Primate Rehabilitation in Argentina

Volunteer with monkeys

Projects Abroad offers the unique opportunity to work as a volunteer intern at the first and only primate rehabilitation centre in Argentina. Whether you are studying a related subject, want to gain hands-on experience in the field of animal rescue and rehabilitation, or are simply passionate about animals, this project appeals to all sorts.

The centre is situated 80km north of Cordoba in the Tiu Mayu region. Over the past 20 years the local team has focused on the rescue and rehabilitation of the Black Howler monkey. This species is now considered vulnerable as the local communities continue to hunt them for meat, keep them as pets, and destroy their natural habitats.

The centre aims to “teach the monkeys to be monkeys again” through a program which focuses on physical, psychological, and social rehabilitation. Through this specialized program the centre are proud to have successfully re-introduced over 100 monkeys into their natural habitat. A 360 hectare reserve surrounds the centre allowing the staff to monitor and follow the progress of the monkeys once they have been released.

Each monkey who arrives at the centre has to be carefully assessed in order to establish a specific plan of action enabling the monkey to return to the wild as soon as possible. Unfortunately some monkeys have been too traumatized and can no longer return to the wild. For these particular cases the centre ensures that they can live in the most natural habitat possible with regular care, health checkups, and a special diet.

Interning with Primates with Projects Abroad

Feeding the monkeys

As an intern you will work alongside the local staff helping with the day to day running of the centre. Activities can include:

Feeding and caring for the monkeys
Observation, study, and data input of the various social groups
Close monitoring and care of the baby orphaned monkeys
Cleaning and maintaining the centre
Construction and repair of the monkey enclosures
Caring for the many other animals at the centre including llamas, capuchin monkeys, mountain lions, donkeys, and dogs

You do not need to have experience to take part in this project but a love for animals is definitely a must! You will gain valuable insight into how a rescue centre operates and the process for helping these animals return to the wild.

All interns live at the centre and have meals provided by the local staff. You will sleep in a rustic stone cottage shared with other interns. Even though the living conditions are basic - there is no electricity or running water - they are functional and most people quickly get used to a much simpler way of life. There is a shared dining area with a generator where interns can relax after work.

On the weekends interns often travel to the nearby town of La Cumbre to use the internet, laundry facilities, and do some general shopping. In addition, the weekends are often spent trekking and exploring the picturesque area surrounding the centre.

Even though the centre has a resident biologist who speaks some English it is definitely advisable to know at least a bit of Spanish before you arrive. This will allow you to interact with all the local members of staff and learn more about the running of the centre.

This project is available for less than a month if you don't have time to join us for a month or more. This project has been selected by our local colleagues as being suitable for shorter durations for both the host community and the volunteer. Although you will gain valuable cultural insight and work intensely within the local community please be aware that you may not be able to make the same impact as someone participating for a longer period.

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