Portugal – Wolf Conservation and Lisbon Experience

Portugal is a stunning country in southwestern Europe bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the west and Spain to the north and east. Portugal boasts diverse landscapes, a rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality. From rolling vineyards and historic villages to vibrant cities and sunny coastlines, it offers an unforgettable mix of tradition and modern charm.

Lisbon, the capital city, is famous for its charming yellow trams, colorful tiled buildings, and lively atmosphere. The wolf reserve and volunteer program, located in a peaceful forest setting a little over 40 minutes from the city, provides a unique opportunity to connect with Portugal’s diverse wildlife and scenic countryside.

As a volunteer, you will join a non-governmental, non-profit association dedicated to conserving the wolf and its ecosystem in Portugal. This program seeks to guarantee the survival of the wolf in Portugal through applied research, practical conservation efforts and educating the community about environmental issues.

The wolf reserve sits on an impressive 18 hectares (44 acres), allowing the wolves to roam in a proper habitat. The reserve is a haven for wolves that can no longer live in the wild. The wolves at this center were either born in captivity or illegally removed from the wild and raised in illegal captive conditions. The wolves contribute to increasing public awareness for the conservation of the species.

Volunteer tasks may vary depending on the current needs of the project.

Some of your tasks may include:

• Preparing food – Please note: food preparation involves handling and cutting raw meat.;
• Feeding the wolves;
• Checking the wolves’ water supply (during summer at least three times per day)
• Monitoring and observing the wolves behavior and health;
• Forest maintenance (70% of the time): tree felling and pruning; removal of branches and other materials and subsequent burning; vegetation clearing using agricultural tools like hoes and scythes; and so on. During the summer (May to October) volunteers participate in fire watch, which can include night rounds;
• Infrastructure maintenance: checking enclosure’s walls and fences, painting pathways improvement.

A Typical Day for Volunteers

A typical volunteer day starts around 9:00 AM and finishes around 6:00 PM, including a long lunch break during the middle of the day. Volunteers spend most of their time outdoors completing conservation and maintenance activities with guidance from project staff. During summer months, schedules may shift earlier in the morning to avoid the hottest hours of the day. Evenings are usually free for relaxing, cooking meals, and spending time with other volunteers.

Accommodations: During your first days in Lisbon, you will stay in a hostel that follows sustainable practices. Accommodation is in dorm-style rooms with shared bathroom facilities, with private or double room upgrades available for an additional fee. The hostel offers welcoming shared spaces, including an outdoor living area, garden, small swimming pool, dining area, and a space for group activities.  During the volunteer program, volunteers will stay in a wooden volunteer house sharing a 4-bed mixed gender dorm room. Private room upgrades are not possible.

Food: Three meals per day are included during the Lisbon orientation stay (Mon-Tue) with breakfast on Wed. At the program site, volunteers are responsible for their own meals. While at the wolf program, the local team will assist by taking volunteers to a nearby supermarket to purchase groceries. A fully equipped kitchen is available at the accommodation for you to prepare your own meals.

Internet: WiFi is available at the hostel and accommodation area at the volunteer program.

Laundry: A washing machine is available for use at the volunteer program

• Minimum age of 20
• Fluent level of English or Portuguese
• Good level of physical fitness
• Able to work as part of a team
• Ability to perform physically demanding outdoor work
• Comfortable working with manual tools such as hoes, spades, and scythes
• Ability to walk on uneven terrain and steep slopes
• Comfortable living and working in nature
• Participants with allergies to dust, pollen, plants, or insects should consider the outdoor conditions carefully
• Respect all animal welfare and safety rules
• Volunteers are not allowed to touch the wolves
• Travel-health insurance is required
• English-speaking environment; no Portuguese required

Volunteers begin their experience in Lisbon, one of Europe’s most colorful and historic capitals. During orientation, participants can explore traditional neighborhoods, viewpoints, cafés, and local markets. The guided city tour offers an introduction to Portuguese culture and daily life before heading into the countryside.

The conservation project itself is located in the country-side, surrounded by forests and natural landscapes. Volunteers experience a quieter side of Portugal while living close to nature and participating in outdoor conservation work. The nearby countryside provides opportunities for hiking, photography, and wildlife observation.

Volunteers have two days off per week, but extra days are possible if requested. You may choose to visit nearby beaches, explore coastal villages, or return to Lisbon for sightseeing. Portugal is known for its fresh food, scenic landscapes, and relaxed atmosphere, making it easy to combine volunteering with travel experiences.

Here are some travel suggestions for your free days:

• Science and Natural History Museum
• Botanic Garden
• Lisbon Story Centre
• Fado Museum
• Dolphin watching in Lisbon or Setúbal
• Sintra – a lot of palaces to visit, very nice village and very good cakes at “Piriquita”
• Óbidos – a beautiful village surrounded by a castle- Mafra Palace
• Ericeira – a typical village close to the beach. You can go to the beach or take surf/paddle board lessons!