The work that does not appear in photographs, and the reason the animals here survive.
CAMP is not a volunteer tourism programme. It is a learning pathway that prepares people to engage meaningfully in wildlife conservation, with skill, understanding and purpose. Learning here involves balancing observation, participation and accountability, in that order.
Please read the CAMP Code of Conduct before you go any further. It sets out what this is, what it is not, and what we ask of everyone who walks through the gate.
Veterinary Track
For qualified veterinarians and final-year veterinary students who wish to deepen their experience in wildlife medicine and rehabilitation within a professional, multi-species facility.
You will be placed alongside experienced wildlife veterinarians and rehabilitators, observing and assisting under supervision in patient triage, clinical examinations, diagnostics, anaesthesia, surgical assistance, and post-operative recovery management. You will be exposed to emergency medicine, intensive care, imaging and diagnostics, preventive medicine, and species-specific treatment protocols.
Beyond clinical competence, the track emphasises ethical veterinary decision-making: balancing intervention against welfare, minimal handling, and readiness for release. What you are permitted to do on any given day is decided by the attending veterinarian, and by the condition of the animal in front of you. Alongside wildlife medicine, you will also assist in the wildlife kitchen and learn the basics of husbandry — everybody does.
Applied Wildlife Management Track
For conservation learners, students of life sciences and allied disciplines, early-career professionals, and individuals exploring wildlife-related careers. Also open to veterinary students who are not yet in their final year and wish to strengthen their foundational understanding of wildlife medicine and management.
You will work on wildlife husbandry, behavioural enrichment, feed preparation, enclosure maintenance and welfare documentation. You will develop an understanding of human–wildlife coexistence, safe capture and transport practices, and the ecological and social contexts that shape conflict.
No specific degree is required for this track. A demonstrated interest in wildlife or conservation is sufficient.
| # | Veterinary Track | Applied Wildlife Management Track |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Competence in wildlife handling, clinical examination and diagnostic procedures, under supervision. | The operational structure and daily functioning of a wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centre. |
| 2 | Surgical assistance, anaesthesia management and post-operative recovery. | The principles of animal care, husbandry, feeding and enclosure management across multiple species. |
| 3 | Disease management, preventive medicine, and species-specific treatment protocols for mammals, birds and reptiles. | Behavioural enrichment, welfare assessment, and species-specific rehabilitation techniques. |
| 4 | Interpreting clinical findings and planning evidence-based treatment and rehabilitation. | Record-keeping and observational documentation critical to rehabilitation monitoring. |
| 5 | Medical record-keeping, documentation and data entry within digital case management systems. | The fundamentals of human–wildlife coexistence, safe capture and transport, and conflict mitigation. |
| 6 | Ethical frameworks for wildlife care, including decisions on intervention, treatment limitations and release readiness. | Participation in awareness and education initiatives that build community understanding of wildlife. |
| 7 | Interdisciplinary collaboration with field rescuers, rehabilitators and administrative teams. | Teamwork, time management and problem-solving in a professional conservation environment. |
| 8 | Confidence and perspective to practise ethical, science-based wildlife medicine. | A deeper understanding of ethical wildlife care, and a sense of contribution to a cause that matters. |
A typical day, and the days that are not
General volunteers (local) will be informed by the Community Engagement Officer (CAMP CEO) when help is needed. If they are available, they will be requested to come in on that day to help. All attendance must be pre-approved so that supervision can be planned.
International interns attend in fixed blocks of 7, 14, 21 or 28 days.
Residential interns must confirm accommodation availability in advance.
A typical day begins between 9 and 10 in the morning, depending on the track, and ends between 6 and 7 in the evening. The centre operates twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, and wildlife emergencies do not consult the roster. Volunteers, particularly residential ones, may occasionally be asked whether they would like to assist outside routine hours. This is always optional, and it is often where the most is learned.
Volunteers follow the operational schedule of the centre: rounds, observations, assigned tasks, discussions with mentors, and an end-of-day reflection. The environment is fast paced, shaped by real-time admissions and clinical priorities. Rosters and duty days are assigned by RESQ according to operational requirements, supervision capacity and animal welfare. Preferences are noted where we can accommodate them, but schedules cannot always be arranged around individual convenience.
Each volunteer works under the direct supervision of a mentor, who gives daily guidance, assesses skill progression, and ensures that both technical proficiency and professional discipline develop together. Daily reports are submitted to your supervisor through this portal.
| Age | Requirement |
|---|---|
| 18+ | May participate independently |
| 16–17 | Written parental or guardian consent required |
| 13–15 | Written parental or guardian consent, and a reference from a RESQ team member |
| Below 13 | Not eligible |
International interns must be 18 or over, without exception. This is a condition of the arrangements under which international placements are administered, and we cannot make individual allowances. RESQ reserves the right to decline applications from minors at its discretion, regardless of documentation submitted.
