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Excellent 4.80rating (192)
  • Life On Land

Wolf Sanctuary Caretaker

location
2 - 4 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • The wolves are of paramount importance as they contribute not only for the protection of the target species but all others that interact with it.
  • Opportunity to observe a wolf for the first time in semi-natural conditions.
  • Become a volunteer and assist by providing care for wolves that cannot live in the wild and enjoy visiting beautiful Portugal!

Highlights

  • The wolves are of paramount importance as they contribute not only for the protection of the target species but all others that interact with it.
  • Opportunity to observe a wolf for the first time in semi-natural conditions.
  • Become a volunteer and assist by providing care for wolves that cannot live in the wild and enjoy visiting beautiful Portugal!
  • Improve your Portguese
  • Meet new friends!
    • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Families
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    Join our Wolf conservation and sanctuary project in Portugal to help care and rehabilitate Iberian wolves that can not be released back in to the wild!

    Join our Wolf conservation and sanctuary project to help careand rehabilitate Iberian wolves that can not be released back in to the wild. Iberian wolves are being threatened by the intense persecution driven by the human population. Wolves need adequate refuge and wildlife preys to survive but with ...

    About the program

    Join our Wolf conservation and sanctuary project to help careand rehabilitate Iberian wolves that can not be released back in to the wild. Iberian wolves are being threatened by the intense persecution driven by the human population. Wolves need adequate refuge and wildlife preys to survive but with the growing population of farms, protection of livestock is priority. The organizations main efforts are divided by running a sanctuary for wolves that can not be released back in to the wild as well as protecting and conservating existing wolves in the wild. The volunteers main focus is the Wolf Sanctuary. 

    Wolves, like all other wildlife, have a right to exist in a wild state in viable populations. This right is in no way related to their known value to mankind. Instead, it derives from the right of all living creatures to co-exist with man as a part of natural ecosystems. " (Manifesto and guidelines on wolf conservation)

    This is an amazing opportunity to understand the ecological and socioeconomic conditions essential for effective conservation of the wolf population in Portugal, together with the public awareness. Experience living off the grid while helping with the daily routine to provide the best captive conditions for wolves that cannot live in the wild: victims of trapping, abuse, and illegal captivity or those coming from other zoos or parks. These wolves who find refuge here are true ambassadors of wolves in nature, contributing to public awareness to conservation of the last big carnivore of this country.! 

    Typical day

    Volunteers and Interns are the backbone and the main force that pushes the organization forward. Attitude is the first thing the project looks at. It is always important to show respect, take initiative, ask questions and to get involved in all the activities that are done at the project. 

    You will ...

    Typical day

    Volunteers and Interns are the backbone and the main force that pushes the organization forward. Attitude is the first thing the project looks at. It is always important to show respect, take initiative, ask questions and to get involved in all the activities that are done at the project. 

    You will take part in some of the following tasks:

    • preparation of food and feeding and providing water to the wolves: helping on handling the meat and giving it to the wolves, checking the wolves’ water supplies (during summer at least 3 times a day). Food preparation involves handling and cutting raw meat.
    • monitoring and observation of the wolves.
    • site maintenance (e.g. picking litter, forest clearing, digging, painting, cleaning, etc only in winter); - during the summer months (June to October) fire watch - can include night rounds.
    • Forest maintenance (70% of the time of your time) tree felling and pruning removal of branches and other materials and subsequent burning vegetation clearing using agricultural tools like hoes and scythes and so on (mainly during winter). During the summer (May to October) fire watch can include night rounds.
    • Infrastructures maintenance checking enclosure’s walls and fences, painting pathways improvement.
    • Be flexible and help out with any new tasks that come up
    • Enjoy your time and volunteer knowing all your tasks help with this great cause.

    Free-time activities

    Your weekend are off and you have plenty off time to visit the nearby country side or visit the coast!

    Free-time activities

    Your weekend are off and you have plenty off time to visit the nearby country side or visit the coast!

    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 (intermediate level)

    Required Documents

    CV, Letter of motivation, Application Form, 2 pictures and Liability Waiver and Volunteer Policy forms (provided during application process)

    Nationality Restrictions

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

    Other Skills

    Flexible, initiative, outgoing, teamworker

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 09:00 - 18:00

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    Placement
    Wolf Conservation & Sanctuary
    Pick Up
    We pick up the volunteers at the closest bus stop (Vale da Guarda). Volunteers must arrive at the pick-up point between 2 and 4 pm.
    Accommodation
    You’ll be staying in a shared wooden Cabins with other volunteers.
    Meals
    Meals are not included. However the project will arrange transportation to the nearest grocery store. Your food can be prepared individually and as a group. You are responsible for preparing and buying your own meals.
    Ongoing service
    If there are any problems with your volunteer project we are always there to help you and mediate between yourself and the organization.
    Tours
    Through FRONTEERING you have the possibility to book tours in Scotland after you have finished your volunteer project.
    24/7 Emergency contact
    If there are any problems during you stay in Portugal you can reach us 24/7 to assist you.
    What's not included: flights, Meals and Insurance.



    Accommodation

    There is no women/men separation and both kitchen and bathroom are shared by all occupants. Volunteers will stay in wooden houses, The houses are equipped with washing machine, stove, oven, microwave, fridge/freezer and cooking utensils. We provide towels and blankets.

    Internet Access

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

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Airport Pickup at Lisbon Portela Airport

    An airport pickup isn't included within the program fees either.

    Food & Beverages

    Food, snacks or beverages are at extra costs.

    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

    Key start dates are From February till the end of November each year (book early in advance to be assured of a volunteer placement).

    Volunteers work 7 hours daily starting at 9 am and finishing at 6 pm (with 2 hours lunch time) During the summer the schedule can be changed and the work day start earlier and finish later with a large break on hottest hours of the day Volunteers can have 2 days off (weekends usually), but extra days are possible if requested.

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

    Program Fees

    $760 per week 2 - 4 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES

    Duration

    2 - 4 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
    4.8
    Top Pick
    One of the top picks on Volunteer World, according to travelers
    •
    2025
    I’m Tijm, 20, from the Netherlands, and I spent two weeks volunteering at a wolf sanctuary in Portugal. It was honestly amazing. The work ...
    Tijm van Kruiningen

    Wolf Sanctuary Caretaker

    •
    2024
    I spent 4 weeks at a wolf sanctuary in Portugal. It was honestly such an amazing experience. The sanctuary’s in the middle of beautiful ...
    Alice Corkney

    Wolf Sanctuary Caretaker

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    2026
    My experience at Seacliff stables was second to none. Everyone was warm and welcoming, making me feel at ease right away. Working with the ...
    Tyler Caldwell

    Horse & Ranch Caretaker

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    2026
    I traveled to the ranch in January and had a really good time. I do recommend to take some lessons back home if you have not ridden for a ...
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    Location

    Europe > Southern Europe > Portugal > Gradil

    Meet your project coordinator

    Patrick
    192
    reviews
    4.80
    Excellent
    2010
    Founded

    Verified

      Very high response rate
    Spoken languages: German, Dutch, English
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    You might also be interested in

    Volunteer Abroad  >  Animals  >  Wildlife Conservation in Portugal
    Contact Patrick
      Very high response rate
    German, Dutch, English

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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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