ESC: Wildlife rescue volunteer

Name: ESC: Wildlife rescue volunteer
Start: 2026-04-01
End: 2026-12-31
Location: Den Helder, Netherlands

Code: 49576 Copied

Netherlands European Voluntary Service Environment European Voluntary Service Environment Fixed dates

About the project

📝 Detailed information

💼 What the programme involves

Wildopvang De Helderse Vallei is a wildlife rescue centre that helps more than 2.000 birds and small mammals yearly. We take care of injured, orphaned or abandoned native wildlife, mainly birds and hedgehogs. Animals are treated, fed and released back into the wild as soon as they are cured and have regained strength. The rescue centre supports our mission in nature education and conservation, sustainability and awareness. As a volunteer you will be part of the team in taking care of the animals’ basic needs. The position is for 32 hours per week. Our staff coördinates the daily tasks, you will work in a team of experienced volunteers. Activities include animal care, assisting in veterinary care and releasing animals back into the wild. You will also assist in informing and educating the public through social media, photography and organising events. This position enables you to make a contribution to wildlife conservation and creating environmental awareness.

🏠 Accommodation on site

The accommodation is provided by the host organisation. You will be accommodated in a student appartment with shared bathroom and/or kitchen. The accommodation is located within reasonable distance to the wildlife centre, and a bicycle will be provided. You will receive a monthly allowance for food, and work related costs, such as transportation by train, will be reinbursed.

🎒 Leisure activities

Volunteers will receive task-specific training regarding animal care, security and hygiene in the rescue centre and protocols on work ethics. Working with wildlife demands following specific and strict guidelines, for both hygiene and health safety. Working in a wildlife rescue centre means encounters with very sick or injured animals. We will ensure in your wellbeing by having clear communication and offering emotional support. You will have the opportunity to explore Dutch culture and learn about ecology and biodiversity.

⚠️ Requirements

The Participant profile: You should be willing to be involved in the daily operations of the centre, which include all kinds of tasks, like cleaning enclosures, doing laundry and maintaining materials. Specific knowledge on animal care is not necessary. Working with animals may include assistance to medical care of fractures and wounds, feeding young animals, cleaning cages and baths, upkeep of the accomodations, releasing the animals and assisting on interventions. Ideally the volunteer is interested in learning about biodiversity and sustainability, and is motivated to educate the public about the importance of nature conservation.
Deadline: 06/02/2026 10:00

ℹ️ Additional information

The project is implemented under the European Solidarity Corps Programme, financed by the European Commission.
The participating organisations have to be mindful of these needs as they are responsible for providing a respectful and trusting hosting environment. At the same time, the organisations participating in the initiative devote a great deal of time, energy and resources to set up a high-quality activity; they should therefore expect that European Solidarity Corps participants show a similar level of respect for the local communities and the people that are directly concerned by the activities (https://youth.europa.eu/solidarity/mission_en).
What do we provide ?

Training before and after the project
Health insurance during your project
round-trip travel reimbursement
accommodation and food
pocket money
language course
Return Week-end
Youth Pass and SVI international Volunteer passport

Before applying for this volunteering project, you need to enroll yourself at European Solidarity Corps Platform (https://europa.eu/youth/solidarity_en) and specify your European Solidarity Corps Participant Number (PRN).
This organisation holds a European Solidarity Corps Quality Label.
Contact the ESC coordinator at +32 2 888 67 13 to get more informations.

Interested in this project? Create your account and apply online.

📅 Available sessions

NL49576

01/04/2026 → 31/12/2026

Closed

0 / 2

♂ 0/1 ♀ 0/1

Deadline: 06/02/2026

ℹ️ Key information

Age required

18–30 years old

Solidarity donation

0.00 EUR

French tax residents may be eligible for a tax reduction of up to 66% of their costs (membership, plane tickets, solidarity donation).

📍 Location

Den Helder, Netherlands

Netherlands

🌍 Location info

Local currency

Euro Member Countries (EUR / €)

Timezone

Central European Standard Time

Local time: 21:32 (12/11/2026)

🛡️ Before you leave

Security information

📞 Contact us

[email protected]

+32 2 888 67 13

Contact form

✅ Features

🏠 Accommodation

Collective

🗣️ Languages spoken

English Dutch