is available free of use for all volunteers.

    Jungle Experience & Free Time

    RAREC offers a unique balance between comfort and immersion in nature. Volunteers stay surrounded by the sounds and atmosphere of the Amazon rainforest, providing a true jungle experience while still enjoying practical and comfortable living conditions.

    On days off, volunteers are free to explore the region. The road connecting RAREC to Iquitos provides access to nearby tourist destinations. Volunteers may also request support from our coordinator to join excursions as a guide or translator. In these cases, volunteers cover only the costs of transport, entrance fees, and meals.

    Food & Beverages

    The program fee includes three daily meals:

    • Breakfast: fruit juice and pancakes are served 2 times per week by our cook. On other days, breakfast is self-service with free access to ingredients in the volunteer dining area, allowing you to prepare your own breakfast. Available items include eggs, bread rolls, yogurt, jam, oatmeal, cereals, coffee, teas. Seasonal fresh fruit is also available depending on availability.
    • Lunch (12:00 pm): a typical Peruvian meal prepared by our kitchen, usually consisting of a main dish with rice, beans, lentils, pasta or quinoa, accompanied by fruit and a drink.
    • Dinner (6:00 pm): lighter meals such as soups, sandwiches, salads, or pasta. 

    Throughout the day, volunteers can also use the shared kitchen and stocked ingredients, which typically include basics such as pasta, eggs, spices, sauces, and other cooking essentials.

    We do not serve desserts, but sometimes we like to surprise people on site with something sweet!

    We also offer options for different dietary needs:

    • Vegetarian à available, though variety may be more limited during long stays. The menu includes soy meat or vegetable stews such as mushrooms, carrots, green beans, onions, tomatoes, broccoli, as well as eggs and sometimes cheese.
    • Vegan, halal, kosher à possible, but volunteers must bring additional supplements or preferred protein sources
    • Gluten-free à limited variety available: we do not have a variety of gluten-free products, so we do not serve gluten-free bread, or if there is pasta, we do not serve gluten-free pasta, rice is used as the main alternative
    • Nut allergy (non-airborne): can be accommodated
    • Severe or multiple allergies / highly restrictive diets: may be difficult to accommodate

    Please note that we are unable to guarantee suitability for extremely strict dietary requirements or highly sensitive allergies, as meals are prepared in a shared kitchen environment.

    Internet Access

    Good access at the project site
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    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is C.F. Secada Vignetta International Airport (IQT) in Iquitos. We assist you to find cheap flights to Peru. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Peru provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in Peru you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Peru. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    The volunteer program runs throughout the year. All arrivals start on Mondays.

    The climate in the region is generally hot throughout the year. The rainy season runs from December to February, while the rest of the year is mostly dry and warm.

    Arrival in Iquitos

    Pick-up and drop-off at Iquitos Airport (IQT) are included.

    • Airport pick-up: Monday between 7:30 am and 8:30 am
    • Hotel pick-up (Iquitos city): approximately 8:00 am – 8:30 am
    • Estimated arrival at RAREC: around 10:00 am

    Recommended Arrival Flights

    Before booking your flights, please carefully review our recommendations. Our private transport operates on fixed Monday schedules, so we suggest selecting flights that fit these times.

    • Flights arriving before 7:30 am: direct pick-up at the airport at 7:30 am
    • Arrival at hotel (if staying in Iquitos): pick-up between 8:00 am – 8:30 am

    If your flight arrives later than the recommended times, you will need to take a taxi from the airport to RAREC at your own expense, or arrive one day earlier and stay in Iquitos. In this case, we will pick you up from your hotel on Monday morning.

    Departure from RAREC

    Departures are possible on Sundays and Mondays only, depending on the schedule below:

    Monday Departure

    • Departure from RAREC: 6:00 am
    • Arrival at airport: around 7:30 am
    • Recommended flights: from 9:30 am onwards

    Please note that earlier flights are not recommended, as travel time from RAREC to the airport may not allow sufficient time.

    Sunday Departure

    • Departure from RAREC: 10:00 am – 11:00 am
    • Arrival at airport: 11:30 am – 12:30 pm
    • Recommended flights: between 2:00 pm and 4:00 pm

    If needed, we can also arrange for volunteers to be dropped off in Iquitos city instead of the airport, or help organize a trusted taxi service (payment made directly to the driver).

    Important Notes

    • RAREC provides private transportation only at the scheduled times listed above
    • If flights fall outside these time windows, additional transport must be arranged at your own expense
    • We strongly recommend planning your itinerary according to these schedules to ensure a smooth arrival and departure experience

    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program Fees

    $600 per week 1 - 20 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES

    Duration

    1 - 20 weeks

    Deposit

    Reserve your spot with just a few clicks and a small, secure deposit. You can pay by credit card, PayPal, or other convenient methods.

    Final Payment

    You’ll agree on the final payment method with your local organization during the application process. This final payment is only due closer to the start of your trip.

    You don't have to pay anything yet
    4.6
    Top Pick
    One of the top picks on Volunteer World, according to travelers

    Location

    Americas > South America > Peru > Iquitos

    Meet your project coordinator

    Kathya
    58
    reviews
    4.63
    Perfect
    2011
    Founded

    Verified

      Moderate response rate
    Spoken languages: Spanish, English
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    Volunteer Abroad  >  Animals  >  Wildlife Conservation in Peru
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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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