In the middle of the rugged, pristine nature of the island of Chiloé, a place awaits you that will both challenge you and leave a lasting impression. Surrounded by dense forests, windswept coasts and absolute tranquillity, you will be involved in a wildlife rescue center dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of native wild animals.
This is not about spectacular animal experiences, but about real, responsible work in the background: caring for injured animals, maintaining enclosures, creating habitats and helping to ensure that animals can be released back into the wild. At the same time, you will be part of a small team that is committed to protecting biodiversity on Chiloé - through practical work, environmental education and cooperation with the local population. .
Life on site is deliberately kept simple. You live together with other volunteers in remote accommodation, often without stable internet and in close contact with nature. This is exactly what makes the experience so special: you step out of your everyday life and experience what it means to take responsibility - for animals, for the environment and for living together in a community.
This project is aimed at anyone who not only wants to „work with animals“, but also really wants to understand what nature conservation means. To people who are willing to lend a hand, get involved in new conditions and become part of something that has a long-term impact.
The non-profit Wildlife Rescue Center on the island of Chiloé in southern Chile has been in existence since 2009 and pursues a clear goal. It is about protecting and preserving the unique biodiversity of this remote island region. Chiloé is characterized by dense forests, coastal landscapes and extraordinary wildlife. At the same time, this sensitive ecosystem is increasingly under threat. Injuries caused by road traffic, attacks by dogs, loss of habitat or illegal encroachment mean that many wild animals would not survive without help. .
This is precisely where the project's work comes in. As one of the few centers of its kind in the region, it undertakes the rescue, medical care and rehabilitation of native wild animals with the aim of releasing them back into the wild once they have recovered. Many animals arrive at the center in a critical condition. This is why quick action, clear procedures and responsible handling are particularly important.
However, the work goes far beyond direct animal aid. The project combines three central areas. This includes practical work with wild animals, from care and monitoring to preparation for release into the wild. Another focus is environmental education. Children, young people and adults are sensitized to nature conservation through workshops, school visits and guided tours. In addition, there are research and community projects that contribute to improving the living conditions of wild animals on Chiloé in the long term. .
Volunteers are an important part of this system. They support the team in various areas and help where support is needed. This includes caring for the animals, maintaining the facilities, practical work in the grounds and helping with educational projects. Everyday life is therefore varied and changes according to the needs of the project. At the same time, the work is often physically demanding and mainly takes place outside. .
Life on site is simple and organized as a community. You live with other volunteers in remote accommodation in the middle of nature and organize everyday life together with the group. The conditions are not comparable to a traditional travel program. This is exactly what makes the experience so intense and authentic.
The volunteer program offers you the opportunity to actively participate in nature and species conservation and gain practical experience. You will develop an understanding of ecological relationships and gain a realistic insight into the work of a Wildlife Rescue Center.
At the same time, it creates a space for exchange and personal development. You meet people from different countries, get to know new perspectives and become part of a community that takes responsibility. Responsibility for animals, for the environment and for sustainable action.
The project on Chiloé combines concrete nature conservation with long-term impact and gives you the opportunity to make a real difference.
Volunteers are deployed flexibly in various work areas depending on need and seasonal requirements. The activities depend on the number of newly arrived wild animals, the ongoing projects and the prevailing weather conditions. As a result, the working day can vary greatly, from intensive animal care in the summer months to maintenance work or environmental education projects in quieter periods. A high degree of adaptability, initiative and a sense of responsibility is therefore essential in order to cope with the wide range of tasks.
A central area of responsibility is the Animal care and maintenance of the facilities. This includes the daily cleaning, feeding and care of the enclosures as well as monitoring the health of the animals in close cooperation with the care team. The tasks also include manual work such as the construction, repair and regular maintenance of cages, fences and shelters. Another important aspect is the ecological enhancement of the grounds. Volunteers are actively involved in planting native plant species to promote habitats for insects, birds and small mammals, and help to remove invasive plant species such as Ulex europaeus. In addition, paths, water points and other infrastructural facilities are maintained to ensure the safety and functionality of the site.
In the area of Environmental education and public relations volunteers support the team in planning and conducting guided tours for visitors along the nature trail and through the information tent. They impart interesting facts about the local flora and fauna, ecological relationships and the importance of species conservation. They help with the creation and design of information materials, such as flyers, posters or digital media contributions, and thus contribute to raising awareness among the population. Participation in workshops, school visits and local events is also part of this field of activity, whereby volunteers are actively involved in communicating environmental education content.
They also take on tasks in the Care and maintenance of those animals, that live permanently at the center and are used for educational purposes. These animals are often ambassadors for their species and help to raise visitors' awareness of wildlife conservation. The volunteers not only learn how to treat wild animals with respect, but also the basics of species-appropriate husbandry, behavioral observation and documentation.
In addition, depending on their individual skills and interests, volunteers can also be involved in Project work The center can also be involved in research projects on animal observation, data collection on local species or measures to improve biodiversity, for example. Creative contributions such as designing teaching materials, documenting projects or managing the center's social media channels are also possible.
Working at the center thus offers a varied and enriching experience that combines physical effort, teamwork and a sense of responsibility with the opportunity to actively contribute to the protection and welfare of native wildlife.
The project is located on the island of Chiloé in southern Chile, nestled in a remote natural area of forests, coastal landscapes and vast green spaces. The nearest town, Ancud, is around 35 kilometers away. The last section to the project leads along a narrow path and is covered on foot. It is precisely this remoteness that makes the place so special and creates an environment in which you can fully immerse yourself in nature.
