Gap Year for Grown Ups have a range of conservation projects ideal if you are passionate about protecting the environment, vulnerable ecosystems and animal species at threat of becoming extinct. The conservation projects include helping to protect the natural environment, teaching environmental education and an exciting variety of wildlife conservation projects. If you want to take part in a conservation project that is focused specifically on working as a volunteer with wildlife, then we have an exciting range of projects designed with animal lovers in mind!
Our complete list of conservation projects is detailed below. Please contact us if you would like further details about any of our conservation projects.
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Join like-minded volunteers doing their best to save the tortoise. Feed the baby and adult tortoises, care for the unhatched eggs, tag the hatchlings and collect data on them. Take time to explore the beautiful scenery, too!
This distinctive programme offers the opportunity to help the cheetah by clearing the sickle bush, allowing them to exist and hunt in their natural habitat. You will also track and monitor both cheetahs and leopards as well as enjoy being in close proximity to these incredible creatures.
Not only is this a hugely worthwhile programme, it also gives you the chance to experience at first hand these amazing creatures. The nearby beach also offers fantastic surfing and you will get the chance to learn the sport or hone your skills as part of the project.
Assist in a giant panda sanctuary and help to save this incredible species from extinction. You will be involved in feeding and observing the pandas, as well as helping with important research projects.
This conservation project in the Namib desert is about getting out into the field and really making a difference at the forefront of elephant conservation. This is your chance to get involved in vital elephant conservation in Namibia.
A unique opportunity to interact with the only great ape outside of Africa, the orang-utan. Take part in volunteer work in Borneo to help protect this highly endangered species from extinction.
Sample the best of Fiji with a varied project on a beautiful island. Learn to scuba dive, or improve your skills, live with a Fijian family and take part in a conservation programme.
Work with some unusual but very friendly creatures at a wildlife society. It’s a hands-on experience, which allows you to feed and exercise baby sloths, monitor eating habits, help with specialist care and more.
Give neglected, abused and abandoned wolves the love and care they’ve been deprived of. Learn all about these fascinating creatures and get involved with efforts to stop them being maltreated.
A fantastic opportunity to work on a pioneering lion breeding and rehabilitation programme supported by some of the world’s leading ecologists. Walk and work alongside lion cubs and take part in research activities, facilitating the lions’ safe release back into the wild.
Every year thousands of dolphins are hunted and killed illegally along the Peruvian coastline. Volunteer help is urgently required on this pioneering programme to protect the dolphins. You will form an integral part of the research team, collecting important information on the dolphin’s distribution areas, their behaviour and interactions.
Carry out research work in one of the world’s most beautiful ‘laboratories’. Help survey coral, dolphins, reef fish, whale sharks and lobster in the reefs off Honduras, or do some land-based research.
You will have a unique chance on this project to work closely with the beautiful black-faced Vervet monkeys, along with other African wildlife, caring for their welfare, and rehabilitating them before allowing them to be released back into their natural habitat.
Zimbabwe is a well-established country for voluntary work in conservation, especially for working with wildlife in Africa. At this project, volunteers actively participate in lion conservation practices, working closely with the lions and wildlife re-introduction programmes.
Carry out valuable conservation work on the Pacific Coast. Patrol the beaches, collect and take eggs to the hatchery and record data – your efforts will help protect a fascinating species from extinction.
Live and work on a safari ranch, helping with efforts to protect black rhino, elephants, buffalo and more. Assist with anti-poaching measures, look after rhino, help with training elephants and get a feel for the real Africa.
The Whale Shark is the world’s largest living fish, and the idea of seeing them up close is either scary or exhilarating, depending on whom you talk to. Volunteers on this project will be able to learn about and observe the behaviours of the whale sharks off the coast of Mozambique, during many scuba diving sessions.
Experience the wonders of the African savannah and a five day Kruger safari, help to conserve it and gain an intimate understanding of the ecology. Your work will take you to a variety of areas including a nature reserve, a National Park, a Community Reserve and a Private Reserve.
This is a chance to learn about the ecosystem of a remote but beautiful island. Perfect for anyone interested in ecology or gardening – you’ll be identifying plants, removing weeds and clearing trails, while hiking through lush forests.
This conservation project in New Zealand is a great way to see the sights of New Zealand whilst giving something back by protecting the stunning environments of this fantastic destination.
Put your skills to good use on a whole range of projects. Conserve the local environment and wildlife, work on therapeutic sailing or horse riding programmes, help as a classroom assistant, in an art gallery or on a project suggested by you.
Walk with lions and work with rhinos on a programme that gives you an unforgettable taste of Africa. You’ll get an incredible insight into their lives, and you’ll take part in vital conservation work to save them from extinction. Learning bush survival skills, paddling down the mighty Zambezi River and seeing the even mightier Victoria Falls make for some wonderful memories, not to mention glorious photos! This is a rewarding programme that benefits an amazing country.
This unique project based in the Kruger National Park looks at the role of the game ranger in managing a game farm or wildlife reserve. It is ideal for those interested in wildlife, African conservation and people who want to learn something during their grown up gap year.
Enjoy the great outdoors in a land down under. Help preserve Australia's most precious resource - it's beautiful environment which helps attract so many visitors each year.
This family run farm dedicates its time to establishing the most suitable and secure home possible for neglected or orphaned wild animals in the African Savannah. Volunteers are trained to care for the injured or orphaned animals.
This could be your chance to explore some of the region’s legendary national parks and enjoy some fantastic scenery, whilst helping conserve the natural environment. You’ll be working on conservation projects during the day, and camping out under the huge starry skies at night.
The project is situated at the foot of the Drakensberg Mountains to the west of the renowned Kruger National Park. The emphasis is in offering the students a unique bush experience on horseback, walking and driving, where attention is paid not only to the animals, but also to all aspects of local ecology. Volunteers complete an informal course to learn all about conservation in Africa.
Feed your love of animals by looking after gibbons in South California. Help out at the only centre dedicated to their care by feeding them and cleaning their enclosures, observing their behaviour, fundraising and more.
If you are looking to learn more about the diversity of Africa's animals and eco-systems during a career break, this programme will provide you with a special experience. The project takes you to the forefront of numerous species re-introductions and conservation work.
Work with rescued gibbons, a primate native to Thailand, as they are rehabilitated to be introduced back into the wild. You’ll get to witness this work as you monitor the gibbons adapting to their new environment as well as being involved in the day-to-day activities of the centre. A really great experience!
This is a chance to bring your enthusiasm for environmental conservation to the ‘Great Savannah’ area of Venezuala. You can live and work with the local population and other volunteers actually inside La Gran Sabana National Park, making a real difference to the long-term prospects of this important habitat.
Spend a year in South Africa and become a fully qualified field guide. Learn about field research, game capture, patrolling and more, through practical tuition and on-the-job training. You’ll then be eligible to work all over Africa.
Volunteer in a wildlife sanctaury in tropical north Queensland, Australia. You will make new feathered and furry friends as you assist with the care of the animals as well as the general upkeep and running of the park.
If you have an adventurous streak and love the outdoor lifestyle then this could be the perfect programme for you. You will have the most amazing once in a lifetime experience, as you get up close and personal with these notorious creatures!
Spend your time encountering and photographing a large variety of animals and birds, the project also involves you spending time amongst the local communities, communicating to them the areas conservational needs.
If you are interested in African reptiles and hands on conservation, then you should consider joining this unique voluntary project. Working directly with reptile experts, your days will be varied and full of adventure.
The rare opportunity to work closely with some of Australia’s most endearing wildlife. In addition to feeding and maintenance duties, you will assist staff during wildlife handling tours with the public, including breakfast with the koalas!
A unique opportunity to take part in a project where you contribute in a practical way to the conservation of the Australian environment. Time will be spent in Canberra and on Montague Island, a protected wildlife reserve that is an offshore sanctuary for seals, penguins and sea birds.
Through the exploration of national parks, volunteer activities and guided walks you will soon fall in love with this incredible part of Australia. Most of your time will be spent enjoying the great outdoors and with the air in Tasmania being scientifically proven as some of the world cleanest, this is the place to do it!
Discover stunning Zambia on this unique programme as you assist with lion walks, gather research and teach conservation, all of which will help to achieve the ultimate aim of the project; to release wild borne offspring from captive bred lions into appropriate national parks for their survival.
