Wolf Conservation

Join our program to support the preservation of wolves, by participating in daily activities at the center, including feeding, monitoring, facility maintenance, fire prevention, and forest cleaning.

Wolves in Portugal face significant challenges due to habitat destruction and human persecution. Many wolves cannot survive in the wild after becoming dependent on humans. That’s where wolf conservation centers come in, by providing refuge for wolves from zoos, illegal trapping, or other captivity, helping them regain health and happiness in large outdoor enclosures designed to replicate their natural habitat.

 

 

What to Expect:

  • Hands-On Care: Assist with feeding the wolves and ensuring they have access to clean water.
  • Animal Monitoring: Observe and monitor wolf behavior to ensure their well-being.
  • Environmental Efforts: Participate in clearing invasive species, replanting native trees, and maintaining the forest environment.
  • Facility Maintenance: Help with the upkeep of the center’s infrastructure and contribute to fire prevention efforts.

 

 

Daily Tasks:

  • Feeding: Provide meals and check water for the wolves.
  • Observation and Monitoring: Watch and record wolf behaviors and health indicators.
  • Invasive Species Clearing: Remove non-native plants and replant native species.
  • Maintenance: Assist with the maintenance of the center’s facilities and infrastructure.
  • Forest Cleaning: Participate in activities to maintain a healthy forest environment.
  • Community Living:  You will be staying in comfortable wooden cabins at the center, with guidance and support from local staff, taking this experience to the next level!

 

 

Why Join?

  • Make a Difference: Play a crucial role in the preservation and care of wolves in Portugal.
  • Gain Experience: Learn about wildlife conservation and animal care.
  • Cultural Immersion: Experience life in Portugal while making a positive impact on the environment.

Ready to Help Wolves?

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Included

  • Airport pickup on Sundays
  • Transportation between Lisbon (where you’ll be staying the first two days) and the project
  • Stay in a wooden cabin in the project site in a shared gender-mixed room
  • Access to a common room
  • 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
Book now

FAQ

What is the minimum age to participate in this program? 21

The minimum age to participate in this program is 21 years.

Shall I bring any own equipment and tools for the Wolf Conservation Program?

For the Wolf Conservation Program you are advise to bring your own work gloves along! 

Does the Wolf Conservation program require a high level of physical fitness?

Yes. Most of the tasks in the Wolf Conservation Program require medium to heavy physical effort (for example, to carry weights around 8kg/17lb). Additionally, as the Center is in a forested valley, the ground is irregular and with steep slopes, the volunteers must be able to do this physical effort while walking on those conditions.
If there is any specific detail about your overall health that you think could interfere with your participation in this program and in performing such tasks, please let us know, so we can arrange the best way for you to come to Portugal and help us with tasks suitable for you.

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 Wolf Conservation Program?

You'll be staying in a wooden cabin in a shared gender-mixed room.

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.

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!

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.

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.