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Volunteer at a Jaguar Breeding Center, Brazil

by: Exchange do Bem

5 (5)Since 2016

The Jaguar Project, located in Campina Grande do Sul (Brazil), aims to protect and restore threatened native Brazilian species by reintroducing them to nature and ensuring a healthy environment for them to live freely. Volunteers participate in daily activities to keep the animals fed and living in clean enclosures. Everyone gets involved hands-on, which is really inspiring to witness and experience. The project has over 150 enclosures housing more than 2,200 animals from 190 species. There are various mammals (marmoset, monkey, jaguar, maned wolf, capybara, anteater, etc.), reptiles (alligator, tortoise, etc.), and birds (blue macaw, hawk, cardinal, and toucan, among others). The project is situated away from urban centers, so you can expect to be surrounded by nature. This volunteer program is open to participants aged 18 and above who love nature and wish to contribute to the conservation of wildlife species.

Program Highlights

Assist with the restoration of native habitats for threatened Brazilian species.

Rehabilitate and reintroduce wildlife animals into natural environments.

Stay in comfortable lodging with shared facilities, located within the project area.

Learn about local flora and fauna through guided activities.

Engage in sustainable practices for wildlife conservation.

Quick Details

Locations:
  • Curitiba, Brazil
Starts At: $640 for 1 week
Availability
Year(s) Offered: Year RoundDuration:
  • 1-2 Weeks
  • 2-4 Weeks
  • 5-8 Weeks
  • 3-6 Months
  • 1-2 Years
  • Multiple Year
  • 9-12 Weeks
  • 7-12 Months
  • Summer
  • Alternative Spring Break
Age Requirement: 18+
Types & Subjects
Causes:
  • Animal Welfare
  • Conservation
  • Wildlife
Guidelines:
  • All Nationalities
See all program details
Last Updated: Jul 30, 2026

Awards

Selo de Turismo ResponsávelSelo ilmpact 2022

Program Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about the programs

Overall Rating

5

Total Reviews

5

Life changing!

July 11, 2025by: Julia Silva - Brazil
5

Volunteering in this project was one of the most meaningful and life changing experiences of my life. The team is deeply committed to conservation and works with love. I feel honored to have been a part of this important mission. Highly recommend learning more about their work and participating.

AMAZING!!!!

July 16, 2024by: Bruna Ferreira - Brazil
5

It was one of the greatest experiences of my entire life! I loved the support from the team and all my activities on the project! I recommend.The opportunity I had to be in contact with Brazilian nature.

MonkeyGolden-capped parakeet

It was like visiting paradise!

July 16, 2024by: Marcella Basílio - Brazil
5

The Jaguar Breeding Center is an extraordinary place where you can connect with nature while aiding endangered animals. The project team is exceptionally welcoming, and participating in the daily care of the animals is highly rewarding. I visited at the end of last year, and it was one of the most memorable experiences of my life!

VolunteeringMacawsZumbi, the black jaguar

An experience I will never forget!!

July 16, 2024by: Júlia Fontes - Brazil
5

Being close to so many amazing animals of different species was something incredible that I cherish dearly in my heart! Helping with daily tasks and knowing that even by just changing a water bowl, I am already making a difference for an animal, fills my heart with joy. I left there with even more desire to make a difference! <3

Florida panthermonkey and person huggingpig and volunteer

Amazing Experience to who love animals

July 16, 2024by: Eduardo Mariano - Brazil
5

I was there last year with a group of 5 volunteers. It was such an amazing experience because I was looking for contact with nature and animals. The project does an incredible job of taking care of Brazilian animals to prevent their extinction. Even though the name is Jaguar Project, the project helps more than 200 species, and there are more than 2000 animals there. It’s a great opportunity to learn more about Brazilian biodiversity.

The team of volunteersmonkeyLeopard

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Curitiba, Brazil

Types and Subjects

  • Causes
  • Animal Welfare
  • Conservation
  • Wildlife

Availability

Years Offered: Year Round

Duration:
  • 1-2 Weeks
  • 2-4 Weeks
  • 5-8 Weeks
  • 3-6 Months
  • 1-2 Years
  • Multiple Year
  • 9-12 Weeks
  • 7-12 Months
  • Summer
  • Alternative Spring Break

Age Requirement

18+

Guidelines

All Nationalities

This Program is also open to Solo, Couples, Families

Starts At

  • 1 week: $640

Program Cost Includes

  • Tuition & Fees
  • Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
  • Wifi Costs
  • Weekday Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
  • Weekend Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
  • Some Equipment
  • Guide / Chaperone
  • On-Site / In-Country Staff Support
  • Pre-Departure Orientation
  • In-Country Orientation
  • Training
  • Assistance Booking Travel

Program Cost Excludes

  • Travel Insurance
  • Airport Transfer (Pick-Up)
  • Airport Transfer (Drop-Off)
  • International SIM Card
  • Domestic Airfare

Payment Terms

  • Payment Plan
  • Upfront Deposit
  • Changes Allowed

Refund Policy

Partial Refund

Accommodation Options

  • Guest House
  • Other

Qualifications & Experience

    Language Skills Required

  • English
  • Portuguese
  • Spanish

    Accepted Education Levels

  • Any/All Education Levels Accepted

Application Procedures

  • Online Application

Frequently Asked Questions

Are meals included?

The project provides ingredients, vegetables, salads, and frozen meat, among other items. Volunteers prepare their meals in the kitchen, equipped with standard utensils (dishes, cutlery, pots, etc.), a refrigerator, a microwave, a two-burner ceramic stove, a sandwich maker, and a fruit juicer.

What is the accommodation like?

The Jaguar Project provides accommodation facilities within the project area. Volunteers stay in shared rooms and bathrooms, enjoying comfortable amenities that include a television, gas-heated showers, a washing machine, and a kitchen equipped for meal preparation.

How do volunteers arrive at the project?

Volunteers should arrive at Curitiba Airport (CWB), from where we can organize a transfer to Campina Grande do Sul, the project site. The distance is approximately 40 minutes from the airport. The one-way transfer cost is approximately R$130.00 (US$25.00).

What are the volunteering hours?

Normally, work occurs from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with a one-hour lunch break.

What are the volunteer activities?

Volunteers engage in the following activities:

  • Assist in preparing meals for the animals
  • Aid in the recovery treatment of animals
  • Select and sort food collected from supermarkets for animal feeding
  • Assist in cleaning the crates used to transport food
  • Help clean animal enclosures
  • Monitor the animals' routines under supervision

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