Wildlife Refuge in Bolivia

  Bolivia

Cochabamba

Term: Fall, Spring, Summer, Throughout the year, Winter 
Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks, 3-6 months, 7-12 months, 1-2 years and over 2 years
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: Year Round

Description: Work with endangered species at a wildlife refuge in the Bolivian jungle. Work varies greatly, from tending sick or newly arrived monkeys to preparing birds for their return to the wild, or even walking some of the wild cats. Volunteers also guide visitors who are visiting the reserve, giving explanations about the animals and the importance of wildlife and habitat preservation.

Long term volunteers are welcomed and needed.

Highlights: The refuge houses about 200 monkeys of six different species (spider, capuchin, squirrel, nocturnal, titi and tamarin). They also have dozens of birds, from toucans to hawks to the big macaws, as well as coatis, turtles, snakes (at times) and a few wild cats (ocelots, pumas and a jaguar). Many of the animals are of endangered species.

Here's what a previous volunteer had to say about some unexpected perks: "Oh yeah - the jungle, some of the people I met, being licked by a puma, getting a good scar..."

Qualifications: Motivated, self starters, who won't shy away from sometimes messy work. Basic knowledge of the Spanish language is not necessary, but recommended.

Cost in US$: $750 plus living and travel expenses

Cost for volunteer housing is $100 or $120 (US) for the first two weeks, then $4 to $6 (US) per night after that, depending on your housing choice.

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Typically our volunteers are gap year students aged 17-25. Volunteers placed by our organization are eager, outgoing, take initiative and are dedicated to international and local service work. Our volunteer placements are geared towards the backpacker traveling lifestyle.

Age Range: 17-35

This Program is open to American, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Bolivia Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• Phone Interview
• Resume
• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Job and Internship Network
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

LEAPNOW: Transforming Education's Mission Statement: Leapnow's primary purpose is nothing less than transformation and positive change on the planet. We aspire to keep our work on the cutting edge of human evolution. We feel that we can have the most positive impact on the world by working in the area of education- which ideally is all about transforming and expanding the consciousness of our students. Cultural immersion, study and work abroad are our main vehicles for learning about one's self and the world.

Year Founded: 1993