Wildlife conservation volunteering offers a life-changing experience for anyone passionate about protecting our planet's diverse ecosystems and the creatures that inhabit them. Whether you have a deep love for animals, a desire to contribute to environmental preservation, or an adventurous spirit, participating in wildlife conservation efforts can be a transformative and rewarding journey. 

With Further Travel, you can explore incredible corners of the world and make a real difference while you do it. We have some incredible wildlife conservation programs in incredible countries like South Africa, Thailand, the Maldives, and beyond. It’s an amazing opportunity to make new friends, explore hidden pockets of our beautiful planet, and leave things a little bit better than you found them. 

If you’d like to learn more about the programs and wildlife conservation volunteer opportunities available through Further Travel, you can sign up here or visit our FAQ page for more details. 

In this article, we’re going to dive into wildlife conservation volunteering. We’ll take a look at: 

  1. Why you should be a wildlife conservation volunteer  
  2. How to become involved in ​​volunteer wildlife conservation programs
  3. How to get the most out of your wildlife conservation volunteering experience 
  4. Becoming a wildlife conservation volunteer with Further Travel

Read on to learn more about why animal conservation organizations are so important, and how to volunteer for wildlife conservation with Further Travel. 

Why You Should Experience Wildlife Conservation Volunteering

Wildlife conservation volunteering offers a unique opportunity to make a positive impact on the planet while engaging in meaningful and rewarding experiences. By joining wildlife conservation trips, you can actively contribute to the preservation of endangered species, ecosystems, and the delicate balance of our natural world. 

Here are some of the reasons why you should consider wildlife conservation volunteer work:

  1. The animals desperately need our help
  2. It gives you the chance to develop valuable new skills
  3. You have the chance to travel with a purpose 
  4. It’s an incredible way to see the world

Wildlife conservation volunteer projects through Further Travel are the perfect way to cross off bucket list experiences as you help to keep some of the world’s most incredible areas beautiful.

The Animals Need Our Help!

Many wildlife species are facing unprecedented threats such as habitat loss, climate change, poaching, and illegal wildlife trade. In South Africa, for example, 17% of mammal species are threatened with extinction and another 10% are near threatened. In Thailand, Asian Elephants are listed as both an endangered species and a preserved animal. One look at these elephant facts will show you exactly how desperate the situation is. 

In most cases, endangered and threatened species are facing population declines due to human activities and interference, such as clearing natural habitats for housing or poaching. Sadly, nature is declining at an unprecedented rate, and the number of species becoming extinct is growing by the day. 

By volunteering in wildlife conservation, you become a vital part of the solution. Your efforts can directly contribute to the well-being and survival of endangered species that rely on the dedication and support of conservation volunteers to protect their habitats, monitor their populations, and provide critical care.

Through hands-on work such as habitat restoration, animal tracking, data collection, and conservation education, you can help mitigate the devastating impact of human activities on wildlife populations. By actively participating in these conservation efforts, you play a crucial role in preserving biodiversity and ensuring a future where these incredible creatures can thrive.

Learn more about Further Travel’s wildlife conservation programs abroad in South Africa and Thailand. 

Develop Valuable New Skills as a Wildlife Conservation Volunteer

As a wildlife conservation volunteer, you have the opportunity to develop new skills that can be valuable not only during your volunteering experience but also throughout your personal and professional life. Here are some key skills you can develop through wildlife conservation volunteering:

  • Wildlife identification, research techniques, population dynamics, and animal tracking
  • Habitat restoration and conservation practices 
  • An understanding of ecological concepts like native vs invasive species 
  • Community engagement, outreach, teamwork, and adaptability
  • New ideas for being environmentally friendly and focusing on the future

These skills, combined with the rewarding experiences and lasting impact of your conservation work, make wildlife conservation volunteering a truly valuable endeavor.

Travel With a Purpose

By choosing to be a wildlife conservation volunteer abroad, you embark on a journey that goes far beyond the experiences of a regular tourist. Instead of simply taking it all in and snapping some photographs of your overseas adventure, you can actively engage in the conservation of the places you visit. Traveling with a sense of purpose like this gives you much deeper, richer experiences and helps you develop a greater appreciation of the natural world.

