Become a Wildlife Volunteer: Make a Difference in Animal Conservation

There are various ways to volunteer for wildlife conservation efforts, such as animal care at wildlife rehabilitation centers, habitat restoration and monitoring, and public education and outreach. We are here to provide information on both local and international organizations that offer these types of opportunities, their requirements for volunteers, and how to get started on your volunteering journey. Whether you have a zoo or rehabilitation center nearby in mind or dreams of India, Costa Rica, Thailand or other exotic locations, we can help give you an outline of what to expect, and how to move forward. 

Nature of Wildlife Volunteering

Wildlife volunteering is an excellent opportunity to connect with nature and make a meaningful contribution towards animal conservation. Volunteers work alongside trained professionals, as a team, in various capacities, observing and assisting wildlife caretakers as they work to support the needs of injured or sick animals. Wildlife volunteering can take on many forms- from working with animal shelters to monitoring wildlife migrations or supporting conservation research projects.

One anecdote that comes to mind when thinking about the nature of wildlife volunteering is my own experience volunteering for a local bird sanctuary in my hometown. I remember how rewarding it was to see the birds recovering from their injuries over time, and how I felt like I was making a small, yet meaningful contribution to my community. Through this experience, I learned firsthand how passionate and dedicated the individuals working in the field are about wildlife conservation.

Wildlife volunteers can also help raise awareness about the threats faced by various species and ecosystems. In addition to hands-on work with wildlife, volunteers can engage in educational outreach programs, providing valuable information to people on how they can do their part in conserving natural resources and habitats.

For instance, Florida Wildlife Hospital (FWH) provides opportunities for volunteers to learn about native wildlife and make a difference in their community. Volunteers have access to online educational material and regular training sessions. After attending these sessions, they become able to deliver public speeches on ecological sustainability and animal welfare issues.
The work of wildlife volunteers contributes significantly towards translating conservation ideas into concrete actions on the ground. In 2022, FWH volunteers contributed over 15,460 hours towards animal conservation efforts alone. With more individuals actively participating in this noble cause, we can create greater awareness and collective action on issues related to conservation.

Given all these benefits and the impact it creates on our ecosystem, understanding what roles and responsibilities a would-be volunteer may need to undertake becomes important.

• Wildlife volunteering offers a variety of opportunities to connect with nature and contribute towards animal conservation efforts. Volunteers can work in various capacities, from supporting animal shelters to monitoring migrations or assisting with conservation research projects. Volunteering also provides the opportunity to raise awareness about conservation issues and engage in educational outreach programs. By actively participating in this noble cause, we can create greater awareness and collective action on issues related to conservation, which can have a significant impact on our ecosystem. Understanding roles and responsibilities as a would-be volunteer is key to making the most of this experience.

Roles and Responsibilities of a Wildlife Volunteer

Wildlife volunteers are entrusted with a variety of responsibilities, depending on their area of specialization and the organization they choose to work with. At the most basic level, volunteers must show up for their shifts on time, adhere to instructions provided by coordinators, and keep accurate records of their activities. Beyond that, the roles of wildlife volunteers can vary significantly.

One such role is support staff who assist animal caregivers in meeting the basic health and welfare needs of wildlife. For example, at the FWH nursery, volunteers get involved in laundry tasks, dish wash-up, tortoise care, cleaning enclosures, as well as preparing diets for injured animals. Food preparation can be a time-consuming task, but, of course, is vital to a smooth running center. Similarly, groundskeeper volunteers are responsible for more than simply lawn maintenance. Groundskeepers may need volunteer assistance with removing intrusive plants and trees, or collecting samples of soil and water for testing. 

Volunteers can also help with education and outreach programs. Thousands of visitors to facilities and zoos and rehabilitation centers can be a captive audience to be educated on climate change, pollution, and biodiversity. Educating the public is important, humans who know more, care more, and will go home with new knowledge to share with their families. Helpful tips on what the general public can do, like recycling, reducing pollution, choosing products wisely, can go a long way in conservation efforts. 