The small village of Nal Bajo is in the immediate vicinity. There is a simple store with basic groceries such as rice, pasta, eggs and canned food. For larger purchases, we recommend Ancud, where you will find supermarkets and local markets with a much larger selection. Many volunteers therefore plan their shopping in advance and organize themselves together.
Life on site is deliberately kept simple and is strongly influenced by the surroundings. Due to the remote location, there may be power cuts or temporary restrictions in the water supply, especially in winter. Careful use of resources is also important in summer, as water can be scarce at times.
The climate on Chiloé is changeable and often harsh. Even in the summer months, it usually stays cool, with temperatures around 15 degrees, and rain is part of everyday life. Weatherproof clothing, warm layers and sturdy rubber boots are therefore essential to feel comfortable and well prepared for everyday life.
Those who get involved in this place will be rewarded with an intense experience of nature. Away from the infrastructure and distractions, there is space for peace, focus and a life in harmony with the surroundings.
The journey to the project takes place in several stages and usually begins in Santiago de Chile.
You have the option of continuing your journey either by bus or by flight. The bus journey from Santiago to Ancud takes around 12 to 14 hours and is a comfortable and inexpensive option for reaching the south of Chile.
Alternatively, you can take a domestic flight to Puerto Montt or Castro. Puerto Montt is flown to more frequently and is usually the easier option. From there, you can travel on to Ancud by bus. The journey takes around two hours from Puerto Montt and around an hour from Castro.
Once you arrive in Ancud, the project organizes the onward journey to the Lacuy peninsula so that you can reach your accommodation safely. The last few meters are covered on foot through the countryside to the project site.
As the journey takes you to a remote region and connections are sometimes irregular, we will of course support you with all the planning steps. On request, we can also take over the complete organization of your journey so that all transfers are optimally coordinated and you arrive relaxed.
You do not need any special training to take part in this project. Much more important are your attitude and your willingness to get involved in the local conditions.
You should be at least 18 years old and have a genuine interest in animal and nature conservation. The work in the project is varied, but also physically demanding. This includes activities such as cleaning enclosures, construction and maintenance work or carrying materials. A good basic level of fitness and a willingness to actively lend a hand are therefore important. .
As you are working with wild animals, responsible and respectful treatment is essential. Many animals come to the center in a weakened or injured state, which is why you must follow clear instructions and safety rules. There is no provision for independent action when dealing with animals.
Equally important is the ability to work in a team. You will live and work closely with other volunteers, share accommodation and everyday life and take joint responsibility for tasks in the project and in the household. Flexibility plays a major role, as tasks can change on a daily basis depending on requirements.
You should also be prepared to adjust to basic living conditions. The project is remote in nature, comfort is limited and everyday life can be challenging due to weather, infrastructure or project requirements.
Basic knowledge of Spanish is very helpful, as a large part of the communication on site takes place in Spanish. Knowledge of English can support the team, but is not a complete substitute for Spanish. .
If you are motivated to learn new things, take on responsibility and actively contribute to the protection of wild animals, you already have the most important prerequisites.
Spanish is predominantly spoken in everyday project life, as you will be working closely with the local team and will also be in contact with the community. Basic knowledge of Spanish is therefore very helpful in order to find your way around in everyday life and to be able to actively participate in the project. An official language level is not mandatory, but a level of around A2 is recommended.
English can provide support within the international team, but does not completely replace Spanish. Spanish is the most important language, especially when working with local partners, on educational projects or in daily exchanges on site. .
At the same time, the project offers you a good opportunity to improve your language skills in everyday life. By living and working in a team and having contact with the local population, you learn quickly and can put your Spanish into practice.
During your stay, you will live together with other volunteers in the so-called Casa Refugio, a simple accommodation in the immediate vicinity of the project site. The house is secluded in the middle of nature and offers space for a small group of volunteers and staff. You share your room with other participants, as well as the bathroom, kitchen and common areas. .
Life in the accommodation is organized on a communal basis. This also means that everyone helps to organize everyday life. Tasks such as cooking, tidying up or cleaning are carried out as a team. This quickly creates a family atmosphere, which is an important part of the local experience.
The accommodation is deliberately kept simple and cannot be compared with a classic standard of comfort. Due to the remote location, there may occasionally be power cuts or restrictions to the water supply, especially in bad weather or during the summer months. However, it is precisely these conditions that make life in the project particularly authentic and close to nature.
You organize your own meals. There is a communal kitchen on site where you can cook together with other volunteers. Food is usually bought together and the costs are shared. Occasionally there are shared meals that are prepared as a team. .
All in all, you can expect a simple, communal life with a close connection to nature. If you are prepared to get involved, you will be rewarded with an intense and bonding experience.
Carlos is German-Peruvian and grew up in Lima in a German family. He still lives there today and therefore speaks both Spanish and German. He has never been in Germany for more than three months, but he knows the customs and traditions first-hand. He also knows his native South America and its culture and can hardly wait to show you everything. Carlos describes himself as a fun-loving, helpful and humorous person who will always be at your side with help and advice. He is our local insider who will provide you with lots of tips and information about Latin America. If you have any questions during your stay in Latin America, a German-speaking contact person is available via WhatsApp in the same time zone.
Founder of Wanderworld Travel
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