Wolf Sanctuary in Portugal

  Portugal

• Other Cities in Portugal: 
Lisbon

Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks

Description: Volunteers are needed to help conserve and protect one of nature's the most beautiful and mysterious species - the Iberian wolf.

At present, the number of wolves on the whole of the Iberian Peninsula is an estimated 2000, 300 of which are in Portugal. Throughout the 19th century, the wolf thrived in virtually all of Portugal's national territory. The decline in wolf population has been marked since 1910. Today, despite the wolf's conservation status, several studies suggest that the wolf population in Portugal still continues to decrease. The main causes for the decline of the wolf population are the direct persecution by humans and the extermination of the wolf's natural wild prey - red deer and roe deer. The decline is worsened by the fragmentation and destruction of the wolf's habitat and by the increasing numbers of feral/stray dogs, that compete for food.

As a volunteer in this project, you will work in a 17 hectare recovery center and help maintain an adequate captivity environment for wolves, that are no longer able to live in the wild. You will live in a comfortable chalet surrounded by beautiful scenery and get to know people from the around the world.

Highlights: As a volunteer, you will have time to explore and enjoy the beautiful region of Portugal's north Atlantic coastline and forests. You may take an excursion to the nearest beach (20km away) or visit the nearby town of Marfa, rich in cultural heritage. A night out in Lisbon may be arranged with the other volunteers.

Qualifications:    
* Min age 18
* Basic English
* Good physical fitness
* Motivation to work with animals
* Full travel & medical insurance
* Immunizations (please consult your doctor)

Cost in US$: USD 610 for 2 weeks

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

GoEco's Mission Statement: (1) Encourage ecological and volunteer tourism that promotes sustainable development (2) Enable travelers to experience different and more rewarding kinds of tourism. (3) Encourage travelers to volunteer for the benefit of others and thus to serve as a good-will ambassador to other countries in the world. (4) Encourage travelers from all over the world to come to Israel for ecological and community-based projects, in both the Arab and Jewish sectors, and experience firsthand the unique cultural and natural diversity in this region. (5) Support environmental and humanitarian projects that promote understanding and good will between ethnic societies in Israel. (6) Conduct further research in the field of ecological tourism, such as the 'Ecological Footprint' as a tool for sustainable tourism development. (7) Establish an in-depth and up-to-date data base of the relevant projects worldwide. (8) Create a platform from which to explore the various organizations that support the environment and actively encourage volunteering.