Volunteer duties may also include monitoring specific behaviors or collecting data about animal populations. For example, depending on the specifications defined for the research project, one may need to record wildlife sighting locations on a map or document specific behaviors they exhibit. These kinds of data are crucial for conserving species and developing action plans to protect them from further decline. A volunteer’s assistance in recording this data could have a big impact on protecting the wildlife population.

In Kruger National Park (South Africa), volunteer rangers patrol in certain areas to provide greater safety for both tourists as well as wildlife. They carry out anti-poaching measures like locating snares set up by poachers targeting endangered species like rhinoceroses.

However, there can sometimes be some conflicting opinions when it comes to executing responsibilities like this. For instance, in many countries, volunteer activities involve feeding wildlife- something which many experts have identified as problematic because it could eventually alter animal behavior towards unnatural risks & situations associated with human activities.

Nevertheless, it’s clear that volunteering provides an opportunity to experience nature at its most basic level while contributing to efforts aimed at ensuring our planet’s natural resources remain intact for future generations. For those seeking to contribute in small ways that make a significant difference to our wildlife, wildlife volunteering offers an excellent opportunity.

In the next section, we’ll explore how to select the right organization to work with and what to expect during the application process.

Personal and Educational Benefits

Volunteering in wildlife conservation can bring a lot of personal and educational benefits. Not only do you get to work with amazing wildlife up close, but also learn about the ecological significance of wildlife conservation efforts and how they impact our environment, and our world.

For instance, volunteers at Florida Wildlife Hospital (FWH) are exposed to a diverse range of animal species, which allows them to understand the characteristics of each and every species, their natural habitat, diet, behavior, and conservation needs. Volunteers also learn how to provide supportive care for injured or orphaned wildlife such as birds of prey, turtles, pelicans, raccoons and others. This knowledge helps in making volunteers feel more connected to wild animals on a deeper level and enhances their appreciation for nature.

In addition to hands-on learning opportunities, volunteering in wildlife conservation can enhance an individual’s personal growth. Volunteering provides opportunities to challenge oneself by learning new skills that may not be available in a typical job setting, such as animal handling techniques, animal feeding protocols or medical skills. Further, it provides ways for individuals to develop leadership skills by taking charge of tasks assigned to them.

Some people believe that volunteering requires too much time and effort without any significant gain. But this is not true when it comes to animal conservation volunteering, which provides an opportunity to make a significant contribution towards saving our planet’s imperiled fauna. Volunteering gives the chance to play an active role in enhancing community welfare and environmental sustainability by supporting conservation-focused non-profit organizations.
To put this into perspective: wildlife species worldwide are facing multiple threats such as overexploitation, habitat loss and degradation caused by human activities. By volunteering time towards their restoration and maintenance through nonprofit organizations, their lives are being protected for us now and future generations.

Now that you know about the personal and educational benefits of volunteering in wildlife conservation, it’s time to explore how to find the right volunteer opportunity that fits your life.

Finding the Right Wildlife Volunteer Opportunity

Before applying for any volunteer position, it is crucial to take a few extra steps to ensure that your experience will be enriching as well as that you are applying your skills to their fullest potential. Even a modest organization will spend time and resources training new volunteers, so before applying, do some research on having proper criteria in mind.

Try to determine if the non-profit organization’s objectives align with your values and morals. Typically, respected animal conservation organizations have clear and achievable goals with an honest approach towards reaching them. A reputable organization should also be transparent in its use of donations and funds raised.

At many organizations, volunteers can participate in activities such as nursery work, which includes daily cleaning of cages, preparing food, feeding animals according to diet plans and managing laundry duties. Groundskeeper volunteers monitor fence lines, maintain weed situations around volunteer areas and assist in grass cutting processes. Public Speaking volunteers teach the public through disseminating information at events/trade shows or directly visiting places like schools.

Another consideration while choosing a wildlife volunteering opportunity is the frequency of interaction with wildlife. It is good to know that not all volunteer positions allow direct hands-on animal interaction, since many animal species require minimal human contact, for their own protection, even during the rehabilitation process.

An opportunity offered by WILDLife Africa Trust allows people to participate in conservation efforts that involve radio-collaring elephants so researchers can follow their movements and learn their patterns prior to foraging destruction.

