Exotic Animal Volunteer Program in Antigua, Guatemala

Project Summary

Do you want to travel to the beautiful country of Guatemala and help save the animals there? RCDP’s Exotic Animal Volunteer Opportunity in Antigua, Guatemala, is the perfect opportunity for you to help animals in need while immersing yourself in Guatemalan culture.

Guatemala is well-known for its diverse wildlife and some amazing rare species that are endemic to the country. Sadly, these animals especially the amphibians and reptiles are in high demand to be kept as exotic pets, or for their skin. These animals are already in danger of extinction due to the rapid destruction of their natural habitats and forests, and are being displaced from their homes with no shelter or food. These poor animals need to be protected so they can live out their lives peacefully in a safe environment.

RCDP International has partnered up with an Amphibian and Reptile Rescue Center to help in the conservation and protection of the exotic animals, and the center is in need of volunteers to support their efforts. In the Exotic Animal volunteer program in Guatemala, you will help safeguard, rescue and rehabilitate these rare and unique animals. You will care for the animals, help them recover and release them back into the wild where they truly belong.

As part of the Exotic Animal Conservation Volunteer project in Antigua, Guatemala, you will work alongside local conservationists and save these innocent animals from extinction. This will be an enriching, educational, and eye opening volunteer abroad experience in Guatemala.

Contact RCDP today to learn more about our Exotic Animal Volunteer Program in Antigua, Guatemala.

Skill/Qualification

You do not need specific skills or qualifications to join the Exotic Animal Volunteer Program in Guatemala but you should be passionate about helping animals and be able to work up-close with amphibians and reptiles. You will need to be physically fit and mentally prepared to work with and care for animals. You should also be flexible and be ready to work either day or night shifts.

You need to be 18 years or older to volunteer in the Exotic Animal project. Volunteers who are at least 16 can also volunteer on their own with parental consent. Volunteers below the age of 16 can volunteer only if accompanied by a parent, guardian or faculty leader.

Speaking Spanish will make your volunteer experience highly rewarding, though it is not a mandatory requirement. If you cannot speak Spanish, we recommend enrolling in our Spanish Language Studies program, which can run simultaneous to your volunteer project.

Role of Volunteer

You will work in an Amphibian and Reptile Rescue Center and your tasks will vary based on the needs of the projects. You will be working with amphibians, reptiles and other exotic animals under the supervision and guidance of conservationists, animal experts and veterinary doctors. If you have a background working with animals and wildlife conservation, you will be assigned duties accordingly.

You will be involved in the rescue, recovery and relocation of the animals. You will nurse the rescued, sick and injured animals, administer medicine and provide them with care. You will help release the healthy animals back to the wild in a protected environment. You will assist with maintenance work in the center, clean enclosures, prepare meals and feed animals. You will also be a part of educational initiatives to raise awareness about the protection of wildlife in the local communities.

However you decide to donate your time to this volunteering opportunity with the Exotic Animal Program in Antigua, Guatemala, it will have lasting impact in the lives of many animals and will help them live happy and peaceful lives. Specific details of your assignment will be given to you prior to your arrival.

Accommodation/Meals/Supervision

During your volunteer program in Antigua, Guatemala, you will be provided comfortable accommodations with a welcoming local host family. Staying with a host family is a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture and practice your Spanish. You will have a clean bed, bathroom, and living space.

You will also receive two meals a day (breakfast and dinner) that consist of local ingredients and feature traditional Guatemalan cuisine. Our meal program can accommodate vegetarian needs; however, we are not able to provide for other dietary restrictions. Food and drinks outside of mealtimes are your responsibility. In most cases, there are restaurants and markets near the homes in which our volunteers stay.