Biological Park Conservation
Join the Biological Park Conservation project in Portugal to volunteer at a nature center housing a wide range of wild animals. Learn about biodiversity preservation and help promote biophilia and awareness among visitors.
The park is dedicated to conserving native species, featuring the largest enclosed wild fauna in the country. It houses 375 species, including rare animals like lynxes and Iberian wolves, and various native plants. The park also employs a significant number of staff with disabilities or chronic illnesses, showcasing its commitment to inclusivity.
When volunteering in winter, prepare for lower temperatures between 40-60°F (5-15°C) and bring warm clothing. In summer, expect temperatures between 77-100ºF (25-38ºC) and wear comfortable, light clothing. The project is based in an ecological park in Miranda do Corvo, a historic town in the old district of Coimbra, central Portugal. It’s about 4 hours from Lisbon by public transport or a 2.5-hour drive by car.
What to Expect:
- Wildlife Conservation: Help care for animals and maintain their enclosures.
- Nature Preservation: Participate in general nature preservation tasks.
- Community Engagement: Work with a diverse team, including staff with disabilities.
Daily Tasks:
- Maintenance: Check and repair enclosure walls and fences, paint, clean, and improve pathways, and organize spaces.
- Animal Care: Assist in feeding the animals and checking their water supplies.
- Farm and Riding School: Help in the Pedagogical Farm and the Riding School.
- Nature Preservation: Engage in tasks like cutting trees and building fences.
Why Join?
- Make an Impact: Contribute to wildlife conservation and environmental preservation.
- Gain Experience: Develop skills in animal care and park maintenance.
- Cultural Immersion: Experience life in a historic Portuguese town while making a positive difference.
Ready to Conserve Wildlife?
Included
- Airport pickup on Sundays
- Transportation between Lisbon (where you’ll be staying the first two days) and the project
- Stay in a shared apartment in a shared room
- Access to a common room
- Three meals a day—veggie, vegan, gluten-free, and lactose-free options available upon request
- Orientation on arrival: culture, volunteering, program details, and safety
- We’ll hook you up with an impactful non-profit project and handle the coordination
- Guided city tour with top tips for exploring
- Ongoing support throughout your stay
- 24/7 emergency support, just in case
FAQ
What is the minimum age to participate in this program? 18+
The minimum age to participate in this program is 18 years.
Do I have to pay money for volunteering?+
You are not paying for your volunteer work itself but for your stay with us overall. The costs for your program further include various elements that are part of your stay such as your accommodation, food, transportation from the airport, guided city tour, local coordination and 24/7 support for emergencies. Check the "Included" section of the program you want to choose for complete information!
How and when do I need to pay for my volunteer program with ImpacTrip?+
The payment of your volunteer program is done by bank transfer. We will kindly ask you to pay 50% of your bill at the time of your booking to secure your spot! The other 50% will be due at least one month before your arrival!
What is the accommodation like in the Biological Park Conservation Program?+
Volunteers stay at a small, cozy apartment in a shared room with a shared bathroom.
Can I cook in the accommodation?+
Yes, the hostel has an eqquiped kitchen where you can cook yourself with the only condition of cleaning everything used afterwards.
How much money should I bring to my program?+
Once you've booked your program, be sure to reach out to your local coordinator to get the scoop on the cost of living in your destination—it can differ quite a bit! And don't forget to budget for public transportation, emergencies, airport drop-off, snacks, fun activities, and a bit of local shopping. Happy planning!
How many people will be I be volunteering with?+
Depending on your program and project, you might be joined by other ImpacTrip volunteers, but usually, you’ll either be on your own or with local volunteers. It's a fantastic opportunity to connect with locals and immerse yourself in the community and its lifestyle!
In case of need, how do I get health care?+
All volunteers must arrive with private health insurance that covers the costs of any health service that may arise in their program destination.
With this insurance you can be treated at any private or public medical center. The medical expenses will be paid by you and when you return to your country you will have to present all the invoices to your insurance so don't forget to budget medical emergencies.
In the case of European volunteers, to facilitate the process, it is advisable to come with your European Health Card.
Do I need to speak the local language?+
No, you don't need to have any previous skills in the local language! All of our programs are run entirely in English and our guides and staff are all comfortable speaking English as well. However, we always encourage our participants to get acquainted with some of the most basic terms and expressions, as even just a simple "Good morning!" in the local language can be a great icebreaker to start interacting with the locals! There are also language lessons available for volunteers that can be booked before or upon arrival.
Will I have time for some sight-seeing as well?+
Of course! We want you to really get to know your natural and cultural surroundings and will provide you with useful tips and tricks that will help you discover the location of your stay like a local.
Your shifts will generally last between 3 and 5 hours per day and will take place either in the morning, in the afternoon or in the evening, which will leave you with plenty of free time to go explore, take a stroll around your surroundings, catch the most important sites, interact with the locals or simply go and relax! And of course, you will have your weekends off as well!
How and when do I get my volunteer certificate?+
You can request your volunteer certificate to ImpacTrip or the local coordinator at the end of your program.