Think of finding the right wildlife volunteering opportunity, like dating. Before committing wholeheartedly, research all available options (just like swiping-left on Tinder). Then get acquainted with your potential match by reading reviews and other available information. Determine if it sparks your interest, and aligns with your passions and complements your skills.

Now you have a good idea of the benefits, how to find positions that align with your values and necessary criteria, and now we will explore the journey of becoming a wildlife volunteer.

Recognizing Reputable Wildlife Organizations

Making a difference through wildlife volunteering can be an incredibly fulfilling and rewarding experience. However, before signing up for any organization, it’s important to recognize the importance of identifying reputable wildlife organizations.

In order to ensure that your efforts and resources are making a tangible impact on animal conservation, it is crucial to research and vet potential organizations carefully. One of the first indicators of a reputable wildlife organization is whether they have received certification or accreditation from recognized industry associations such as The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) or the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).

Beyond recognizing any certifications that an organization has obtained, it’s also important to do independent research on the organization’s practices. Websites like Charity Navigator or EcoWatch can offer insight into any red flags related to an organization’s financial management or general mission. Additionally, reading reviews from past volunteers can provide insight into the overall volunteer experience and effectiveness of volunteer opportunities.

When considering any placement program for volunteering overseas, there is a growing concern about what is coined as “voluntourism.” This often refers to popular programs where volunteer work is combined with exploration and vacations in developing countries – some argue this type of tourism does more harm than good by ignoring local culture, values, economy, and pushing out local members trained for skilled jobs due to large numbers of foreign volunteers with no marketable or transferable skills.

As a responsible traveler and volunteer abroad, it’s essential to understand how your guide will be taking you through the different scenarios so you do not cause unintended harm at your destinations. Thus, researching whether an organization adheres to ethical volunteer practices should be at the forefront of every prospective wildlife volunteer’s mind.

On this front, many reputable organizations are now adopting policies that prioritize ethical volunteer practices without compromising the goals they aim to achieve in global conservation efforts.
For example, before volunteering with Plan My Gap Year in Tanzania, potential volunteers are required to undergo a background check and provide references before any placement is confirmed. Moreover, potential volunteers must undergo cultural awareness training to better understand how the community aspects of their volunteer work fit into long-standing cultural practices of the country.

Just as you would do research on the best restaurants or hotels in a new area when planning a vacation, it’s critical to take the time to understand which organizations can make the greatest impact and are most aligned with your personal values when it comes to animal conservation efforts. In short, researching and vetting potential wildlife organizations should be viewed as an integral first step in becoming a successful and impactful wildlife volunteer.

The Journey to Becoming a Wildlife Volunteer

Now that you’ve researched and identified reputable wildlife organizations, it’s time to dive into what you need to do in order to become a dedicated wildlife volunteer. Many reputable organizations offer structured volunteer programs that outline clear expectations for time commitments, roles and responsibilities, and educational opportunities.

Before applying for any volunteer opportunity, it’s important to carefully review these program details and assess whether they align with your personal career or educational goals. It’s also important to take note of any qualification requirements for specific roles within the organization (e.g., certain experience levels or relevant certifications).

Once you’ve identified your target organization’s volunteer specifics, typically your next step is completing an online application process. Be prepared to provide comprehensive information about your personal background, skills, experience working with animals if applicable, and other related information required.

As part of the application process, some organizations like Florida Wildlife Hospital (FWH) require all applicants, regardless of age or skill level, to pass criminal background checks which can include a state records search and/or FBI fingerprint based criminal history check. Beyond this requirement, FWH runs potential candidates through an online orientation and requires a 3-hour training day before they can start any volunteer work.

It’s essential to remember that wildlife volunteering isn’t just sunshine and daisies, but like any volunteer work, choosing the right placement and committing to the role is key to making an impact. The journey won’t be linear and while some organizations may present more opportunities for working with specific animals or in certain habitats, it’s important to remember that every position you hold within a reputable organization can contribute to its overall goals.

