WILDLIFE CONSERVATION VOLUNTEERING

We develop different wildlife conservation projects in Panama. With us you will be exploring different jungle habitats and doing different expedition activities. Your passion for the conservation of the last wild places has brought you here to Panama. Find the joy in witnessing these places and participate, hands-on, in their conservation.

CONSERVATION VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES

We can only achieve our goals with the constant support of our volunteers. Our wildlife volunteer opportunities are self-funded positions in Panama. Work includes social media management, data analysis, participating in a jungle expedition with our scientists, being part of environmental education workshops and tree planting.

AS A WILDLIFE VOLUNTEER YOU WILL:

  • RAISE AWARENESS AND VALUABLE FUNDS.
  • ASSISTING PWCC WITH THE MANY CHORES, DUTIES AND ACTIVITIES.
  • BECOME A GLOBAL ADVOCATE FOR PWCC.
  • BRINGING FRESH IDEAS, SKILLS AND ENTHUSIASM TO OUR PROJECTS.

WILDLIFE VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

PWCC is a non-profit English and Panamanian NGO, established in 2016, with critical support from private donors in the UK and Panama. Our focus is currently within three main national parks in Panama (Santa Fe, Cerro Hoya, and Coiba) with the aim of directly supporting conservation in the parks: by promoting sustainable interaction between its animals, ecosystems and surrounding communities. Your next environmental volunteer opportunity can be in the following programmes:

JAGUAR CONSERVATION

We have been monitoring jaguar populations using 40 camera traps since 2018. Our aim is to estimate how many jaguars are left inside the Cerro Hoya National Park and the density of their prey. We also develop environmental education workshops for children in the area. This project takes place in communities around the park.

HARLEQUIN TOAD

We monitor and study the last viable remaining population of harlequin toads in central Panama. This project was established to study and protect these frogs in the wild. We work closely with community members and children living in the area. These fragile ecosystems support a vast array of biodiversity that must be protected before it disappears forever. This project takes place in Santa Fe National Park.

SEA TURTLE

We monitor and study endangered green sea turtles in Panama. We work with a local coastal community to monitor nesting, relocate eggs, release baby turtles and gather important information about this species on the Pacific coast. We also encourage the protection of the species via environmental workshops. This project takes place close to Cerro Hoya National Park.

GREAT GREEN MACAW

Macaws are long-lived and have a slow life history; they often only produce one chick a year and are inconsistent with their breeding attempts. Ensuring that wild adults can live long enough to fulfil their breeding potential can dramatically help endangered parrot populations recover. We monitor local macaw populations around Cerro Hoya, and develop environmental education workshops for children.

LEAF TREES

LEAF is an online platform where you can learn about your favourite jungle animal, and its connection with some of the most important trees in the rainforest, and at the same time have someone planting a beautiful tree for you. Sold trees are planted around national parks, and we develop tree planting workshops for local communities. Check www.leafwildlife.org

Your Conservation Volunteering Requirements

  • Motivated and conscientious individuals with a genuine interest in conservation.
  • Willing to assist with various aspects of this organisation.
  • No specific qualifications are required to become a wildlife volunteer.
  • Basic command of the Spanish language is necessary.
  • Conservation volunteer must be self-funded.
  • Need to be practical & content to live in tropical and remote areas.

General Information

  • Volunteer placements are available for a minimum of one month.
  • The cost of a one-month placement is $1,200.
  • Volunteers are expected to help with the preparation their meals.
  • PWCC has not facilities in Panama.
  • We arrange accommodation and transport within Panama.
  • Complete our RELEASE FORM.

What is Included

  • All in-Panama expenses covered (food, accommodation & transport).
  • The opportunity to participate in one jungle expedition.
  • Equipment required directly related to a project work will be provided.
  • Meals whist in the city or the jungle.
  • Entry permits for national parks for the duration of your placement if necessary.
  • Registration with the local Civil Protection Emergency Service (SINAPROC).

What is NOT Included

  • Panama entry visas
  • Comprehensive medical insurance.*
  • Personal items and basic equipment for camp life (e.g. a head-torch, water bottle, etc.).
  • Any meals outside PWCC camps/projects.
  • Personals of any nature.
  • Entry fees to any other tourist attraction / adventure activity.
  • Airfare to and from Panama Tocumen Airport.

*N.B. Please make sure your insurance provider is aware of the activities and tasks which you may be undertaking during your participation in this programme. Ensure they are aware you will sometimes be walking in pristine jungle environments. Please ensure that your insurance package covers emergency medical evacuation and repatriation.

Your next steps…

If you are interested in applying for the position of wildlife conservation volunteer please complete this questionnaire and let us know via volunteer@panamawildlife.org

After that we will arrange a Google Meet call with you to check your details and answer all your questions.

Be part of something special and join us to support conservation and communities in the rainforests of Panama!