Founded with a clear and urgent mission in mind, this Wildlife Rescue Centre partner has grown to become one of the world's largest and most complex. This centre was initially established to provide care and rehabilitation for wild animals confiscated from the Guatemalan black market. Today, the scope has broadened, and each year, they accommodate over 500 animals representing more than 40 different wildlife species.
Guatemala's rich wildlife faces significant threats, including habitat loss, hunting, and illegal trafficking. The steep decline in wildlife is profound. Once abundant, the vibrant flocks of scarlet macaws have dwindled to a mere 300 in Laguna del Tigre Park. Baird’s tapirs and jaguars, once a common sight, are becoming increasingly rare encounters. Giant anteaters and Harpy eagles, lacking recent sightings, are feared extinct in the region.
To protect endangered species and their habitats, the Wildlife Rescue Centre's mission is to enhance conservation and survival rates and assist with effective natural resource management. To uphold this mission, they are committed to raising awareness among Guatemalans and visitors about the importance of natural resource conservation. Through education and information dissemination programs, they drive home the urgency of protecting Guatemala's incredible biodiversity.
Volunteers are the backbone of the daily wildlife care operations at the centre. They ensure all animals receive the best care possible. Your days will be full, with 6 AM to 3 PM shifts. For those who wish to immerse themselves further, additional opportunities are always available. And if you need a day to recharge, arrangements can be made with our coordinator upon arrival.
Each day, you will take charge of a specific area, engaging in various tasks ranging from feeding to cleaning and providing enrichment activities for animals. The preparation of animal diets is a morning ritual, ensuring everyone has their fill of nutritious food and fresh water. Cleaning is woven into the day's activities, keeping you and the animals active and engaged.
But tasks go beyond feeding; variety is the spice of life at the centre. Volunteers often find themselves lending a hand with unique tasks like wielding a machete to cut grass, meticulously hand scrubbing the animal's laundry, spreading towels to dry under the sun, or sprucing up the dorm and common areas. All of these activities are not simple chores but essential pieces of the larger puzzle needed to fulfil our mission.
You'll be welcomed into the volunteer house, a spacious two-story wooden building in a stunning tropical forest on the rescue centre's grounds. This cozy abode is equipped with bunk beds, mosquito netting, and regular Western-style bathrooms, complete with (sometimes cold) showers and flush toilets. The heart of our home lies in the large, inviting rancho that serves as both kitchen and dining area—where volunteers gather to enjoy meals (all meals are included) and socialize.
Are you concerned about safety? We've got answers! Feel free to dive into our comprehensive guide on Safety in Guatemala for peace of mind.
We’ve got you covered every step of the way! Your volunteering journey includes:
Airport pick-up and drop-off at Flores Airport
Comfortable accommodation
All meals
Wifi
A guided trip to Tikal National Park for volunteers staying more than one week. This includes all accommodation and some meals (1 breakfast and 1 lunch), clients are required to pay the $25 park fee and for all other meals during their excursion.
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
Please remember that your journey to Guatemala (flights), entry visa costs, international and domestic airport taxes, and any personal immunizations and medications are not covered. While the rabies vaccine is not mandatory for this adventure, those wishing to be vaccinated should budget approximately $600–$1000 in North America.
No need to fret if you don't speak Spanish! While knowing some degree of Spanish can certainly enhance your effectiveness and overall experience, it’s not a requirement for volunteering at the Rescue Centre. However, if you're planning an extended stay, we highly recommend spending your initial weeks studying in Antigua, a celebrated hub for learning Spanish. This stunningly beautiful colonial city nestled amidst volcanoes offers an enriching cultural immersion. For more information on our recommended schools—which are reasonably priced and support meaningful local social and environmental causes—feel free to contact us.
We operate all year round, offering an ongoing program with flexibility for your schedule. We don’t adhere to specific start or end dates. Instead, we cater to your availability to facilitate a meaningful experience serving this community and aiding animals whenever you're free. Note: We request that volunteers arrive on the day they will be starting their volunteering.
Considering raising funds to offset some or all your fees? Many of our past clients have successfully fundraised for their trips. Visit our fundraising page to learn from their strategies and gain insights on how you can finance your life-changing experience.
The rescue centre is located on 45 hectares of breathtaking land beside a lake in Northern Guatemala. It features a comprehensive quarantine area, a fully-equipped veterinary hospital, and top-notch rehabilitation facilities, including expansive flight cages and enclosures dotted throughout the lush jungle. Our dedicated volunteers are instrumental in feeding and caring for various animals that find sanctuary here, including parrots, macaws, spider and howler monkeys, margays, ocelots, coatimundis, tayras, and kinkajous. Most of these animals are young, having been rescued from smugglers, and require specialized care and attention
During your time at the centre, you'll gain invaluable knowledge on the natural history of Guatemala's wildlife, their dietary needs, and the meticulous care involved in their rehabilitation process.
Internships: We welcome any and all volunteers interested in undertaking internships or practicums to complement their university education. Previous interns have spearheaded various impactful projects, ranging from ecotourism development and public relations strategies to detailed inventories of flora and fauna. If you're intrigued, we're happy to share more information with you.
Available Courses: We offer a specialized short course in Wildlife Rehabilitation Medicine for those interested in further developing their expertise. This course is designed for students and veterinary professionals and is available several times throughout the year.
The centre is always buzzing with an international vibe, attracting volunteers from around the world—you're sure to make friends for life and create unforgettable memories! Our volunteer house and Rancho (dining hall) serve as the heart of our social life, where you can even pick up some Spanish during one of the many spontaneous classes.
After a rewarding day of volunteering, you can unwind on our serene floating dock, bask in the late afternoon sun, or enjoy a refreshing swim in the lake. There is a water taxi service (free on select days) for those wishing to connect, shop, eat out, or simply wander the nearby town.
The overnight excursion to Tikal National Park will be one of the highlights of your stay. This adventure includes exploring ancient Mayan temples, staying in a jungle hotel, and witnessing wildlife in their natural setting—a powerful reminder of the difference you're making in the lives of Guatemala's wildlife!
“Guatemala was the perfect first AEI experience, not too little and not too much work! Enough time to relax but still work hard!”
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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