When someone decides to pursue their passion for animal care by volunteering, say with the Wildlife Conservation Society in Kenya, they should expect a challenging experience. However, learning the ins and outs and participating in things like, assisting rangers with anti-poaching patrols and educating local schoolchildren about conservation, there is immense empowerment and a sense of contribution that is truly life-changing.

Understanding the Application Process

Becoming a wildlife volunteer can be one of the most rewarding experiences a person can have in their lifetime. Whether your passion is to work with animals, protect habitats, or educate others about conservation efforts, there are numerous opportunities available for those who want a way to give back and make a difference.

However, before you start your volunteer journey, it is essential to understand the application process. Wildlife organizations value their volunteers’ contributions and entrust them with significant responsibilities in caring for injured and sick animals. That is why their application process goes through several steps to ensure that only dedicated and committed individuals take on this responsibility.

The first step in applying for a wildlife volunteer position is submitting an online application form for the specific place you would like to volunteer. This form will ask basic questions such as your contact information, work experience, availability, and background check consent. It’s vital to take care when answering questions as this information helps the organization gauge whether you are a good fit for their specific needs.

After submitting your application, you’ll be invited to attend an online orientation session where you’ll learn more about the program’s expectations, mission statement, policies, protocols, and guidelines. During this orientation, you’ll hear firsthand from current wildlife volunteers about their work experiences, and best practices while working with animals. Examples of do’s and don’ts while working with animals will be helpful as well.

You will also likely be required to attend a training day at the facility where you will receive guidance on animal care standard procedures; animal behavior observation techniques; feeding practices; medical recordkeeping skills; and hands-on practical demonstrations by field experts.

Now, once every step is satisfactorily completed, including signing a release, you will begin services as an official wildlife volunteer!

Commitment Expectations and Volunteer Guidelines

Wildlife organizations demand a high level of commitment from their volunteers because they depend on them to maintain the animals’ health, safety, and rehabilitation process. Therefore, before making the decision to apply as a volunteer, it’s important to understand the expectations involved and if you are capable of doing what is expected of you. 

One aspect that may limit potential volunteers from participating is the minimum time commitment requirement. While this might put off some individuals who have busy schedules or other obligations, it’s crucial to remember that volunteer work is as important as any paid job where regular attendance is essential.

Another expectation is, of course, punctuality. By working in shifts at predetermined times and days of the week, volunteers need to be accountable for their commitments and arrive on time.There may be rhinos, or orangutans, or any number of species dependent upon your duties being completed on time. 

In addition to time commitment and punctuality demands, wildlife organizations expect volunteers who come with an open mind, ready to learn and collaborate with others in creating an inclusive environment for work productivity. Think about volunteering, like joining sports teams— each person has his/her unique strengths and weaknesses but must work together seamlessly for a common goal. Your supervisor will likely assign duties according to your skills set but also help you learn new things while on-site.

To conclude, upon understanding the application process and commitment requirements, volunteering for animal conservation takes dedication, hard work, and sacrifice. However,the rewards go beyond tangible benefits such as the satisfaction of helping animals or participating in a worthy cause. Volunteering opens up opportunities to meet like-minded people, learn new skills and knowledge about wildlife, take part in educational outreach programs, and create enjoyable memories that last a lifetime. Volunteer positions could potentially lead to internships, or other enriching opportunities for those passionate about saving wildlife. 

Environmental Benefits of Wildlife Volunteer Work

Whether you spend your volunteer time in the jungles of Thailand benefiting big cats and majestic elephants, or in Peru with giant otters and jaquars; the effects of your time and energy are immediately known. You can directly impact the lives of animals on the brink of extinction. The work you do is vital and important beyond the physical and tangible; think of the influence you can have on your own network of people. Sharing your experience, whether it be with close family and friends or in a broader sense through instagram or Twitter, you can bring light to these issues and encourage others to do their part, whether large or small. 

You can make a big difference by working on sustainability projects throughout the world. Conservation efforts must be made if we are to counter the effects of climate change, air pollution, deforestation, etc. This volunteer work can help protect vital biodiversity and promote development that is sustainable and environmentally sound.