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Good 4.18rating (74)
  • Life On Land

Wolf Conservation Experience

location
2 - 6 weeks  ·  Age 21 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • Aid in the survival of the endangered Iberian Wolf at a dedicated conservation center, focusing on protection and habitat preservation
  • Engage in diverse tasks such as animal feeding, maintenance, fire prevention, and reforestation, enhancing the wolves' enclosure to mimic wild conditions
  • Participate in clearing non-native Eucalyptus trees and contribute to reforestation efforts, vital for maintaining a balanced ecosystem for the wolves

Highlights

  • Aid in the survival of the endangered Iberian Wolf at a dedicated conservation center, focusing on protection and habitat preservation
  • Engage in diverse tasks such as animal feeding, maintenance, fire prevention, and reforestation, enhancing the wolves' enclosure to mimic wild conditions
  • Participate in clearing non-native Eucalyptus trees and contribute to reforestation efforts, vital for maintaining a balanced ecosystem for the wolves
  • Be part of a greater mission to educate about wolf conservation, understanding their behaviors and movements, and advocating for their protection in their natural habitat
  • Visit Ericeira and Mafra and get to know other areas around Portugal
    • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 21+
    Singles
    Couples
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    Join our program to support the preservation of wolves, by participating in daily activities at the center, including feeding, monitoring, facility maintenance, and more

    Wolves in Portugal face significant challenges due to habitat destruction and human persecution. Many wolves cannot survive in the wild after becoming dependent on humans. That’s where wolf conservation centers come in, by providing refuge for wolves from zoos, illegal trapping, or other ...

    About the program

    Wolves in Portugal face significant challenges due to habitat destruction and human persecution. Many wolves cannot survive in the wild after becoming dependent on humans. That’s where wolf conservation centers come in, by providing refuge for wolves from zoos, illegal trapping, or other captivity, helping them regain health and happiness in large outdoor enclosures designed to replicate their natural habitat.

    What to Expect:

    • Hands-On Care: Assist with feeding the wolves and ensuring they have access to clean water.

    • Animal Monitoring: Observe and monitor wolf behavior to ensure their well-being.

    • Environmental Efforts: Participate in clearing invasive species, replanting native trees, and maintaining the forest environment.

    • Facility Maintenance: Help with the upkeep of the center’s infrastructure and contribute to fire prevention efforts.

    Daily Tasks:

    • Feeding: Provide meals and check water for the wolves.

    • Observation and Monitoring: Watch and record wolf behaviors and health indicators.

    • Invasive Species Clearing: Remove non-native plants and replant native species.

    • Maintenance: Assist with the maintenance of the center’s facilities and infrastructure.

    • Forest Cleaning: Participate in activities to maintain a healthy forest environment.

    Community Living:  You will be staying in comfortable wooden cabins at the center, with guidance and support from local staff, taking this experience to the next level!

    Why Join?

    • Make a Difference: Play a crucial role in the preservation and care of wolves in Portugal.

    • Gain Experience: Learn about wildlife conservation and animal care.

    • Cultural Immersion: Experience life in Portugal while making a positive impact on the environment.

    Ready to Help Wolves?

    Typical day

    A typical day would be:

    After the initial orientation in Lisbon, you will be taken by van to the Natural Park in Mafra where you will stay for the rest of your program. You will volunteer for approximately 7 hours a day in the protection of the Wolves and its habitat. A typical morning schedule is as ...

    Typical day

    A typical day would be:

    After the initial orientation in Lisbon, you will be taken by van to the Natural Park in Mafra where you will stay for the rest of your program. You will volunteer for approximately 7 hours a day in the protection of the Wolves and its habitat. A typical morning schedule is as follows:

    08:00 | Breakfast begins at the volunteer house.

    9:00 | Volunteer activities. 

    13:00 | Cook lunch at your wooden house together with the other local and international volunteers.

    15:00 | Volunteer activities.

    19:00 | Cook dinner at your house with the other volunteers. After dinner, you can free to relax and use it as you wish.

    Free-time activities

    Lisbon is near the beach, near the mountain and is a great starting point to get to travel the rest of the country.

    Enjoy climbing in Arrábida, festivals all summer, diving in Peniche, hiking in Monsanto, visit some of the best museums in Europe in Lisbon and Porto, join for a horse ride at the ...

    Free-time activities

    Lisbon is near the beach, near the mountain and is a great starting point to get to travel the rest of the country.

    Enjoy climbing in Arrábida, festivals all summer, diving in Peniche, hiking in Monsanto, visit some of the best museums in Europe in Lisbon and Porto, join for a horse ride at the beach (like in the movies!), visit the fantastic zoo in the Capital, join a great variety of sports at your choice, enjoy swimming and water sports at the pool or at the beach (warning: the water is cold) or participate in yoga classes in relaxing places.