As a wildlife conservation volunteer, you have the opportunity to work alongside local communities, scientists, and conservationists, immersing yourself in their culture and gaining a deeper understanding of their challenges and goals. By supporting local initiatives and contributing your skills and time, you help to drive positive change, empowering communities and fostering sustainable development.

It’s also important to realize that you’re not just helping wildlife when you join volunteer wildlife conservation projects. Nature loss and extinction events can have dramatic effects on local communities, including: 

  • Making it more difficult to grow and gather food 
  • Decreasing water and air quality
  • Increasing the likelihood of pandemics and widespread disease

By diving into volunteer work in wildlife conservation, you can help the people in these communities just as much as you’re helping their wildlife. 

See Incredible Parts of the World as a Wildlife Conservation Volunteer

Wildlife conservation programs abroad provide a gateway to explore some of the most awe-inspiring and ecologically diverse regions of the planet. From Thailand’s best beaches to sprawling savannas and remote wildlife sanctuaries, volunteering allows you to immerse yourself in breathtaking landscapes and encounter unique flora and fauna.

By venturing off the beaten path, you can witness firsthand the beauty of nature while gaining a deeper understanding of the ecosystems and the challenges they face. Whether it’s cleaning up beaches in the Philippines or helping combat the epidemic of stray dogs in Thailand, wildlife conservation abroad gives you the chance to explore these incredible parts of the world and forge a lasting connection with nature.

Wildlife Conservation Volunteering: How To Get Started

Embarking on a wildlife conservation volunteering journey is an exciting and fulfilling endeavor. If you are passionate about protecting wildlife and their habitats, you’re probably wondering how to get started as a wildlife conservation volunteer. It’s easy! There are just a couple of things you need to do to get your adventure started: 

  1. Find wildlife conservation volunteer opportunities with Further Travel
  2. Complete your application for wildlife conservation projects abroad 

Let’s take a look at exactly what you need to do to join a wildlife conservation volunteer program with Further Travel. 

Find Wildlife Conservation Volunteer Opportunities With Further Travel

At Further Travel, we have lots of different wildlife conservation volunteer projects, so it’s easy for you to find something that suits your interests and goals, and takes you to parts of the world you’ve always wanted to explore. Think about your interests first before exploring what Intravelr has to offer. Start with these questions: 

  • Are you passionate about marine life, or is a safari more your style?
  • Would you rather spend your time on beaches, or exploring rainforests?
  • Which sounds like more fun: The Maldives, or South Africa?

Once you have an idea of the experience you’re looking for, you can find your perfect Further Travel wildlife conservation volunteer project. Here’s an idea of some of the incredible wildlife conservation opportunities available for volunteers with Further Travel: 

For every Further Travel conservation camp, you’re provided with accommodation, airport pickup, and transport throughout the camp. We’ll connect you with local guides, organize trips to conservation centers, and even provide up to 80% of your meals. You’ll have a set itinerary that allows you to split your time between volunteering, socializing, and exploring your incredible new surroundings. 

As you can see, the possibilities are endless with Further Travel! There’s a camp to suit every traveler, and some incredible experiences waiting for you. 

Apply Today for Wildlife Conservation Programs Abroad

Once you’ve found an adventure travel volunteer opportunity that you’d love to be part of, it’s time to get your application started. First, check the FAQs to make sure you understand the ins and outs of Further Travel, then start your application. 

Provide accurate and detailed information about yourself, your background, and your motivation to participate in wildlife conservation volunteering. We want to hear exactly why you’re so excited to join the Further Travel family! Take the time to show us your passion, relevant skills, and commitment to conservation. We can’t wait to hear from you! 

Tips to Get the Most of Your Wildlife Conservation Volunteering Experience

We’ll take care of your itinerary and make sure everything runs smoothly behind the scenes, but it’s up to you to make sure you have an incredible experience! Here are a few things you can do to make sure you’re prepared for your big adventure, and you squeeze every ounce of fun out of your time as a wildlife conservation volunteer: 

  1. Find the right program for you
  2. Plan ahead and pack smart
  3. Leave your comfort zone behind 

Follow this advice and you’re bound to have an unforgettable, rewarding experience with memories that last a lifetime. 

