Galapagos Tortoise Conservation Volunteer
Role Overview
In 1990, the Galapagos National Park (GNP) and the Charles Darwin Research Station (CDRS) began a breeding and care program for giant tortoises in captivity. The breeding centers for giant tortoises on the Galapagos Islands are a management measure to recover the populations of turtles affected by anthropogenic activities in the archipelago.
A center was created on each inhabited island, including on Isabela Island in an effort to mitigate the impact suffered by the giant tortoise populations of Isabela Sur. The presence of introduced animals (pigs, goats, dogs, cats, cattle, ants and rats) that destroy eggs or juvenile tortoises and compete with them for space and food, have put the survival of these reptiles at risk. In addition, the existence of poachers still represents a danger for the giant tortoises of Isabela Sur.
As a Galapagos Tortoise Breeding Center volunteer, you will work with the Galapagos National Park as a member of the staff at the Tortoise Breeding Center. This will include:
Feeding and caring for the tortoises
Daily tortoise counts
Quarterly growth monitoring
Maintaining tortoise enclosures: cleaning of pools and corrals
During nesting season, control of nesting areas and transfer of eggs to artificial incubators
Assist in necessary corrective and preventative maintenance to the facilities of the Breeding Center and surrounding areas; tasks will depend on needs at the time but may include sanding and painting of wooden structures and signage, cleaning interpretation center windows, trail maintenance, etc.
Assisting in educating visitors about Giant Tortoises and about the rules and regulations keeping the tortoises safe and the habitats intact.
Schedule
Schedules are based on a 25 hr/week commitment, typically Monday-Friday 7:30AM-12:30PM.
May be subject to change depending on the tasks at hand.
Requirements
A genuine passion for animal conservation.
An ability to openly communicate rules and regulations to tourists as well as follow instructions.
Ability to work independently as well as in a team.
Flexible schedule that accounts for the day to day needs of working with a local institution.
Physical ability to work outdoors with potentially high sun, element, and temperature exposure.
Ability to speak and understand Spanish is beneficial as it will increase your ability to communicate and integrate with community members. IOI staff are English speakers but National Park Rangers speak very basic English thus we highly recommend that you brush up on your Spanish skills to make the most of your experience. If you would like to add a 1 or 2 week long Spanish course to the start of your program, please let us know so we can help you arrange this.
** Wasps are atracted to the plants that you will be prepping and feeding to the giant tortoises. While our Packing List PDF explains that long-sleeve and long pants should be used in the breeding center and most participants are not typically stung, wasp stings are still possible thus those with severe allergies should be reconsider this project choice.
Interested in volunteering with the Galapagos Tortoises? Follow these 3 easy steps:
Step 1: Apply Now & Reserve. Fill out an application and pay the reservation deposit. The deposit holds your spot in one of our programs and goes towards your final program fee. The deposit is already deducted from the prices you see below. The application and deposit do not guarantee the dates you anticipate joining us. Once we receive your application, we will contact you with any follow-up questions and confirm your dates.
Not ready to fill out an application but have questions? Contact us.
Step 2: Reserve your space by making your $200 deposit
Step 3: Pay the program remaining balance fee 8 weeks before your trip.
