Wildlife Conservation in Laos

About the program

Laos is sadly one of the major gateways of the illegal wildlife trade from South-east Asia. There is thought to be thousands of protected wild animals and their parts being smuggled in and out of the country every month. Therefore, having a wildlife rescue center in Laos to directly combat this illicit activity is of great importance. One of the aims of this program is to also improve the conditions for animals currently in the Laos Zoo and transform the zoo into a wildlife rescue center which can provide a home and specialist rehabilitation, for animals rescued from the illegal wildlife trade.

Your daily schedule will be packed with a mix of the projects listed below. If the center needs a particular project to be completed, you will be picking up where the last volunteers left it at.

WILDLIFE CARE AND ENRICHMENT

Volunteers will assist with providing care, cleaning, feeding, and enriching the lives of the animals at the center. Enrichment is a way to improve the lives of animals and stimulate them mentally and/ or physically by providing activities to work on throughout the day. Prior to the center, the animals spent many years without any sort of mental or physical stimulation. Enrichment is an essential part of any animal routine, as it helps prevent boredom and stress behaviors in animals. Enrichment can play a critical part in wildlife rehabilitation and preparation for a life back in the wild. An enrichment schedule for the animals is followed in the morning and afternoon, and fresh new ideas to create new enrichment programs are always encouraged. The center is also a no-touch facility for volunteers, to encourage a speedy return to the wild for the animals.

CONSTRUCTION

Projects can vary, whether it's building a pool, climbing structures or even new enclosures. This is what makes each project unique; the development of the center is in full force, everything you do will have a lasting impact and you will be able to see how much the animals and the local staff appreciate it!

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Leisure activities

The rescue center is in a rural location in Laos and you will be living in an authentic Lao setting. After work hours, volunteers can socialize at the volunteer house. There is a resort close by that has a pool and restaurant if requested in advance. It is in a beautiful location on the banks of the Nam Ngum River. There is a small out-of-pocket fee to use the pool, and food and beverages are cheap there. There are a few local shops, markets, local style food houses and bars, and small temples all within walking distance from the center.

Lao Pii Mai, which is the Laos New Year, lasts for two weeks at the start of April. This is the biggest festival, celebrated all around the country.