You will also be asked to submit a declaration of physical and mental fitness. The work involves standing, walking, lifting and bending, outdoors, in heat and in rain, for extended periods. You will encounter animals that are badly injured, and animals that die, including animals you have cared for.
We ask about this not to exclude you but to prepare you, and because we would far rather know in advance than discover it together on a difficult afternoon.
What matters most is not your background. It is your attitude.
We welcome applications from veterinary students and working professionals, school and college students, gap-year learners, and anyone with a serious interest in wildlife conservation. What matters most is not your background or your experience level. It is your attitude.
We look for people who:
- Are genuinely interested in wildlife ethics, rescue and rehabilitation.
- Are willing to follow instructions, work within a supervised structure, and place animal welfare above personal goals.
- Can commit to assigned schedules and work reliably as part of a team.
- Are emotionally resilient enough to work around injured, distressed and critically ill animals.
- Respect ethical, legal and operational boundaries.
Prior experience in wildlife or veterinary settings is valued but not required. We have seen wonderful volunteers arrive with very little experience and leave having made a real contribution, because they came with the right intent.
This programme may not be suitable for people who...
We want everyone who applies to have accurate expectations of what this programme is, and what it is not. This programme may not be suitable for people who:
- Are seeking independent hands-on veterinary practice, animal handling, or clinical decision-making experience.
- Expect direct interaction with wildlife for photography, social media content, or personal fulfilment.
- Are uncomfortable working within strict ethical, legal and supervisory boundaries.
- Are unable to commit to assigned schedules, follow operational instructions, or work as part of a structured team.
- Are expecting guaranteed certification without meeting performance and conduct requirements.
- Are looking for short-term, casual, or tourism-focused volunteering.
- Are physically unable to participate safely in a working rescue environment, which may involve long hours, uneven terrain, strong odours, outdoor exposure and physically demanding tasks.
- Are currently experiencing mental or emotional health difficulties that may be aggravated by high-stress environments, exposure to injured or distressed animals, unpredictable field conditions, or emotionally demanding situations.
This is not a discouragement but a reflection of the seriousness with which we approach our work, and of the care we have for every person who joins us.
Near animals, never with them
Volunteers and interns do not independently handle animals, administer treatment, make clinical decisions, or conduct rescue operations. All animal handling and clinical procedures are carried out exclusively by authorised, trained personnel.
Interns demonstrating progress and responsibility may accompany the team on basic field operations, awareness activities, community education programmes, and releases, under supervision and where the officer in charge agrees. This is never guaranteed. Some placements include several. Some include none.
Volunteering at RESQ does not certify or authorise you to independently rescue, house, treat or care for a wild animal. Every animal here is held under specific permission from the Maharashtra Forest Department, under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
Certification is tiered, and it is issued at the discretion of RESQ CT.
Certificate of Participation. Awarded to interns who complete 7 to 28 days, acknowledging their engagement, contribution and foundational exposure.
Certificates specify the completed track. Hours are recorded and verified by RESQ staff as they are completed. Certificates are not issued in advance, and hours cannot be adjusted retrospectively to meet an institutional deadline.
On this we would rather be clear than encouraging. A certificate from RESQ says that someone worked here to a standard we were willing to put our name to. It follows satisfactory conduct and satisfactory completion, and it is never automatic. We mention this now so that it is never a difficult conversation later.
For student interns.
A certificate confirming participation and hours completed can be issued for academic purposes, subject to the same conditions. Please submit your institution's requirements at the time of application, including hours, competencies, and whether a supervisor's report is needed. We will tell you honestly whether we can meet them.
Participation in conservation activities at RESQ is not charged.
Residential volunteers and interns pay for accommodation, food, utilities and contribute towards wildlife medical and rehabilitation care. Costs are shared directly with you after screening and eligibility confirmation, so that they are accurate for your track, duration and accommodation preference.
International placements are administered and costing is shared by Worldwide Vets, under their terms. For Indian placements, any costs associated with residential internship or volunteering is shared by the CAMP CEO.
I am applying for myself
Veterinary Track or Applied Wildlife Management Track. Indian and international applicants. Application, review, and an interview.
Individual Volunteering →We are a corporate team
Group volunteering is available to institutions or corporate organisations. Working engagements agreed in advance with our Community Engagement Officer.
Group Volunteering →