In R3, injured marine animals are rescued, rehabilitated and then reintegrated into their natural habitat through the Santos Basin Beach Monitoring Project (PMP-BS). Through this project, the Marine Animal Research and Rehabilitation Center (CePRAM) assists birds and marine mammals rescued on the coast of Santa Catarina, trying to give each individual the best type of care possible. This non-profit organization is constantly looking for volunteers who can help them care for injured animals before they are reintroduced into the wild. R3 Animal aims to improve the situation of marine life to achieve a more balanced future in the community where it works.

Volunteers will assist the R3 Animal team to treat and help these marine animals return to their ecosystem of origin. The team develops and conducts the entire rehabilitation and reintroduction/release process. The rehabilitation process can be long and sometimes some animals are indicated as not suitable for return to their natural habitats. Animals that cannot be released are transferred to zoos or hatcheries certified by IBAMA.

The NGO also educates and trains members of local communities to become guardians of the environment, with the aim of improving the situation of wildlife and also ensuring a more balanced future for these communities, and also organizes workshops and readings on conservation, sustainability, animal welfare, wildlife rehabilitation and workshops to help stranded sea creatures.

What are volunteers needed for?

Volunteering may be one of the most valuable and rewarding experiences of your life. Tasks can vary daily according to the demand, but here are some tasks volunteers usually are expected to perform:

• Separate and prepare food for the animals
• Feed the animals
• Clean the enclosures
• Maintenance work
• Treat and take care of the species

Work Schedule

Volunteers usually work in the morning from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. (with an hour for lunch) and have two or three days off a week.

The maximum number of volunteers the organization accepts is 2 at a time.

Note: We do not know if positions are available until we receive the application form.

Program Support

Brazilian Experience will support you during your whole program in Brazil. Volunteers will have our 24 hours emergency number should you need to contact us.

Volunteers for this project will stay in collaborative accommodation with sustainable and regenerative practices. The rooms are shared with other volunteers. This House was designed with great care, reuse, creativity and art, based on the fundamentals of urban permaculture, deep ecology and regenerative culture. There a sense of community was cultivated, fostering great care and respect for all beings, integrating nature within and outside of us. Minimalism is practiced and we encourage the reduction of consumption, the use of plastic and no waste. Thus, you also learn and collaborate with this routine of care and cooperation. The invitation is to live this experience intensely and be open to learning and sharing! There you will interact with other people who we welcome and who identify with this proposal.

The volunteer organization uses the following as a guideline; however, exceptions can be made depending on experience, language skills and enthusiasm.

• Mandatory immunizations: Hepatitis A and B, Tetanus
• Minimum age: 18 years -old.
• Minimum commitment: 4 weeks.
• Minimum Portuguese level: not required.
• Compassion and genuine interest in helping.

  Necessary documents to apply

• Complete online application form
• One picture of yourself
• Copy of your passport identification page

What is included?

• Pre-arrival orientation;
• Airport pickup and transfer;
• Volunteer placement;
• Accommodation in shared rooms;
• Donation to the project;
• Online support from Brazilian Experience.

  What is not included

• Airline tickets
• Domestic flights and weekend trips
• Visa fee, if applicable
• Travel Insurance
• Personal Expenses

  Minimum enrollment length (4 weeks volunteering): U$ 1990 Extra week volunteering: U$ 280   *SPECIAL NOTE: Due to accommodation price increase on high season, stays in Florianópolis during Carnival period and summer time will incur on an extra fee, to be confirmed according to the period.  

If you fulfill the program requirements and agree with the suggested dates and fees, you are ready to apply! Check below the necessary steps to confirm your application:   Step 1 – Complete online application form and attach: your resume, one picture of yourself and a copy of your passport identification page Step 2 - We will confirm the project availability Step 3 - Pay $150 non refundable deposit Step 4 - If you need a visa, submit your visa documents to the nearest Brazilian consulate and book your flight Step 5 - We will charge the program balance Step 6 - Upon payment we will send your complete placement details