Location
Given its biodiversity Bolivia is considered a "mega-diverse" country. The zoo in Santa Cruz is based on principles of conservation, defense and study of the Bolivian and South American fauna. It is a perfect example of Bolivia's diversity.
Santa Cruz is the most populated city in Bolivia but has preserved a small-town feeling and a relaxed tropical atmosphere.
About the project
The zoo in Santa
Cruz houses a wide variety of native animals and is considered one of the most diverse in South America. It has signed a contract with the Natural History Museum (which belongs to the public University of Santa Cruz) in order to develop an environmental education program. It also has an education program with volunteers who give information to visitors and give orientation on how to treat the animals and warn them about the do´s and don'ts to avoid accidents and damages to the animals.
Noel Kempff Mercado conceived the idea of building a zoo dedicated exclusively to the conservation of South American fauna back in the 60's. The zoo opened on 19th August 1979 and has now about 500,000 visitors a year.
Volunteer work and contribution
As a volunteer, work in the Zoo will involve:
- Preparing the food for the animals
- Feeding the animals
- Nutrition advice - the daily portions are prepared based on carefully elaborated diets specific to each species
- Checking information signs and correcting them
- Maintenance of the zoo grounds such as cleaning animals cages
- Assisting with veterinary work - a veterinarian examines all new animals to assess their physical condition. Ill animals are also treated on the premises of the zoo
- Volunteers may also be involved in the preparation of educational materials and workshops
Working hours and days: Normally volunteers work from 4 to 5 hours a day from Monday to Friday. Working hours tend to be from 7:00am to 11:00am.
Volunteers should be warned that there is no work during the zurazos (stormy / rainy days). These happen for 2 to 3 days during the rainy seasons in the months of December to February.
Accommodation
As part of the volunteering experience, volunteers will stay with a Bolivian family for the whole duration of the project. The family will provide 3 meals a day - breakfast, lunch and dinner. The food will be mainly Bolivian, consisting of vegetables, rice or noodles or potatoes and sometimes red meat, chicken or fish. Vegetarians shouldn't have any problems but it is advised to tell the family on arrival.
The project is located about 30 minutes away by bus from the accommodation.
Travel highlights
Time away from the volunteer project can be spent exploring Santa Cruz's many museums and natural attractions such as the ecological park Yvaga Guazu located just outside the city. Weekends are great for exploring nearby rain forests and Jesuit missions of eastern Santa Cruz built in the 17th century by the Jesuit missioners and the Chiquito Indians.
Minimum requirements
- Minimum age 18
- Good level of English
- Basic Spanish. It is recommended to learn as much Spanish as possible before coming in order to make the stay more enjoyable. Classes can be taken for an extra cost.
- Good physical fitness
- Motivation to work with animals
- Full travel & medical insurance
- Immunizations (please consult your doctor)