Wildlife Conservation Volunteering Abroad

The natural world is as beautiful as it is fragile, and it needs your help. Our wildlife conservation volunteering projects give you the chance to experience nature like never before while protecting and preserving our planet. So, grab your backpack — you’re going on an adventure.

Our conservation volunteer projects cover an incredible range of species and environments, from mountains to the islands that inspired Charles Darwin to ponder the origin of species. If you want to experience working with animals abroad, you could:

research and protect lions and giraffes in a famous Kenyan nature reserve
feed and monitor the gentle Galapagos giant tortoises with exclusive access to the Galapagos national park
rehabilitate rainforest species like Peruvian spider monkeys in the heart of the Amazon Rainforest
protect majestic greater one-horned rhinos in Chitwan National Park, Nepal
and much more!

More interested in aquatic adventures? Prefer sharks to sloths or turtles over tortoises? Then dive into our marine conservation volunteering opportunities instead!

Can’t find what you’re looking for?

Looking for something a little different or have some questions you need answering? Our team is here to help — get in touch!

(+1) 619 320 2424

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to start planning your project

What will I do while conservation volunteering abroad?

You’ll learn from and support professional environmentalists and scientists, as well as people from the local community. You will embark on a safe, ethical, and sustainable environmental volunteering project that has a real impact on the planet.

In addition to making a difference, you’ll develop important skills for working in wildlife conservation and developing your CV. These include soft skills, like communication or independence, along with hard skills like building an understanding of reforestation efforts and scientific research methods.

We’re here to help you choose the project that lets you pursue your passion for animals and nature. Read more about our best animal volunteer projects abroad on our blog or get in touch with a Project Expert to discuss your options!

Who is this for?

Our environment and conservation volunteering projects are ideal for people who want to do animal volunteering abroad and carry out fieldwork in fascinating environments. You’ll be given the relevant training when you arrive, like reforestation techniques or setting camera traps, so there’s no need for previous experience. A passion for wildlife conservation and your explorer’s hat are great starting points!

Get ready to make a difference — these projects are a great fit for anyone interested in the outdoors and in animal conservation volunteer work. While volunteering abroad, you'll be at the forefront of protecting our planet. From educating local communities to conducting vital research and planting trees to help reforestation efforts, your work will have a real impact.

If you're looking to complete a conservation internship abroad instead, we've got just the thing. Read our blog on Wildlife Conservation internships, where we give you the low down on the practical opportunities we provide on our Animal Conservation Projects.

If you’re interested in volunteer work with animals abroad, but feel a Conservation & Environment Project isn’t right for you, you may be interested in our Veterinary Medicine Projects. Read our full list of projects for volunteering abroad.

Projects Abroad gave us a detailed and extensive training session regarding all the conservation projects we would be involved in. They explained all the activities and pointed out the relevance of these projects in protecting and monitoring the unique species of the Galapagos. It's inspiring to know that Projects Abroad is making a real and concrete difference in such an extraordinary ecosystem, as well as how they are helping the development of the community as a whole on the island. - Bianca R, Giant Tortoise and Sea Lion Conservation in the Galapagos Islands

A leopard spotted by volunteers at the Wildlife Conservation Project in Botswana.

What will I gain from conservation volunteering abroad?

By volunteering with animals in the heart of natural environments, you’ll support a local community while also developing your own skills.

Here are just some of the benefits that our previous volunteers talk about:

Knowledge of practical conservation and environmental sciences.
Soft skills like teamwork, communication, leadership, resilience, organization, planning, and time management.
The ability to work and empathize with people of different cultures and backgrounds, helping develop a ‘global mindset’.
Confidence from pushing past your comfort zone.

All of the above will enhance your resume, college applications, and personal development.

Gain Academic Credit

As a wildlife volunteer, you can sign up for our Diploma in International Volunteering. This has the option to specialize in Wildlife Conservation, designed to pair perfectly with our animal volunteer programs. You’ll gain academic credit while you volunteer, giving your university applications an extra boost.

"The staff were easy to get on with, the project was fun and rewarding, the meals were delicious and the activities during the weekends were entertaining. I felt like the staff really wanted you to have a good experience, helping to organise weekend excursions for you and coming with you to the city or the local town. If I had the chance I would do it again in a heartbeat, and I would change nothing." — Jake M, African Savannah Conservation in Kenya

Why does wildlife conservation volunteering abroad matter?

Protecting our planet is more important than ever. As the human population increases, natural habitats and resources decrease. This has a devastating impact on wildlife and vulnerable ecosystems, and will affect human life too.

In today’s fast-paced society, it’s easy to feel like part of the problem rather than the solution. Now’s the time to start making a worthwhile contribution.

A group of Projects Abroad volunteers stand behind a large pile of wood collected as part of our wildlife conservation efforts in the Galapagos Islands

Can I do a conservation trip with my family?

Absolutely — family conservation vacations are a popular and rewarding alternative to traditional trips abroad. You can enjoy a truly memorable bonding experience while:

exploring new cultures
contributing towards positive global change
providing vital learning opportunities to your children
being fully looked after by dedicated Projects Abroad staff

Find out more about our family volunteering vacations or get in touch to discuss your needs!

How are our animal volunteer opportunities different?

At Projects Abroad, our first aim is to benefit the communities and environments we work in. You can be assured that your project is ethical, well-supported, and part of a better future. Here are just a few elements of our work that set it apart from other wildlife volunteer opportunities abroad:

Be fully supported by staff

You’ll work alongside members of the local community and Projects Abroad staff. You’ll also be part of a wider network of volunteers. In each project, there is a full-time member of staff whose job it is to support our volunteers. They’ll work with you to make sure you spend your time in a way that genuinely makes an impact and brings value to the project you visit.

In addition, many of our staff at Conservation Projects are experts in the field, with years of training and practical experience under their belts.

Projects that have an impact

All our projects are well-researched, targeted, and sustainable. We aim to make a long-term difference to the communities and the animal species we work with. This means that even if you only go for two weeks, you’re contributing to the bigger picture with the help of every other volunteer on that project.

Read our Impact Report for more information, broken down by year.

A group of Projects Abroad Conservation volunteers listen to a staff member explain an activity outdoors at their project.

Our Animal Protection Policy

We take protecting the animals and wildlife we work with very seriously. That’s why we’ve put together a comprehensive Animal Protection Policy to help guide our animal volunteer programs abroad.

Projects Abroad volunteers work together with our conservation partner organisations to protect the environment.

Next Steps

Choose a Project

Not quite what you’re looking for?

Take a look at the following pages where you'll find collections of similar projects:

An archaeologist closely examines an artefact during one of our Archaeology opportunities abroad in Peru.

Volunteer Archaeology Digs Abroad

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Volunteer Building Work Abroad

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During volunteer work abroad with children in Ecuador a young child swings on the playground while a volunteer supervises

Childcare Volunteer Opportunities Abroad

Volunteer abroad to support children in developing countries

Three Projects Abroad divers swim alongside the camera, taking part in vital marine conservation work in Thailand

Projects: Marine Conservation Volunteer Abroad

Work as a marine conservation volunteer on vital projects around the world

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Refugee Volunteer Support Abroad

As a refugee volunteer abroad, you’ll make sure people receive the dignity they deserve as they seek a better life. Help with English lessons, medical outreaches and more.