Many species of turtles in Asia are in danger of becoming extinct. This is due in large part to the rampant and unsustainable harvesting of Asian turtle populations to supply Chinese markets - a situation known as the Asian Turtle Crisis. This wide-reaching turtle conservation project was started in response to this crisis, and develops breeding programs for the most critically endangered of the world's chelonian species. The Indian program is managed by biologists that seek local solutions to saving turtles, including converting former poachers to help with conservation efforts that provide alternative income sources. The focal point of this comprehensive program is the iconic and critically endangered red-crowned roof turtle, although initiatives are underway for several other threatened species. Conservation programs include head-starting baby turtles, breeding adult turtles in captivity and turtle rescue.  The objective of hatchling head-start programs is to raise neonatal turtles to a size that will reduce their vulnerability to predation. Captive breeding allows for an increase in turtle populations with the possibility of reintroduction to the wild. Facilities are located in Madyha Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh in the northern region of India where the turtles are housed in breeding and conservation centres. Don't miss this opportunity to help save some of the most the vulnerable turtles in the world.

Includes: Airport pick up and drop off (at closest airport), Accommodation, Meals, On-site training, Donation to Placement Partner, AEI Travel Manual, $10 Credit in our Zazzle store (towards the purchase of recycled water bottles, reusable bags, etc), Emergency support while at Placement, Carbon credits to offset 3 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions, Premium Individual Travel Insurance (up to $500, 000 USD in emergency medical coverage), Travel discounts (through automatic membership to a volunteer only travel discount program), 24/7 Travel and emergency assistance.

Excludes: Flights, Entry visa costs, International and domestic airport taxes, Immunizations and medications.

Accommodation: You will be staying on-site in the organization’s volunteer housing. All meals are provided by the Placement Partner.

Volunteer Activities: Medical volunteer activities include assessing the health of turtles, diagnosing and treating problems as required, assisting with the headstart program and captive breeding program.  Standard volunteer activities include cleaning enclosures, feeding the turtles, tending to incubating eggs, helping with administrative tasks, and assisting with education and outreach programs.

Classification of Placement: Medical: Entry, Advanced and Specialized. Standard: Entry, Advanced and Specialized.

All classifications of volunteers are needed by this Placement partner and we encourage you to apply no matter your skill or experience level. However, if you are looking for a Placement to use your specific skills, the professionals who would be most beneficial to this placement would be volunteers with experience in: veterinary medicine and construction.