Laos Wildlife sanctuary volunteering holiday
Description of Laos Wildlife sanctuary volunteering holiday
Animal cruelty remains a critical concern in Laos, where the illegal wildlife trade takes a heavy toll on native species. In response, dedicated wildlife conservationists joined forces with the local government in 2015 to transform an old zoo into the Laos Wildlife Sanctuary, which became a safe embrace for animals rescued from trafficking and the devastating pet trade.
This sanctuary's mission is to provide the best possible life for the vulnerable and endangered animals who find refuge there. In 2023, they faced a new challenge: relocating to a larger rainforest site, transforming it into a premier wildlife conservation centre. Volunteers are key to this mission, making hands-on contributions that will have lasting impacts on long-term residents and new arrivals, including bears, monkeys, pangolins, and crocodiles.
As a volunteer on this wildlife volunteering holiday, you'll have an extraordinary chance to rescue, rehabilitate, and, in some cases, release these animals back into the wild. For those unable to return to their natural habitats, you'll help provide compassionate lifelong care. Whether building enclosures, feeding animals or creating engaging enrichment activities, every moment at the Laos Wildlife Sanctuary is both impactful and inspiring.
With Sundays as free days, you can relax in the beautiful infinity pool overlooking the reservoir or visit the nearby eco-resort for exciting activities like zip-lining - a perfect way to blow off some steam after a fulfilling week of volunteering!
PROGRAMME
Please note that the itinerary could change depending on the sanctuary's needs.
DAY 1
You'll be picked up from Vientiane International Airport or your nearby overnight accommodation by project staff between 11:30am and 12:30pm and will transfer to the sanctuary. Once you've arrived, you'll be given an orientation tour and have lunch with your fellow volunteers. You'll then be given time to settle in before starting the project activities the following day.
DAY 2-13
Morning activities will start around 7:30am, after a quick meeting to discuss the day's tasks. You will spend the first part of the morning caring for the animals, feeding them and cleaning their enclosures. After a mid-morning break, you may start a construction project; during this, you'll break for lunch before continuing. Your final activity may include enrichment for the nocturnal animals before finishing around 4pm. Sundays are usually the elected days off for volunteers.
DAY 14
Sadly, today is your last day on the project. So, after packing up and saying goodbye to the other volunteers and the animals, you'll transfer to your chosen accommodation in Vientiane or the airport to begin your journey home.
Price information
Check dates
2026: 4 Jan, 11 Jan, 18 Jan, 25 Jan, 1 Feb, 8 Feb, 15 Feb, 22 Feb, 1 Mar, 8 Mar, 15 Mar, 22 Mar, 29 Mar, 5 Apr, 12 Apr, 19 Apr, 26 Apr, 3 May, 10 May, 17 May, 24 May, 31 May, 7 Jun, 14 Jun, 21 Jun, 28 Jun, 5 Jul, 12 Jul, 19 Jul, 26 Jul, 2 Aug, 9 Aug, 16 Aug, 23 Aug, 30 Aug, 6 Sep, 13 Sep, 20 Sep, 27 Sep, 4 Oct, 11 Oct, 18 Oct, 25 Oct, 1 Nov, 8 Nov, 15 Nov, 22 Nov, 29 Nov, 6 Dec, 13 Dec, 20 Dec, 27 Dec
Travel guides
Responsible Travel
Planet
The Laos Wildlife Sanctuary aims to reduce the huge number of animals smuggled in and out of the country each day. By rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing animals back into the wild the sanctuary hopes to aid wildlife conservation by saving endangered animals and by changing perceptions on the illegal wildlife trade. The sanctuary has changed the lives of these animals by building new enclosures that replicate their natural surroundings and providing enrichment that stimulates them and keeps them happy and healthy.The sanctuary is committed to providing the best lives possible for all the animals in its care and has a strict hands-off policy to ensure the animals are not familiar with human interaction to give them the best possible chance of release.
The sanctuary is very keen on recycling, and if you buy beers from the local shop, they encourage you to give the bottles back as the shopkeepers will receive money for them.
People
The sanctuary is currently developing its new site into a wildlife rescue and education centre that will teach the local communities about the importance of wildlife conservation. Now, Laos has a pillar of hope against wildlife trafficking, and the local communities have something they can proudly stand behind that does not harm wildlife but supports it.The staff at the Laos Wildlife Sanctuary are employed from the local community and have had their eyes opened to the horrors of the illegal wildlife trade. By working at the sanctuary they are able to provide for their families and also teach the volunteers about their culture and vice versa - building bonds between all cultures.
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