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  • International volunteering since 2010
  • Rated 9.8/10 on GoAbroad
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Portugal, Porto4.5/5 (2 reviews)

Wildlife shelter in Portugal

In the Portuguese countryside, feed and protect deer, Iberian wolves, lynxes and brown bears at a wildlife shelter that also employs people with disabilities.

Where
Porto, Portugal
Length
From 2 to 12 weeks
Minimum age
18 years old
Language
English basic
Departures
Every Sunday

from €1,840 for 2 weeks

Book my place online

  1. Today€300 deposit per participant, deducted from the price
  2. Within 48 hoursThe team confirms your place, or refunds you in full
  3. 12 weeks before departureThe balance of your stay
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The project

This sustainable wildlife project in Portugal offers a unique opportunity to contribute to wildlife conservation in Europe. Witness, nurture, and safeguard various species such as deer, wild boars, eagles, llamas, Eurasian lynxes, Iberian wolves, European otters, and even brown bears!

Animal Protection in Portugal

Volunteers in this project have the privilege of supporting a nature park that not only has an environmental impact but also integrates individuals with disabilities within the local community. The goal is to rescue animals from mistreatment, illegal trade, and zoos. In this project, we welcome animals, provide care and medical treatment, and place them in an environment where nature thrives.

Working alongside local staff, you will engage in various tasks related to the conservation of wildlife in the reserve. You will also contribute to the farm by taking care of horses, cattle, ducks, pigs, chickens, and more. These tasks include observing animal behavior, forest conservation, habitat maintenance, feeding, and many other seasonal activities.

The organization managing the animal refuge is a social enterprise with a mission to contribute to local development and promote inclusion by integrating individuals with disabilities. This organization plays a vital role in the local community, with 43% of its staff consisting of individuals with disabilities or chronic illnesses.

This wildlife project in Portugal is open to all, but it does require a certain level of physical fitness. If participating in the winter programme, volunteers should be prepared for temperatures ranging from 5 to 15 °C and bring warm clothing. For those joining in the summer, when temperatures range from 25 to 38 °C, comfortable and lightweight clothing is recommended.

A project we follow
Projects chosen with care and followed through regular visits on site.

Accommodation and meals

For the first two nights, volunteers stay in an international youth hostel in Porto. For the rest of the programme, accommodation is provided in a shared apartment in Serra da Lousã (near the animal park).

Meals are prepared daily, offering local cuisine. Special dietary requirements can be accommodated upon request, such as vegetarian, vegan, lactose-free, gluten-free, etc.

Additional information

Volunteers’ Schedule

Volunteers work up to 5 hours per day, depending on the association’s needs. Two days off per week are scheduled (usually on the weekend).

Budget

How long are you going for?

2 weeks

Arrivals every Sunday in Porto

Total programme budget€1,840

That is, per week€920

Each extra week

Check availability for 2 weeks

What is included

  • Airport pick-up in Porto and transfer to the accommodation
  • Accommodation 2 nights in Porto
  • Accommodation on the project and 3 meals a day (local style)
  • European Youth Card, giving discounts all over Europe
  • Sustainable project with supervision and equipment
  • 24/7 assistance

Not included

  • Flights
  • Travel and repatriation insurance
  • Local transport between Porto and the project (bus)

Where your money goes
Donations are reinvested in full and directly into the local associations. How the costs break down

How to fund my project

See the budget week by week
LengthTotal programme budget

Getting ready to leave

Your application

An up-to-date CV and a cover letter describing your background and what brings you here.

Conditions to take part

Documents required to reserve a spot in the programme:

  • Registration form with your contact details and travel dates (which will be sent via email).
  • Dietary preferences/allergies.
  • Passport scan.

Insurance

For any project abroad, Freepackers requires travel insurance covering accidents, illness, repatriation and third-party liability. With Chapka Cap Student, you get 5% off.

Online language lessons

With Clic Campus: video lessons and an e-learning platform, from home.

Wildlife shelter in Portugal8 photos

So, why not you?Travel to be useful, on ground we know.Find my programme

Line drawing: a beach and its turtle, a mangrove, two backpackers, a school on a hillside, a giraffe and an elephant under an acacia