The questions everyone asks, answered plainly

Can I take photographs?

Not on site. Photography, videography and recording by visitors, volunteers and interns is not permitted anywhere, and this covers animals, staff, facilities and operations. Our own team photographs visits and placements, and we share those images with you afterwards.

Can I touch or feed an animal?

No. Not any animal, not at any time, and not one that appears to want you to. This is our minimal intervention and hands-off policy, and it applies to every person on site, including the people who have worked here for fifteen years.

How old do I need to be?

Insight Visits are open to visitors aged 10 and over. Volunteering is open from 13, with written parental consent and a reference from a RESQ team member between 13 and 15, and written parental consent between 16 and 17. International placements require you to be 18 or over.

How much does it cost?

Insight Visits are free. Participation in volunteering and internships is not charged. Residential volunteers pay for accommodation, food, utilities and contribute to wildlife care. International placements are administered and charged by Worldwide Vets under their terms.

Do I need a veterinary background?

Only for the Veterinary Track, which is open to qualified veterinarians and final-year veterinary students. The Applied Wildlife Management Track is open to everyone else, including veterinary students in earlier years. No specific degree is required, though a demonstrated interest in wildlife or conservation is sufficient.

Why is the interview conducted by an AI agent?

Because a member of our team reading every application, interviewing every applicant, and doing so while a rescue is under way is not a use of their day that helps animals.

The CAMP AI Screening Agent conducts a structured interview and assesses suitability, motivation and eligibility. A member of the CAMP team reviews that assessment and makes the decision. No application is accepted or rejected by a machine alone.

What do I do with my phone during the day?

Personal device use is not permitted during operational hours, except during designated breaks.

How many hours will I be expected to work?

A minimum of 50 hours, at approximately 6–8 hours a day within a 3 month window. A typical day runs from 9 or 10 in the morning until 6 or 7 in the evening, depending on your track.

Will I get to go on a rescue?

Possibly, but not guaranteed. Volunteers who demonstrate progress and responsibility may accompany the team on basic field operations, awareness activities and releases, where the situation is safe and the manager in charge agrees. Volunteers and interns never conduct rescue or release operations independently.

Can I get a certificate?

Certification is tiered and discretionary. A Certificate of Participation is awarded for 7 to 28 days or a minimum of 50 hours completed within three months. Certificates are not issued in advance, and hours cannot be adjusted retrospectively.

I found an injured bird. Can I bring it to you?

Call 9172511100 first — our helpline runs 24x7. This is an emergency, not a visit booking, so please call directly rather than looking for a form to fill out.

I have volunteered with you. Can I now rescue animals near my home?

No. All wildlife is the property of the Maharashtra Forest Department, and no one may rescue, house, treat or care for it without proper authorisation. Volunteering at RESQ does not grant you that authorisation. Good intentions are not enough — without the right training, certification and authorisation, they can cause more harm than good. Call the helpline if you find an injured animal in need of assistance.

We say this because the pattern is real. People leave placements like this one, find an injured bird a month later, and keep it. The bird usually dies, slowly, of something preventable, in the hands of somebody who meant only good.

Can I stay at RESQ?

Residential placements are available to confirmed volunteers and interns, Indian or international — not exclusively to Worldwide Vets placements. Accommodation is on a green, quiet campus within 500 metres of the wildlife centre, in air-conditioned twin-sharing or air-cooled single rooms, with transport provided when needed. Three vegetarian meals daily, with an optional non-vegetarian dinner. Wi-Fi, laundry, an outdoor gym and rock-climbing facilities.

Accommodation, food and utilities are charged. Availability must be confirmed in advance.

What happens if I break the Code of Conduct?

Your visit or placement may be modified, restricted, or terminated immediately. Please see the CAMP Code of Conduct.