Help monitor the wild horses of Mongolia and ensure their survival. Support our partner in Hustai National Park as they conserve and protect important ecosystems and reintroduce and sustain these amazing horses.
In the 20th century, the native population declined due to a combination of factors, and the wild population in Mongolia died out entirely in the 1960s. At one time, only 12 captive "spirit horses" were left in the world—their future was bleak. Captive breeding programs were started in the 1970s and 1980s and were so successful that in just 50 years, the species rebounded to over 1,500 individuals. These horses, known in Mongolia as tahki, were slowly reintroduced to their native habitat in an attempt to reestablish the wild population.
Our partner oversees the takhi in Hustai National Park, which is located about 95 km west of the capital city of Ulaanbaatar. The scientists’ base is a camp located in the park where they monitor the wild horses. Volunteers work side by side with the researchers helping to collect information about the takhi and to conserve these amazing horses.
You will be observing the horses in the field, noting their behaviour, their numbers, and distribution. The data and information collected by the volunteers are used by the resident biologists and researchers to help them manage the reintroduction of takhi into the wild and to aid the study and protection of the forest-steppe ecosystem.
Each day you will be driven to the horse harem that you will be observing and dropped off on the steppe to make your your observations. In the afternoon, you will go to the field station and enter the day’s findings into their computer. You will also be able to work on special projects that are being completed by the research team.
Volunteer shifts run from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. You will have 1–2 days off per week. The schedule will be determined upon your arrival at Hustai National Park.
At Hustai National Park, volunteers stay in shared yurts on the location of the project. Accommodation is comfortable but simple—there is electricity in your yurt and a wood stove for heating during cold nights. The camp is equipped with a shower, toilet, and restaurant. Although electricity is available at this location, cell phone signal is limited. There is wi-fi in the premises now, making it easier to stay in touch with friends and family. Three meals will be provided for you each day.
Do you have questions about safety? We have answers right here!
We’ve got you covered every step of the way! Your volunteering journey includes:
Airport pick-up and drop-off at Ulaanbaatar Airport
Comfortable accommodation
All meals
Wifi
Excursions in the community
Comprehensive pre-departure & on-site training
A donation to our Placement Partner
AEI Travel Manual brimming with key travel insights including packing list, currency information and in-depth placement description
Premium Individual Travel Insurance (up to USD 500,000 in emergency medical coverage)
24/7 emergency support throughout your placement
One tree planted for every volunteer to help offset carbon emissions and create more livable ecosystems for wildlife
Enrolment with the Global Travel Academy to earn a certificate in International Volunteering
This program does not include flights, entry visa costs, international and domestic airport taxes, immunizations and medications.
Are you thinking of fundraising for a portion, or all your fees? Many of our clients have been very successful with their fundraising efforts. To learn more about their successful fundraising projects and see how you can raise funds for your experience, please visit our fundraising page!
This is an ongoing program with operations from May 15th to October 15th each year. There are no specific start or end dates during that period. We work with you and your schedule so you can serve this community and help animals when you are available.
The mission of our partner in Hustai National Park is to conserve the ecosystems and biodiversity in the park. They aim to protect historical stone monuments, build up the wild takhi population, organize national and international workshops and meetings, and develop eco-tourism to support local communities. Your participation will directly and indirectly support all aspects of this important mission. You will be helping with the scientific studies that will support the conservation efforts of this organization. Gathering information on the numbers, health, and behaviour of the horse population allows the scientists to evaluate the state of the herds and make educated conservation decisions. Your support also helps the communities around the park. By volunteering with this organization, you are ensuring that there will be a future for the wild horses in Hustai National Park.
In your downtime, you can play cards, go for hikes, play basketball and attend programming in the National Park such as musical performances, screenings of Mongolian movies, storytellers, and contortionists. The park is a busy place for tourists so there are always people around. You can also make friends with the university students who work in the park. These students work at the park for one summer to learn English and make some money. The dinners served at the park are sit-down dinners and the servers dress up and practice their serving techniques. We encourage volunteers to bring watercolour paints and sketchbooks because inspiration is bound to strike here.
Once a week, you will be driven into Ulaanbaatar (for free), and you can do any shopping, sightseeing (temples, museums), and even eat ice cream. As part of your experience, you will also take part in cultural programming. This can include a trip to a UNESCO World Heritage site, the opportunity to ride horses, opportunities to try traditional Mongolian food (such as fermented horse milk), and a visit to a Mongolian nomadic family. This cultural programming visit is two days and one night.
Observing these wild horses will be a magical experience you will never forget, and your visit to Mongolia will be a trip of a lifetime. Want to read what our alumni have to say? Check out what the wonderful Sandy Sharkey wrote in Conjour. World. You can see more of her stunning photography on her blog!Immerse yourself in a true Mongolian experience. For the duration of the program, volunteers will live in a traditional felt yurt on the steppes of Mongolia. This placement requires volunteers to be fairly independent as they protect an amazing endangered species. If you happen to be the only volunteer helping at the time, you will go to the field each day by yourself—a true vacation for many. If you want to ensure that you’re not alone, this is a good opportunity to travel with a friend or family member to have someone to keep you company!
B Corps are certified by the non-profit B Lab to meet rigorous social and environmental performance standards, accountability, and transparency. We have been a B Corp since 2013, and since then, we have always been in the top 10% of quantifiable benefits to the environment and the communities in which we operate.
We acknowledge the traditional and contemporary custodians of the land on which Animal Experience International’s Barrie office is located. These people are the Ho-de-no-sau-nee-ga (Haudenosaunee), Anishinabewaki ᐊᓂᔑᓈᐯᐗᑭ, Mississauga, and Wendake-Nionwentsïo People and we recognize their continuing connection to the land, waters, and culture. We pay our respect to their Elders, past, present, and emerging.
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