At a glance
- Spot the mighty rhino in Nepal
- Join an unforgettable safari in the forest
- Lead conservation awareness campaigns
- Live with other teenagers in picturesque nature
- Volunteer Service Hours: 40
- Download an itinerary for this project.
Is volunteering with animals in Nepal for teenagers right for me?
If you’re aged 15 to 18 and love animals, then this Conservation High School Special is for you. Help protect incredible animals, including the greater one-horned rhino!
You’ll live with other teenagers in the Community Forest of Chitwan National Park. There’s no better place to volunteer if you’re seeking stunning scenery and amazing animals.
Working alongside conservationists, you’ll also gain CV-worthy skills and experience.
This trip runs for two weeks on fixed dates during the holidays - perfect for high school students. You’ll follow a set itinerary that helps you get the most from your time protecting rhinos in Nepal.
Help protect the greater one-horned rhino
Nepal is home to wonderful wildlife, not least the greater one-horned rhino. Guided by conservation experts, you’ll track these powerful creatures. You’ll help maintain this area where rhinos roam free.
Like a true explorer, you’ll find rhinos by following footprints and setting camera traps. This helps collect data that local scientists can use to monitor rhinos and keep them safe.
Conduct butterfly and bird surveys
You’ll help conservationists survey birds and butterflies. This tracks their populations, so scientists know which species are becoming endangered.
Prepare to see the beautiful birds of Nepal. Discover the colourful great hornbill, the charming lesser adjutant, and the powerful vulture.
Preserve the Community Forest
You’ll be based at Chitwan’s Community Forest. This is a special area, designed for both humans and animals. It acts as a buffer zone, allowing access to wildlife without disturbing it.
You’ll help maintain this important area. While in the Community Forest, you will:
- Control erosion
- Remove alien plants
- Clear roads
- Join anti-poaching patrols
Provide wildlife education
You’ll help teach local children the importance of protecting animals in Nepal. This will leave a lasting impact, helping them grow up to respect nature.
To provide wildlife education in Nepal, you will:
- Plant trees at a local school
- Lead presentations on wildlife protection
- Paint animals and play games
- Join field trips into the forest
Where in Nepal will I work?
Chitwan
You’ll work just outside the wilderness of Chitwan National Park. Your placement will be at Namuna, Shantikunja, and Krishnasaar Community Forests.
This area prevents conflict between humans and animals, keeping them both safe. It's where Nepal’s most majestic mammals, like rhinos and tigers, roam free. It’s also a place where scientists can study these captivating creatures.
You'll live with other students your age in a nearby village. Your home will be within walking distance of the Community Forest. You’ll be immersed in rural Nepal, learning from the local way of life.
What are the aims and impacts of Rhino Conservation for teenagers in Nepal?
Your work with animals in Nepal will leave a positive impact. The first aim of this Rhino Conservation Project is to research wildlife. You'll research greater one-horned rhinos, Bengal tigers, vultures, and more. The data you collect will be added to an annual report used by scientists.
Second, this project aims to preserve the nature reserve. You'll help maintain the Chitwan Community Forest. This means it can continue to protect wildlife while improving the experience of visitors.
Another aim of Rhino Conservation in Nepal is to raise awareness of wildlife protection. You’ll help energise the community into action. This ensures your impact lasts long after you leave as local people continue the good work.
Finally, the impact of this project is to build your skills and experience. This trip is designed to be full of fun and adventure, but it will also support your personal development. You’ll learn new skills as you shadow experts and complete conservation tasks.
Management plans
We set out the aims and objectives of our projects in documents called Management Plans. We use them to properly plan the work you’ll do. They also help us measure and evaluate our achievements and impact each year.
Ultimately, our Management Plans help us make our projects better. This in turn means you get to be part of something that makes a real impact where it’s needed. Read more about our Management Plans.
Measuring our impact
Every year, thousands of High School Special volunteers and interns actively make a difference around the world. During their time abroad, they contribute towards achieving long-term goals and make a long-lasting positive impact on the communities where they work.
We produce an annual High School Specials Impact Report, which documents some of these achievements. Find out more about the impact of these projects, and read the latest report.
Food and accommodation
You'll share accommodation with other volunteers and interns during your stay. You'll stay in a rural village on the outskirts of Chitwan National Park. This is a great way to make new friends, share experiences, and explore your surroundings together.
On our High School Specials, we aim to ensure you share a room with people of a similar age and gender. Your room will be modest, but safe, clean, and comfortable. It’s also within easy reach of the project.
Your programme fees include three meals a day. Get ready to try authentic Nepali cuisine, enjoying fresh, local ingredients. Vegetarianism is widespread in Nepal, meaning you’ll have plenty of options even if you don’t eat meat.
Safety and staff support
Your safety and security is our prime concern. We have many procedures and systems to ensure you have the support you need to enjoy your trip with peace of mind. Our Projects Abroad staff are available 24 hours a day to help, and will be on hand to make sure you settle in well at your accommodation and placement. If you encounter any problems, they will be available to help at any time.
Find out more about safety and backup.
This placement is fully researched, safety audited, and risk assessed in accordance with the British Standard BS8848 for the Adventure Travel Sector.
Ready to volunteer with rhinos in Nepal?
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