Wildlife Conservation
This rewarding wildlife program is located approximately 60 km north of Laos’ capital, Vientiane, and is dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing wildlife—particularly animals affected by the illegal wildlife trade.
Volunteers play a vital, hands-on role in both site development and animal care. Construction tasks may include building new enclosures or renovating existing ones, while animal care responsibilities involve feeding, cleaning, and contributing ideas for enrichment activities.
Participants can expect a truly unique and meaningful experience, working closely with wildlife while supporting conservation efforts.
Goals of the Project:
- Improve the living conditions of resident animals rescued from the illegal wildlife trade
- Provide rehabilitation to prepare animals for eventual release
- Construct new enclosures and enrichment structures, such as swimming pools, shelters, and climbing towers
How You Can Help
Volunteers play an integral role in achieving the goals of this program. Wildlife Conservation volunteers are actively involved in creating and implementing enrichment activities, with staff encouraging fresh ideas to enhance the animals’ daily routines. Providing both mental and physical stimulation is essential to supporting the wellbeing of the animals in care.
In collaboration with the on-site team, volunteers also assist with building new enclosures and developing enrichment structures, such as swimming pools, shelters, and climbing towers.
Volunteers are also involved in daily morning and afternoon rounds, which involve feeding animals and cleaning enclosures, as well as contributing to community engagement initiatives.
Please note: This is a hands-off rescue center.
Direct physical human contact can be a detriment to the animal's rehabilitation, recovery and their ability to elicit natural behaviors. As a result, Wildlife Conservation volunteers do not have direct physical contact with any of our animals.
Instead, it is great to be able to sit back and watch animals using the enrichment you have made or the new branches you have put in their enclosure and enjoy observing the animals’ natural behaviors!
Volunteers will work 6 days per week and contribute in a variety of ways, with tasks including:
- Feeding animals and cleaning enclosures
- Assisting in the construction of new enclosures
- Developing and implementing enrichment ideas
- Building enrichment structures
- Assist with the preparation of community engagement programs
- Preparing facilities for incoming animals
Requirements
Love Volunteers welcomes all those aged 18years and above who wish to give their time and energy to help with wildlife conservation in Laos. Volunteers do not need prior wildlife experience, as we are primarily looking for individuals with a positive attitude, a genuine interest in helping wildlife, and a willingness to learn.
All volunteers are expected to meet a few general requirements. A moderate to high level of English is essential, along with a good level of physical fitness, as the workload can be demanding and often involves strenuous activity. Volunteers should also be comfortable working in a hot and humid climate, including spending extended periods outdoors in these conditions.
Above all, we value individuals who are motivated, adaptable, and eager to contribute to the ongoing development of the centre while gaining new skills and experiences.
Additionally, volunteers applying to join this program will be required to supply to following documentation:
- Emergency contact
- Vaccination Certificate
Project Location
This program is based in Xienglaetha village, 60km from the capital Vientiane.
Life here in the village revolves around agriculture, small-scale trade, and community ties. You won’t find tourist facilities like hotels or restaurants—this is a place where daily life is local and authentic.
Vientiane is a relaxed capital sitting along the Mekong River, right on the border with Thailand. Compared to other Southeast Asian capitals, it feels quieter and more laid-back, with a mix of traditional Lao culture and French colonial influence.
Traffic is light, the pace is slow, and there’s a strong café culture. You’ll find tree-lined streets, Buddhist temples, and riverside markets rather than skyscrapers.
Start Dates & Duration
This project is available year-round and programs start every SUNDAY. Volunteers can choose to participate for periods ranging from 1 week to 12 weeks. Longer stays can be arranged directly with the local team, but will be subject to availability and individual visa conditions.
For current available start dates please check the calendar on the right.
Arrival & Orientation
Volunteers are collected either from the airport or your accommodation in Vientiane on Sunday morning between 10am and 11am only. You will be taken to the Rescue Centre to settle in.
The Rescue Centre staff will show you around the volunteer facilities, provide an orientation around the center and explain the rules, policies and emergency procedures.
Following your orientation you will then get to meet with the current volunteers and the rest of the staff.
The center coordinators will tell you about the day's plans and activities as they develop so you know what to expect for the day ahead. Although some days you can only expect the unexpected!
- Program Arrival Day: SUNDAY (Between 10am and 11am)
- Program Departure Day: SUNDAY 8am
- Arrival/Departure Airport: Wattay International Airport, Vientiane, Laos (Code: VTE)
Accommodation & Meals
The accommodation consists of five beautiful bungalows, each accommodating a maximum of two people. Nestled beneath the trees just behind the gibbon enclosure—so you’ll be serenaded each morning by their calls.
We aim to maintain single-sex accommodation, although this cannot always be guaranteed due to volunteer capacity. Exceptions are made for couples, friends, and families who wish to stay together.
Each bungalow is equipped with electrical outlets, fans, and fully screened windows to help keep mosquitoes out. A hammock is also provided, perfect for relaxing on the peaceful front porch. Fresh bed linen is supplied upon arrival and can be changed during longer stays.
Shared facilities include single-sex shower and toilet blocks, fitted with Western-style toilets and hot water showers.
All meals are provided. Lunch and dinner are served as hot meals delivered to the volunteer house, while breakfast ingredients are supplied for you to prepare at your convenience. Clean drinking water is available at multiple locations across the site. Please bring a water bottle to refill.
All meals are vegetarian. If you have any specific dietary requirements, please inform us prior to arrival. You will also have access to storage space for both dry goods and refrigerated items, such as fruit or ice cream, that you may purchase during your stay.
On-site laundry facilities are available for your convenience. Laundry detergent is provided.
Fees
That’s just USD 118 per day* for:
*In addition to the program fees listed above a Registration Fee is payable to secure your place. The registration fee is USD 299 for those volunteering with Love Volunteers for the first time or USD 149 for any subsequent volunteer placements. The registration fee includes: lifetime LV Alumni Membership, fundraising support & advice, dedicated pre-departure support, certificate of completion (on request), and exclusive access to the LV Trip Planner.
Some things are not included in the program fees listed above, such as flights, visas, vaccinations, travel insurance, additional foods and snacks, spending money, local transport, in-country trips and excursions, return airport transfer (unless mentioned above).
Please note that prices are subject to change without notice. Please ensure you have read the Love Volunteers Terms and Conditions & Refund Policy.