🌍 Wondering if you’re the right age to volunteer with wildlife? Here’s everything you need to know to start your conservation journey with confidence.

🐾 Why Age Matters in Wildlife Volunteering

Wildlife volunteering is a life-changing experience—but to make sure it’s safe and impactful for everyone, most programs set specific age requirements. These requirements help ensure that volunteers are physically and emotionally ready to work around animals and adapt to outdoor conditions.

At DAKTARI Bush School & Wildlife Orphanage, we welcome volunteers from a wide range of ages, offering different types of support based on experience, ability, and energy levels. Whether you’re just finishing school, on a gap year, taking a career break, or starting your retirement adventure, there’s a place for you here.

Understanding wildlife volunteer age requirements will help you find the right program and make the most of your opportunity.

📚 Typical Wildlife Volunteer Age Requirements

While every organization may have slightly different rules, here’s what you can generally expect:

  • Minimum Age:
     Most wildlife rescue programs require volunteers to be at least 18 years old.
     This ensures volunteers can handle responsibilities independently and work safely around animals. 
  • Teen Volunteering:
    At DAKTARI, we offer special opportunities for teenagers aged 16–17 to participate in wildlife conservation.. If you’re under 18 and interested in volunteering, or if you’re a parent seeking more information, DAKTARI has a dedicated page to answer your questions: 

👉 Info for Parents

 

  • No Official Maximum Age:
     There is rarely an upper age limit! Volunteers aged 50, 60, or even 70+ are welcome, provided they are in good health and willing to adapt to the physical demands of the environment. 
  • Fitness and Flexibility:
     Physical fitness is more important than your birth date. Tasks can range from light animal care (feeding rabbits, bush babies, or meerkats) to more active work (cleaning enclosures, carrying supplies). 
  • Family Volunteering:
    At DAKTARI, we offer parents the opportunity to volunteer alongside their child under the age of 16. It’s a unique way to share meaningful moments while supporting wildlife conservation. However, please note that parents are fully responsible for supervising their child throughout the experience to ensure safety and respect for the animals and the environment.

At DAKTARI, we value diversity and believe that different ages bring different strengths to our community.

🌱 Plan Your Volunteering Journey Today

Understanding wildlife volunteer age requirements is just the first step. The real adventure begins when you step into the bush, meet your first bush baby, hear the call of an owl at night, and realize you’re truly making a difference.

👉 Start your wildlife volunteering journey with DAKTARI and find a role that matches your age, energy, and passion for conservation.

The wild doesn’t care about your age—it cares about your heart. 💚