Affordable Volunteer Opportunities Abroad
Africa, Latin America, Asia

This project at Parque Zoologico de Santa Cruz (Santa Cruz Zoological Park) is designed for volunteers interested in Bolivan animals and species diversity. Volunteers work at one of the region's leading zoos that educates and provides recreation for visitors. As a privately funded project, the zoo lacks financial resources and depends upon private donors and aid in order to maintain its operations. The zoo is largely dependent on volunteers in up-keeping the facility and caring for the animals. Parque Zoologico conducts research concentrated on protection and conservation, especially with fauna (reptiles, birds and mammals) resources in order to increase the life expectancy of wild animals.

Minimum Program Length: 2 weeks
Start Date: Every Monday
Arrival Date: 2 days prior to your Start Date (Saturday)
Minimum Age: 18 years old
Volunteer Gender: Male and Female

Accommodation:
Your accommodation is included in the program price. Volunteers will be staying with homestay families in rural communities throughout the central valley region. Our homestays offer single or shared rooms and three meals a day provided by your host family. Volunteer Visions feels that this is the best way to become familiar with Bolivian culture and practice your Spanish. All homestays are located in safe areas and are within short distances of your project locations. If you prefer to have your own accommodation, we can gladly arrange other types of accommodations (apartments, hostels, hotels etc.). Please inquire about alternative accommodations in advance to get pricing.

Food:
Three meals a day are included in the program fee.

Pick-up Info:
You will be greeted at the Santa Cruz airport and guided to your homestay family by a Volunteer Visions representative. A volunteer coordinator will also take you to your project location the first day so that you become familiarized with the route to your destination. The coordinator will also introduce you to the staff of the project so to ensure that you are properly placed in the program.

Project Schedule:
You will volunteer from 7am-12pm Monday through Friday.

Project Closed Dates and Holidays

January 1st (New years)
May 1st (Labor day)
August 6th (Bolivia's Independence day)
September 24th (Santa Cruz´s Anniversary)
December 24-25th (Christmas)

Suggested Donations
For any donations, please inquire with our head office prior to your arrival at your project location.

Your daily tasks will involve taking care of animals, helping with veterinary work and maintenance of the zoo grounds. Other crucial tasks will involve:

• Cleaning cages
• Preparing food for animals
• Feeding the animals
• Veterinary assistance
• Nutrition advice
• Checking information signs and correcting them

You can also be involved in the preparation of educational materials and workshops if you are interested.

Suggested Skills and Interests

You should have an interest in animals and the desire to help preserve and educate the public about endangered species. You should also be open minded and creative as you may be asked to take on different and multiple tasks and as resources can be limited.

Suggested Language Level

Supplementary Spanish language classes are offered at the local language school for volunteers interested in practicing and learning Spanish. The classes are run by certified ESL teachers and the groups are no typically no larger than 8 students.

Although these classes are not mandatory, we suggest that you take these classes if you have little or no background in Spanish. Classes start at $575 for 2 weeks with additional weeks available for $240. Classes are held three hours a day from Monday to Friday and accommodation and 3 meals a day are included in the program fee. Please note that the language classes must be taken prior to participating in your volunteer project and that the language course cannot be taken while volunteering.

The city of Santa Cruz, commonly referred to as the 'tropical paradise of Bolivia', has a population of nearly 1.3 million. It is located in the eastern part of the country. Situated 416 m above sea level, the climate is generally warm and temperate. It is also the economic heart of the country, but has avoided over-development and has managed to maintain its colonial architecture and old-world charm. The easy-going atmosphere, friendliness of the locals and the palm tree lined streets lend to its warm and welcoming feel.

Local Activities & Excursions

Santa Cruz offers a wide range of attractions and activities. A guided tour of the city is included in your program fee. This tour will allow you to become familiar with the layout of the city and give you chance to see some of the major attractions in Santa Cruz. During your spare time, you can visit one of the many beautiful cathedrals, museums, lagoons and parks that dot the city. There are also several opportunities to explore the pre-Incan ruins, 18th century Jesuit missionaries and pristine forest area that surround the city. You may also decide to go swimming, visit the theatres, learn Bolivian cooking, join a local football (soccer) team or even enroll in a Latin dance class.