Volunteer at one of Portugal’s largest conservation parks dedicated to protecting native species and caring for a diverse range of animals. Set in the mountains of central Portugal, the park spans a wide natural area and is home to 375 species of animals and plant life. You will help care for 68 animal species, including Iberian wolves, lynxes, brown bears, deer, foxes, wild boar, as well as farm animals such as horses, goats, and pigs. As a volunteer, you will support both animal care and habitat maintenance as part of the park’s daily operations.
Animals are cared for in spacious, natural-style enclosures, with a focus on welfare, conservation, and environmental education.
Program Highlights
First Week Itinerary:
Day 1 (Sunday – Arrival in Lisbon):
Arrive in Lisbon where you’ll be welcomed at the airport and transferred to your accommodation. Settle in, meet other participants, and enjoy your first evening in the city.
Day 2 (Orientation & City Experience):
Take part in an orientation covering practical information, safety guidelines, and program expectations, followed by a guided city tour. You’ll also have time to explore Lisbon and get familiar with your surroundings.
Day 3 (Travel to the Project & Introduction):
Travel day to the project location in central Portugal. Settle into your accommodation and receive an introduction to the park, your role, and daily tasks.
Weekdays (Volunteer Experience):
Work alongside the local team supporting animal care, preparing food, maintaining enclosures, and assisting with general park activities. Work typically runs from early morning to lunch time, afternoons are usually free. Evenings: Relax after your workday, cook or share meals with other volunteers, and enjoy the quiet surroundings of the countryside.
Weekends (Free Time):
Use your days off to rest or explore the region. Visit nearby towns, discover nature trails, or travel further to experience more of Portugal. Our local team can also assist with organizing tours.
What’s Included
What’s not Included
This program takes place in a rural mountain region of central Portugal, surrounded by forests and natural landscapes. The area offers a quiet and traditional way of life, far from the pace of major cities.
The conservation park is set within a large natural environment designed to reflect local ecosystems. Animals live in spacious enclosures that resemble their natural habitats, allowing them to behave as they would in the wild. The volunteer accommodation is located within walking distance of the project (approximately 3 minutes), so no daily transport is required.
At the start of your program, you will spend your first days in Lisbon, Portugal’s capital. Here, you will take part in orientation activities and a guided city tour, with time to explore historic neighborhoods and local culture before heading to the project.
About the Program
This program takes place at a large conservation park in central Portugal dedicated to protecting native species and maintaining natural habitats. The park is home to a wide range of animals that live or once lived in Portugal, including predators, herbivores, and birds of prey, all cared for in environments designed to support their well-being while promoting awareness of local biodiversity.
The project is run by a non-profit organization with a strong focus on both conservation and social inclusion. A significant part of the team is made up of individuals with disabilities or long-term health conditions, who are actively involved in daily operations, including animal care and park maintenance. This creates a unique environment where environmental work and community impact are closely connected.
In addition to wildlife conservation, the park is also home to farm animals, giving visitors a closer look at rural life and human–animal relationships. The site also features an equestrian center, where horses take part in therapeutic activities supporting individuals with special needs.
The program is supported by our experienced and trusted local organization based in Lisbon, which coordinates volunteer placements, provides orientation and guidance, and ensures participants are prepared before starting their work at the project site. This structure offers a combination of hands-on conservation experience and professional local support throughout your stay.
Volunteer Work Overview
Volunteers assist with a range of hands-on tasks that support both animal welfare and the upkeep of the park. The work is practical and takes place outdoors, often requiring physical effort. Tasks vary depending on the needs of the park and the season.
Volunteer Tasks
Typical Day
Your day begins with a morning briefing and task assignment. You may start by feeding animals such as wolves, deer, or birds of prey, followed by maintenance work around the park. After lunch, the afternoon may include visitor support or additional conservation tasks. The workday usually ends in the mid-afternoon, giving you time to relax or explore the area.
Your experience begins in Lisbon, where you will explore the city’s historic neighborhoods, viewpoints, and food scene during your orientation days. The most popular options are Belém, Lisbon Downtown and Cascais beaches.
During your stay in central Portugal, you will experience a quieter side of the country, surrounded by forests and mountain landscapes. The region offers opportunities for walking, hiking, and enjoying scenic views.
You can visit nearby towns and cities to experience local culture, traditional architecture, and regional cuisine. Markets, cafes, and small villages provide insight into everyday life in Portugal. Public transport allows you to explore further during your free time, including coastal areas or other regions.
Our local team can help you book tours in Portugal and we’ll give you tips and tricks to make you feel like a local in Lisbon!
