Goa Sanctuary Needs Volunteers to Care for Orphaned Monkeys

Deep in rural Goa, far from the tourist beaches, dozens of orphaned monkeys are getting a second chance at life thanks to volunteers who travel from around the world to help.

The Primate Trust India runs the Tree House sanctuary, a refuge for primates injured by human conflict or left alone after habitat loss. For years, the organization has rescued monkeys who would otherwise have nowhere to go, giving them safe spaces to heal and grow.

Now they're opening their doors wider. Anyone 17 or older with genuine interest in animal care can apply to volunteer for at least a month. The work is real and hands-on: feeding, handling, observing, and caring for the monkeys through their daily routines.

Volunteers stay right at the Tree House in the Goan countryside. Accommodations are basic, and life revolves around the animals and the rhythms of village life. It's hot, humid, and outdoors, but past volunteers consistently describe it as fulfilling and rewarding.

The month-long minimum stay isn't arbitrary. It takes time to adjust, learn the animals' personalities, and make a meaningful difference in their care. The monkeys need consistency, and the work requires commitment.

Practical requirements are straightforward. You need to be reasonably fit and adaptable, organize your own travel and insurance that covers animal work, and get vaccinated against rabies. Pack lightweight cotton clothes, mosquito repellent, sun protection, and sturdy sandals.

Why This Inspires

What makes this opportunity special isn't just the chance to work with primates. It's the reminder that healing happens through connection. These monkeys lost their families and homes, often through no fault of their own. Now volunteers from different countries and backgrounds come together to give them care, attention, and a safe place to simply be monkeys again.

Many volunteers form deep bonds with both the animals and the people they meet. They arrive as strangers to wildlife work and leave changed by the experience of seeing these intelligent creatures recover and thrive.

Places are limited, and there's a weekly donation to cover food and accommodation. Interested volunteers can email info@internationalanimalrescuegoa.org.in with their dates, age, and relevant skills.

Sometimes the best way to restore hope is to show up and do the work, one day at a time.