    We can help you to discover anything you might want to do in your free time.

    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 21 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 21 years old on the program start date.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (basic level)

    Criminal Background Check

    required

    Nationality Restrictions

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

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 09:00 - 17:00

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    What’s included?

    • Pick up at the international airport in Lisbon & transfer to the accommodation - on Sunday 

    On Sunday, the ImpacTrip team will be at the airport waiting for you with a big sign and a smile on their face! :)

    If you arrive prior to the Sunday, you will still be able to receive an airport pickup and our team can transport you to the accommodation, but you will need to pay an extra fee for this service.

    • Accommodation at a dormitory at an Impact Beach House, female dormitory, or mixed dormitory in Lisbon for the first 2 nights
    • Transfer to the project site in Mafra
    • Accommodation in a wooden house in the park in Mafra, max. 4 bed dormitory, share use of living room, kitchen and free Wifi
    • Breakfast, lunch, and dinner ONLY for the two nights at Impact Beach House (Local style. Vegetarian, gluten-free, and meals for lactose-intolerant are also available upon request)
      • Meals NOT provided during stay in Mafra
    At the Center, you will be in charge of your own grocery shopping and preparing your meals. The staff is able to take volunteers shopping on Tuesdays and Fridays after lunch. However, they can only take two volunteers at a time so you should be aware that you might go shopping only once a week.

    • Shared use of a common room, outdoor area, garden, and free WIFI
    • Orientation event on arrival (including an introduction to Portugal and culture, volunteer experience, an overview of programs, practical information, safety guidelines)
    • SIM card
    • Guided city tour
    • The best tips to discover the city!
    • Allocation and coordination of a work placement in an impactful non-profit project
    • Introduction on the first day of volunteering
    • Ongoing support throughout the stay
    • 24h/7 emergency support
    • Limited coverage civil liability insurance.

    Airport Pickup at Lisbon Portela Airport

    On Sunday, the ImpacTrip team will be at the airport waiting for you with a big sign and a smile on our face! :)


    If you arrive prior to the Sunday, you will still be able to receive an airport pickup and our team can transport you to the accommodation, but you will need to pay an extra fee for this service.

    We will send a message on whatsapp close to the arrival date, to connect :)

    Accommodation

    Accommodation for volunteers is in wooden houses at the Park located in Mafra. 

    These are small and cozy houses with all the equipment necessary to cook and live comfortably.  The house is equipped with washing machine, oven, fridge/freezer, cooking utensils and cutlery but there is no TV in the house.

    Please note that there are no women/men separation bedroom and both kitchen and bathroom are shared with all occupants. 

    A house can house up to 6 people.

    Food & Beverages

    Meals are provided on the first 2 days of the program, while you are in Lisbon.

    At the Center, you will be in charge of your own grocery shopping and preparing your meals. The staff is able to take volunteers shopping on Tuesdays and Fridays after lunch. However, they can only take two volunteers at a time so you should be aware that you might go shopping only once a week.

    Internet Access

    Limited access at the project site
    You don't have to pay anything yet

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Lisbon Portela Airport (LIS) in Lisbon. We assist you to find cheap flights to Portugal. 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 Portugal provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

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

    Details on arrival

    This program starts every 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month. There are special start dates for this program, please confirm our availability.

    There is very limited availability for this program during the summer.

    This program only accepts bookings for 2 or 4 weeks. 


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

    Program Fees

    $953 per week 2 - 6 weeks Age 21 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES

    Duration

    2 - 6 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
    4.2
    Top Pick
    One of the top picks on Volunteer World, according to travelers
    •
    2025
    I ended up staying in the program for a week. I loved working with the cats and the people there, who were all really sweet. The program ...
    •
    2024
    I recommend this experience to absolutely anyone, it was the best of my life. The first week my placement was in a Skatepark in Cascais, so ...
    Alba Gala Torrero

    Child & Youth Supporter

    Location

    Europe > Southern Europe > Portugal > Mafra - Lisboa

    Meet your project coordinator

    Cristiana
    74
    reviews
    4.18
    Good
    2015
    Founded

    Verified

      Good response rate
    Spoken languages: Portuguese, Spanish, English
    Travel safely by using Volunteer World for your communication and bookings. This way, you can benefit from the Flex Option, Refund Guarantee, and Resolution Support.

    You might also be interested in

    Volunteer Abroad  >  Animals  >  Wildlife Conservation in Portugal
    Contact Cristiana
      Good response rate
    Portuguese, Spanish, English

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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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