Find the Right Program for You

The first step is to choose a program that offers what you’re looking for. Whether it’s a certain country you want to visit or a certain type of conservation you’re interested in learning about, make sure you pick a camp that aligns with your interests. Don’t forget to also consider the length of the camp. Further Travel has student adventure travel conservation camps ranging from 10 days to 5 weeks. 

Further Travel's camps offer a lot more than a wildlife conservation volunteer opportunity. You’ll have plenty of time for socializing, exploring your surroundings, chilling with a cocktail in hand, and participating in some incredible activities, which might include: 

Make sure you choose a program that offers additional activities you’re interested in. Each of Further Travel's programs comes with a variety of activities on offer, and your camp rep is always available to provide suggestions, tips, and local advice if there’s something specific you want to try. 

Whether you want to spend your downtime relaxing with a good book on a local beach or dancing the night away with your new friends, you can make it happen with Further Travel. 

Plan Ahead and Pack Smart

Sometimes, planning for an overseas adventure can be almost as fun as the trip itself. Planning travel for environmental volunteers gives you a chance to daydream about being abroad while you’re still dealing with day-to-day life, and can be a nice little escape from reality! Plus, it helps you mentally prepare for your journey as a wildlife conservation volunteer. 

Taking the time to research your destination and figure out what you want to do when you’re not volunteering can also help you maximize your time overseas. While Further Travel has reps at every camp who are more than happy to offer up some suggestions for you, having your own plans helps you pack as much as possible into your itinerary. 

Planning also means you need to think about what to take in your backpack. Research the climate and terrain of the project location and use this info to pack the right clothes and footwear. Other things you may want to throw in your bag include: 

  • Insect repellant 
  • Phone charger and adapter 
  • Sunscreen
  • Reusable water bottle 
  • Any medications you need 

If you want to use your phone overseas, make sure your plan allows this, or that you know how to grab a local sim card once you get to your destination. You don’t need to worry about accommodation, transport from the airport, or transport throughout your camp, we’ll take care of that for you!

Leave Your Comfort Zone Behind

Wildlife conservation volunteering often gives you opportunities for personal growth and discovery. Embrace the chance to step out of your comfort zone and approach the experience with an open mind and a willingness to learn. Be prepared to adapt to new environments, work with people from different backgrounds, and embrace cultural differences.

Challenges may arise during your volunteering journey, but approach them as learning opportunities! Besides, you’ll have a great network of volunteers and camp reps who can help you out if anything unexpected happens. Your wildlife conservation volunteering experience is all about developing new skills, expanding your knowledge, and building resilience as you overcome obstacles.

You’ll have an incredible experience if you approach every task and activity with 100% enthusiasm. This is the best way to make lifelong friends and memories that will stay with you long after your camp wraps up. 

Why Is Further Travel the Best Option for Wildlife Conservation Volunteering?

With Further Travel, you don’t just get an environmental volunteer organization. You get to work with a company that practices what they preach, loves the planet as much as you, and prioritizes sustainability. We’ve teamed up with Gift Trees to plant a tree for every trip that’s booked through Further Travel. So, you can start making a difference long before your camp even kicks off! 

We also: 

  • Use ethically sourced materials for all our camp merchandise 
  • Give you the option to carbon offset your flight and reduce your travel footprint
  • Work with only trusted partners, like ethical elephant sanctuaries
  • Provide you with a detailed guide on how to travel sustainably throughout camp

Further Travel is also proud to sponsor Travelers Against Plastic. We do everything we can to minimize our plastic consumption, and will happily help you do the same. 

Become a Wildlife Conservation Volunteer With Further Travel

As you can see, there’s a lot to love about becoming a wildlife conservation volunteer, and we’re here to help you craft the most amazing, rewarding experience you can imagine. 

Ready to kickstart your journey to becoming a wildlife conservation volunteer? To learn more about working with Further Travel, contact us by emailing info@camp.co.uk or calling 0161 222 3780. And of course, browse our website to explore different programs and find the right camp for you.

‍If you’re ready to take the next step, start your application here. We can’t wait to see the difference you make!

Posted 
Jun 16, 2023
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