The Iberian wolf, inhabiting the Iberian Peninsula, is one of the many subspecies of wolves found in the world. The wolf is one of those species whose habitat has substantially declined in all parts of the globe. In Portugal, the Iberian wolf is threatened with extinction and is fully protected by a national law since 1988.

Project

Volunteering with wolves in Portugal; The Wolf project was created in 1987 by an independent, non-profit association, devoted to the conservation of the Iberian wolf and its habitat in Portugal. This project was founded with the aim of providing an adequate captivity environment for wolves no longer able to live in the wild and to promote the wolf.

Participating at this project is intended for volunteers who want to help conserve and protect one of nature’s most beautiful and mysterious creatures; the Iberian wolf. The work of the volunteers is of extreme importance for the development and continuance of the Centre. By raising more understanding and true compassion for the Iberian wolf, the project is convinced to keep this wonderful animal from extinction.

The project staff consists of three persons, (who are not exclusively devoted to the volunteers). The staff is enthusiastic and enjoys training and working with volunteers from different countries. The language spoken at this project is English.

The project location is situated about 20 km from Portugal’s capital Lisbon. The centre is located in a forested valley. In the surroundings there is a rich natural and cultural heritage, more nature reserves and also the sea/beach is close by.

There are a lot of things to do in your leisure time. For example: explore the beautiful surrounding region of the forests and coast line. Visit different towns like the historical city Mafra, beautiful palaces in Sintra and of course Lisbon.

You will be responsible for travelling and arranging your own transport to the project in Portugal. Detailed travel information will be provided after you’ve booked.

Your tasks may include:

  • Preparation of food and feeding the wolves
  • Checking the wolves water supplies (during summer at least 3 times a day)
  • Monitoring and observatuion of the wolves
  • Infrastructure maintenance (like checking enclosures walls and fences, painting, pathways improvements, etc.)
  • Forest maintenance (like tree felling and pruning, removal of branches and other materials and subsequent burning, etcetera)
  • Checking for fires in the area (mainly May – October)

You will work 5 days a week, approximately 7 hours a day. You can have 2 free days of each week (weekends usually).

Volunteers will be accommodated in one of the wooden volunteer houses. The houses are fully equipped with all modern conveniences. The ‘big’ house (up to 6 people) has 2 bedrooms (1 room for 4 and 1 for 2 persons). The ‘small’ house (up to 2 people) has 1 bedroom. Other facilities like kitchen, where you can prepare your own meals, and bathroom are shared by all occupants.

As a volunteer you must meet the following requirements:

  • Minimum age for participation is 18 years old
  • Able to communicate in English (and/or in Portuguese)
  • Able to work as part of a team and be independant in carring out the tasks
  • Being interested in animals and nature
  • Having a good physical condition
  • There are no vaccinations required at this project, but we recommend you to be vaccinated against DTP and Hepatitis A. (For the most actual information we  advise you to visit your local medical clinic).

Volunteers are welcome all year round. For 2023 are there scheduled arrival- and departure dates (exept for some periods also 13/14 days):

Arrival
 Departure
08 February 20 February
22 February 06 March
08 March 20 March
22 March 03 April
05 April 17 April
19 April 01 May
03 May 15 May
17 May 29 May
31 May 12 June
14 June 26 June
28 June 10 July
12 July 24 July
26 July 07 August
09 August 21 August
23 August 04 September
06 September 18 September
20 September 2/3/4 October
09 October 23 October
25  October 06 November
08 November  20 November
22 November 4/5/6 December
   
   
   
   
Period
12 nights
price p.p.
13 nights
price p.p.
14 nights
price p.p.
(Bunk)bed in a 4-person room
€ 480,-
€ 505,-
€ 530,-
Bed in a double room
€ 540,-
€ 570,-
€ 600,-
Single use in a double room
€ 780,-
€ 830,-
€ 880,-
Period
12 nights
price p.p.
13 nights
price p.p.
14 nights
price p.p.
Bed in a double room
€ 620,-
€ 655,-
€ 690,-
Single use in a double room
€ 930,-
€ 990,-
€ 1025,-
Costs include:

  • Information and assistence before deparure
  • If desired, estimate of flight options / travel possibilities (the most convenient flights options at a glance)
  • Accommodation including use of kithen facilities
  • Bed and bath linen
  • Weekly cleaning
  • Weekly transport for grocery shopping
  • A donation to the project
  • Training and supervision
  • Program and administration costs
  • And, of course a very memorable experience!

Prices are valid for the said periods in the year 2023.

Everything you need to know before you book this project:
Extensive information Project Wolves in Portugal (PDF)

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