🇪🇸 ESC Volunteering in Spain 🐒 Caretaker at a Primate Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre 🌿

Description

Rainfer Sanctuary is, since 1995, a rescue and rehabilitation centre for primates that have been subjected to human exploitation (illegal trade, circuses, zoos that kept them in poor conditions or are abandoned pets). Our main aims are fighting against illegal trade of wildlife, raising environmental awareness in the society through education and taking care of primates sheltered in our facilities (we shelter and take care of over 125 primates of over 20 different species). We are now seeking for European Solidarity Corps volunteers eager to learn and take part in animal conservation. Volunteers will collaborate with our professional caretakers in Sanctuary’s daily tasks such as: elaboration of primate diets; small and medium-sized monkey feeding; hygiene and disinfection of primate facilities; elaboration of enrichment techniques for physical and psychological rehabilitation of primates or development of ethological observation of primate groups.

Accommodation, food and transport arrangements

Volunteers will be accommodated on site in a fully equipped bungalow with 4 double bedrooms with ensuite bathroom, kitchen and dining room. Volunteers are responsible for keeping it clean, however our cleaning personnel will help keep the area in good conditions. The Sanctuary is a 30-minutes’ walk from the closest village, where all basic shops and equipments can be found. Madrid can be accessed by bus in their spare time, 2 bikes are available for volunteers. This programme includes HENNER insurance, travel costs, monthly and food allowance and pocket money according to the ESC limits.

Training during the activity

Volunteers will be offered a Spanish-language course prior to their incorporation to the team. During the stay, volunteers will be instructed and accompanied through all activities and tasks. Besides, they will assist to a series of lectures and seminars to learn more about different aspects of primate care, biology, and wildlife conservation.

Participant profile

Volunteers between 18 and 30 years old, compromised with primate conservation and eager to experience animal care from a practical point of view. Candidates must be motivated, highly responsible and very active (the work is quite physical and can be tiring), maturity and compromise with our mission to comply with our safety and health protocols are also required. A basic knowledge of Spanish (B1) is required to join our team. We choose our trainees and volunteers regarding their environmental sensibility, respect for animals and motivation for learning about primate preservation.

Activity details

Activity type

Individual volunteering

Activity dates

A total of 24 week(s) during the period 02/11/2026 to 30/09/2027

Location

Avenida La Vega 12 P6 2A, Alcobendas, Spain

Deadline

No application deadline

Project code

2026-1-ES02-ESC51-VTJ-000401018

Topics

Looking for participants from

32 countries can apply. The activity takes place in 🇪🇸 Spain.