Wild Forest Reserve Foundation – Caregiver for a Day

The Wild Forest Reserve Foundation offers a unique opportunity for animal enthusiasts. Their "Caregiver for a Day" experience allows participants to get hands-on with wildlife rehabilitation. Over four hours, they’ll prepare diets, enrich habitats, and observe endangered species like the Iberian lynx. Though it’s a chance to support the foundation’s mission, there’s more to discover about the day’s activities and the animals that call this reserve home.

Key Points

• A unique opportunity for participants to experience a day in the life of an animal caregiver at the Wild Forest Reserve in Barcelona.
• Participants engage in activities like preparing diets, enriching environments, and observing animals, earning a diploma as an accredited animal caregiver.
• The experience is available in both Spanish and English and costs $92.25 per person, with a maximum of 5 participants per session.
• Participants can reserve and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and the entrance fee is a donation to the Foundation.
• The Wild Forest Reserve Foundation focuses on wildlife rehabilitation, returning animals to the wild when possible, and educating the public on environmental conservation.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Experience Overview

As a unique opportunity, participants can become an animal keeper for a day at the Wild Forest Reserve.

The 4-hour experience costs from $92.25 per person and is limited to 5 participants. Available in Spanish and English, the experience takes place at the 08256 Aguilar de Segarra location in Barcelona.

Visitors receive a welcome from a caretaker, training on the inhabitants, and opportunities to prepare diets, enrich environments, distribute meals, observe animals, and assist the infirmary.

Participants earn a diploma accrediting their day as an animal caregiver.

Booking Information

How does one go about booking this unique animal caretaker experience?

Wild Forest Reserve offers a convenient reserve now & pay later option, allowing flexibility.

Wild Forest Reserve offers a convenient reserve now & pay later option, allowing flexibility.

Plus, there’s free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. However, the entrance fee is a donation to the Foundation and non-refundable.

Interested you can choose from the following:

• Reserve now & pay later

• Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund

• Entrance fee is a donation to the Foundation, non-refundable

• Contact [email protected] for availability and participant selection

• Check website for starting times and group size information

Activities Included

The caretaker welcomes participants and provides training on the inhabitants, their environment, and proper care. Next, visitors prepare diets and enrichment for the animals. They then distribute meals to both herbivores and carnivores. Throughout the experience, participants observe and count the animals. If needed, they assist in the infirmary or help maintain the animal spaces. By the end, each participant receives a diploma accrediting their caregiver activities.

| Activities Included |

| — | — | — |

| Diet Preparation | Environmental Enrichment | Animal Observation |

| Meal Distribution | Infirmary/Veterinary Assistance | Space Maintenance |

| Species Training | Animal Counting | Diploma Award |

Mission of Wild Forest Reserve

Established in 2016, the Wild Forest Reserve focuses on wildlife rehabilitation. The center aims to rehabilitate injured, orphaned, or illegally captured animals. When possible, the animals are returned to the wild, while others remain for their welfare.

The reserve serves as a reference for environmental education and native species research. It collaborates with public entities for recovery and reintroduction efforts.

The mission of the Wild Forest Reserve includes:

• Rehabilitating injured, orphaned, or illegally captured animals

• Returning animals to the wild when possible

• Providing a home for animals unable to be released

• Educating the public on environmental conservation

• Conducting research on native species

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Animal Inhabitants

At the heart of the Wild Forest Reserve are the diverse animal inhabitants the center aims to care for and protect.

The reserve is home to a variety of rehabilitated species, including endangered Iberian lynx, brown bears, and wolf packs. Visitors can observe these majestic creatures in their natural habitats during the animal keeper experience.

The caretakers provide specialized diets, environmental enrichment, and medical attention to ensure the animals’ well-being. By participating, guests gain valuable insights into the reserve’s conservation efforts and the specialized care required to support these native wildlife populations.

Preparing the Diets

As a critical component of the animal keeper experience, participants learn to prepare specialized diets tailored to the unique nutritional needs of the reserve’s inhabitants.

The preparation process involves:

• Measuring precise portions of hay, grains, fruits, and vegetables for herbivores

• Handling raw meat and calculating protein ratios for carnivores

• Chopping, mixing, and arranging the food items in the appropriate feeding stations

• Considering the dietary restrictions and preferences of each animal

• Verifying the diets align with the reserve’s health and wellness protocols

This hands-on activity equips participants with a deeper understanding of the meticulous care required to maintain the animals’ well-being.

Maintaining the Enclosures

While the preparation of specialized diets is crucial, maintaining the enclosures is equally vital to the animals’ well-being.

As part of the caregiver experience, participants assist with cleaning and maintaining the habitats. This includes tasks like raking leaves, replenishing substrates, and scrubbing surfaces to ensure a clean, safe environment.

Proper upkeep not only promotes the animals’ physical health but also their psychological welfare by providing enrichment and stimulation.

Proper enclosure maintenance promotes both physical and psychological well-being by providing enrichment and stimulation for the animals.

Participants gain hands-on appreciation for the daily effort required to keep the enclosures in pristine condition, supporting the reserve’s mission of responsible wildlife rehabilitation.

Interacting With the Animals

Though the caregiver experience primarily focuses on the behind-the-scenes tasks, participants eagerly anticipate interacting with the animals themselves.

From feeding to observing, the hands-on engagement fosters a deeper appreciation for the animals’ needs:

• Preparing specialized diets for herbivores and carnivores

• Distributing meals and observing feeding behaviors

• Assisting in the infirmary with the veterinarian or ATV

• Counting and documenting the animals’ movements and well-being

• Participating in environmental enrichment activities to stimulate the animals

This immersive experience allows visitors to connect with the rehabilitation mission of the Wild Forest Reserve Foundation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Dress Code for Participants?

The dress code for participants is comfortable, practical clothing suitable for outdoor activities. Closed-toe shoes, long pants, and layers are recommended to ensure participants’ safety and comfort during the experience.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Experience?

The experience doesn’t have any age restrictions, though it’s recommended for participants aged 10 and up. Younger children may participate if accompanied by an adult. The activity is suitable for a wide range of ages.

Can Participants Interact Directly With the Animals?

Participants can interact directly with the animals as part of the caregiver experience. They’ll assist with feeding, environmental enrichment, and animal observations under the guidance of the reserve’s caretakers.

Are There Any Medical Requirements to Participate?

No medical requirements are needed to participate. Participants will receive training on handling and caring for the animals, but won’t be involved in any medical procedures. The experience is focused on observing and assisting with the animals’ daily care.

What Should Participants Bring for the Experience?

Participants should bring comfortable clothing, closed-toe shoes, and sun protection. They’ll also want to pack a water bottle and snacks, as the experience may involve physical activity outdoors. The reserve provides all necessary equipment for the caregiver role.

The Sum Up

The "Caregiver for a Day" experience at the Wild Forest Reserve Foundation offers a unique opportunity to learn about wildlife rehabilitation while actively contributing to the care of endangered species. Participants prepare diets, enrich environments, and observe animals like the Iberian lynx and brown bears, all while supporting the foundation’s mission of conservation through education and research.

You can check availability for your dates here: