Wildlife conservation

Working as a wildlife conservation volunteer is a particularly exciting choice if you plan to be a responsible tourist and `give something back' on your gap year or career break. First and foremost working as a wildlife conservation volunteer enables you to make an invaluable contribution to some extremely worthwhile wildlife projects. Wildlife conservation organisations heavily rely on enthusiastic volunteers to help them carry out their vital work - so your volunteering efforts really do make a difference to the welfare of the animals.

If it weren't for the continuing hard work of various wildlife conservation organisations it's an undoubted fact that some of the planet's most endangered species would have disappeared by now. A prime example of this is GYFGU's latest wildlife conservation programme - our WWF-endorsed black rhino volunteer projects in Zimbabwe, which is dedicated to saving a species whose numbers have fallen as low as 3,000 in recent years.

Wildlife Conservation Volunteer

Aside from the satisfaction and sense of personal achievement you gain from helping endangered animals working as a wildlife conservation volunteer is also by far the best way to get close to some amazing wildlife. All of GYFGU's wildlife conservation programmes require volunteers to work `hands on' with the animals out in the field on a daily basis - which makes for a unique experience if you're passionate about wildlife. Working as a wildlife conservation volunteer involves working closely with both local people and other like-minded volunteers, so it's also a great way to meet people and fully experience local culture.

A common query GYFGU's receives from travellers who are keen to get involved with wildlife conservation is whether or not it's necessary to have any previous experience of working with animals in any capacity. The answer to this one is that you don't need any previous experience or specialist skills (such as veterinary qualifications for example) in order to work as a wildlife conservation volunteer. What wildlife conservation organisations are looking for in prospective volunteers, however, is plenty of enthusiasm and a real passion for wildlife.

Wildlife Conservation Programmes

GYFGU's has a diverse range of wildlife conservation volunteer programmes to choose from in three exciting regions - Africa, Asia and Latin America. Therefore the most difficult decision you're going to have to make if you want to work as a wildlife conservation volunteer is which one to opt for. Full details on all of our wildlife conservation programmes can be found on the GYFGU's website or you can also speak to one of our career break travel advisers if you have any specific questions you'd like to ask regarding any of the wildlife conservation programmes.

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