Argentina – Puma & Environmental Conservation for Teenagers

The initial 2 days orientation (Sunday – Monday) takes place in Cordoba, Argentina. The volunteer program is in a beautiful location, approximately 90 km southwest of Cordoba city, with views stretching towards the Andes Mountains.

Volunteers will join a non-profit organization that manages a nature reserve. The reserve’s mission is to preserve ecosystems and protect native species, especially pumas. It also serves as a sanctuary for retired and rescued animals. The reserve has over 50 extraordinary creatures, including 20 pumas and a diverse range of indigenous wildlife, such as eagles, ferrets, monkeys, llamas, nutrias, peacocks, rabbits, hens, owls, ducks, parrots, turtles, pigs, and bobcats.

Urbanization has heavily affected the surrounding mountain range, and the program aims to restore its natural environment. Volunteers play a crucial role in creating a haven for pumas, who often sustain injuries while hunting in urban areas. With only 3% of Cordoba’s land remaining forested, the organization’s mission is of utmost importance. To enhance biodiversity and rejuvenate the ecosystem, the organization has set up a greenhouse. The organization uses this greenhouse to cultivate native plants that they will reintroduce into the reserve.

As a dedicated volunteer, your role will include the following activities that support the reserve:

Environmental Research:

Collaborate with researchers and help monitor trap cameras.

Take part in data collection and help researchers study animal behavior and health.

Animal Care:

• Provide essential care by feeding and ensuring access to water for a diverse range of animals.
• Maintain enclosures, assist with grooming, and support veterinary care.
• Develop and implement enrichment activities to enhance the mental and physical well-being of the animals.
• Create and install environmental features to improve the living spaces of our animal residents.

Habitat Restoration and Maintenance:

• Help maintain trails, signage, and perform cleaning duties.
• Take part in organic gardening and planting native vegetation.
• Remove invasive species to restore the natural balance.
• Manage the Seed Bank by collecting and selecting seeds from various native species.

Tourism and Outreach:

• Engage with tourists and guide them through the reserve during guided tours.

A typical day:

8:30 AM: Breakfast
9:00 AM: Volunteer activities
1:00 PM: Lunch break
2:00 PM: Volunteer activities
5:30 PM: Online training sessions twice a week covering:

1. Wild and domestic species characteristics
2. Captivity conditions, animal welfare, and environmental enrichment
3. Felines: Characteristics and classification, puma situation in Argentina, canned or guaranteed hunting, hunting trophies, and educational campaigns.
4. Practical application: Planning, development, and implementation of environmental enrichment.

6:00 PM: End of volunteer workday
8:30 PM: Dinner time

Note: During summer, schedules may change due to excessive heat. One free day per week, usually on Sunday.

Internet: The volunteer accommodation has Wi-Fi, but it may be unstable. During the Cordoba city tour, the local coordinator can assist volunteers purchase a SIM card, which they can charge and use.

Laundry: The reserve director offers the volunteers to use the laundry machine once a week at her house. There is also a laundry shop available in town.

Accommodations: As a volunteer, you will stay in a basic yet comfortable communal accommodation provided onsite. Each bedroom has 5 bunk beds, complete with mattresses. Volunteers need to bring their own sleeping bag. The bathroom, which is a shared space, is conveniently located nearby. Private rooms are available for an extra fee.

Food: The volunteer program provides 3 meals per day, not during the orientation in Cordoba. Sometimes, volunteers may need to cook their own meals. However, all the ingredients will be available in the kitchen. We can accommodate vegan and other diets, just let us know on your application form.

• Basic level of English
• GoEco interview after application
• Entry test to determine your level of Spanish
• Motivation to work with animals

The reserve and volunteer program are located in Villa Rumipal, which is a charming tourist town on the shores of Lake Rumipal. During your time off, you can enjoy a variety of water activities, such as boating, kayaking, or simply relaxing by the lake or riverside. Volunteers can also explore the nearby hills and forests by walking or hiking. The region is home to a diverse range of fauna and flora, giving birdwatchers the opportunity to observe over 150 bird species at the Natural Reserve “Aguada de los Pájaros,” along with other animals that coexist with vegetation adapted to the aquatic environment and remnants of the native forest.

For more adventure, you can find Recreational Adventure Parks in the surrounding area. There are also charming towns nearby, such as Villa General Belgrano and La Cumbrecita. These towns hold frequent cultural festivals and celebrations, providing a delightful cultural experience.

Córdoba Capital, the second largest city in the country, is only 2.5 hours away from Villa Rumipal. It offers a fascinating blend of history and modernity with its Jesuit heritage and strong Spanish culture. The city is also a university town, known for its welcoming and progressive atmosphere. The locals are friendly and open-minded, and known for their love of cuarteto music. As a volunteer, you can add a Spanish week in Cordoba before the volunteer placement. See add-ons below.