VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Born Free USA, and international wildlife conservation and animal protection organization, has opportunities for volunteers from the US and abroad at its primate sanctuary in south Texas. This is an exiting experience for animal lovers or people interested in gaining experience in wildlife protection and care at an accredited sanctuary, and one of the best in the US.
Volunteers will support our sanctuary team, assisting with the day-to-day care of the hundreds of monkey residents. Working under the instruction of our caregiver team, you will help prepare and distribute their food and enrichment, clean enclosures, and maintain the grounds among other general tasks.
Volunteers must commit to a minimum of 10-12 weeks and will work five 8-hours shifts per week. Placements are available on an ongoing basis.
Born Free USA provides housing in shared accommodations along with basic food/pantry staples.
Prior experience working with primates is not required. We will provide the instruction needed! We welcome any volunteers who have a respect for animals and a commitment to their welfare.
Necessary Qualifications:
- Competency in English, both spoken and written.
- Ability to perform physical labor, including lifting up to 50 pounds (22 kilos).
- Ability and willingness to work in all weather conditions, including cold, rain, and heat (100F/38C+).
- Willingness to take direction and follow safety protocols.
About the Born Free USA Primate Sanctuary
The Born Free Primate Sanctuary provides a lifelong care to hundreds of monkeys, many of whom have been rescued from abusive or exploitative situations. We are located on 175 acres approximately 90 miles south of San Antonio, Texas. The focus of our animal care is to provide conditions in which this captive population of macaques, baboons, and vervets are allowed to live out the remainder of their lives with extensive freedom of movement, choice of food, and choice of companions, in accordance with their social nature. The sanctuary is not open to the public and we do not display animals for educational or entertainment purposes.
Born Free's mission is to end the suffering of wild animals in captivity, rescue individual animals in need, protect wildlife - including endangered species - in their natural habitats, and encourage compassionate conservation globally. Inspired by the iconic film Born Free, we work locally, nationally and internationally to end wild animal cruelty and suffering, protect threatened wildlife, and keep wildlife in the wild where they rightfully belong.
How to Apply
Send a letter to Katie Conway, Sanctuary Manager, at katiec@bornfreeusa.org. Be sure to tell us why you are interested in volunteering with us and the time period you are seeking.
FAQs for VOLUNTEERS
What experience do I need?
None! You need to have a respect for animals, a positive spirit, and a willingness to learn and work hard.
Will I be paid? What will you provide?
Volunteers are not paid. We provide housing and basic food supplies (e.g. rice, beans, bread, produce, paper goods).
If I am coming from outside the US, will you help with my visa?
Volunteers are responsible for their own visa applications and associated costs.
What if I want to volunteer for just a week or a month?
If you are interested in shorter term volunteering, this may be possible. Short term volunteers would help with food preparation, cleaning, and other such support tasks, and they will not assist in direct animal care. Accommodations are not provided for short term volunteers. We can recommend nearby hotels in the area, and you must have your own transportation.
Does Born Free USA embrace diversity and inclusivity?
Absolutely. We welcome people from all backgrounds, cultures, races, ethnicities, religions, gender identities, and sexual orientations. We are a safe place. Harassment, bullying, or discrimination is not tolerated.
Where is the sanctuary located? What is the area around there like?
The sanctuary is located approximately 90 miles south of San Antonio, Texas near the town of Cotulla. It is a rural area. You can get groceries within 5-15 miles, but you’ll likely want to go to San Antonio or Austin on your days off for entertainment or social activities. The surrounding area has beautiful places to camp, swim in a river, or hike.
How do I get there? Who pays for my travel?
You are responsible for arranging and the cost of travel to and from the sanctuary. The closest airport is San Antonio. If you do not have your own vehicle, we will pick you up from the airport on arrival and return you for departure.
Will I need a car while I am there?
We recommend you have a vehicle. We are in a rural location, and there is no public transportation. You need a car to go grocery shopping, for entertainment, and any activities off the property. Our team members are great about offering to have others go along with them, but they are not obligated to do so. Company vehicles are not provided for personal use.
What is the weather like in south Texas?
The winters are mostly mild, though it can drop to freezing temperatures for short periods. Spring and fall are lovely. Summer heat begins in May and doesn’t let up until October. You can expect several months of temperatures in the 90s and over 100 degrees.
What are the accommodations?
We offer shared housing in mobile homes, and we’ll be honest…they aren’t luxurious, but they are fully furnished and have heat and air conditioning. Accommodations include a furnished bedroom (either single or double), furnished living room, kitchen with appliances and basic cooking equipment, utilities, and internet. We do not provide bedding, bath linens, or phone or other electronic devices.
How much will I work?
You will work five days a week, eight hours a day with lunch and rest periods. You will have two days off each week to relax and enjoy the surrounding area.
Can I bring my pet cat or dog?
Generally, no. We wish we could accommodate them all, but we have to consider the dynamics of shared housing.
Do I have to be vegan/vegetarian?
As an animal protection organization, we encourage a compassionate plant-based diet, but it is not required. All team members must be respectful of their colleagues’ and housemates’ dietary choices.