VOLUNTEER: Care for rescued wildlife in Peru

Name: Pilpintuwasi
Country: Peru
Type: Animals
Minimum stay: One month
Cost: Donation, £50

Food and accommodation are not provided. Accommodation in the village costs approximately £70 per week.

About the project:

Located in the village of Padre Cocha (20 minutes outside of Iquitos), the Animal Orphange Pilpintuwasi is a not-for-profit that’s dedicated to protecting animals affected by Iquitos’ poaching and trafficking industry.

Working with the ecological police, the centre takes in animals confiscated from markets, airports and homes, and treats them for injuries and malnourishment. Once recovered, the animals live on the centre’s 20 hectares of land, either cage-free or in enclosures designed to resemble their natural habitat.

The centre is currently home to various monkey species, capybara, ocelot, jaguars and more, as well as a butterfly breeding programme.

What you’ll be doing:

As well as maintaining the centre, feeding the animals and helping prepare enrichment activities, volunteers are needed to lead daily educational tours of the centre (particularly fluent English speakers).

Usually, volunteers will work Tuesday to Sunday from 8.30am to 4pm, although this schedule is flexible. Activities change every day, and we’re always open to new ideas from the volunteers!

Desired skills:

Just bring your enthusiasm!