Highlights
- Care for animals that have been rescued from unfit or unlawful homes
- Live with a family and work alongside local people
- Make a genuine and worthwhile difference and boost your CV
Help look after mistreated or abused animals in Peru
How you can help
- Prepare food and feed the animals
- Assist with vaccinations
- Help create and improve environments for animals
- Clean the enclosures
- Help vets with check-ups
Why your help is needed
Volunteers work at the Camposanto Santa Rosa zoo near Lima. The 113 hectare shelter
was established in 1998 to home illegally possessed animals that had been rescued
by the Peruvian police and the National Institute of Natural Resources (INRENA).
The refuge is now home to 200 animals, many of which were wild animals that had
been captured and kept as pets. Returning these animals to the wild could not be
considered as doing so might have put them in further danger, risking their health
and welfare. For this reason, the shelter was established in order to give such
animals a place to live.
Camels, deer and numerous other mammals, reptiles and birds are now cared for in
the shelter, and an artificial island at the centre of the 2.8 hectare lagoon has
been built to provide a beautiful home for native birds.
Since 1998, more and more animals have been brought to the shelter and it has had
to be heavily developed since its establishment. Volunteers provide much-needed
support in the shelter, getting involved in all aspects of looking after the animals.
This includes feeding the animals, assisting with vaccinations and cleaning the
enclosures. They also assist in the maintenance and general day-to-day running of
the centre.
The project offers a real opportunity to help vulnerable animals that have been
victims of human interference in the natural world.
How long can I go for? Our Volunteer Peru placements last either
8 or 12 weeks and include a three-day arrival orientation.
Working hours: 4-5 hours a day, 5 days a week
Eligibility: British/Irish, 18+
Volunteers must have a genuine love of nature and must be willing to get their hands
dirty!
Basic Spanish is required. Find out about
BUNAC’s optional Spanish courses.
Book Volunteer
Peru Now!Sign up for the trip of a lifetime!