wildelaos
Frontline Wildlife Rescue & Veterinary Conservation
Step into the world of wildlife rescue, veterinary medicine and conservation at one of Laos’ leading wildlife rescue centres through this exclusive Wilde Tracks collaboration. Designed for veterinary students and professionals, this immersive mission offers a unique opportunity to work alongside experienced veterinary teams while contributing to the care, rehabilitation and protection of endangered native wildlife.
See what it is like to join this conservation mission! --> VIDEO
Based within a brand-new wildlife hospital opened in December 2024, you’ll gain insight into the daily realities of wildlife veterinary practice in a dynamic clinical environment. From rescue admissions and health assessments to diagnostics, medical treatments and rehabilitation, you’ll discover the many stages of care involved in helping rescued animals recover and thrive.
Throughout your mission, you’ll have opportunities to observe and assist with veterinary procedures and surgeries where appropriate, support patient monitoring, learn about species-specific husbandry and explore the challenges of treating wildlife with complex medical and welfare needs.
Every day offers the chance to learn something new, deepen your understanding of wildlife medicine and see how veterinary care plays a vital role in conservation.
Beyond the hospital, you’ll gain a broader understanding of wildlife rescue, rehabilitation and the importance of developing local veterinary expertise to support long-term conservation efforts in Laos.
Whether you’re studying veterinary medicine, building on your clinical experience or looking to explore a career in wildlife health, this mission offers a meaningful opportunity to learn from professionals working on the frontline of wildlife conservation.
location
Laos
Laos is a country of breathtaking natural beauty, rich cultural traditions and extraordinary biodiversity. From lush tropical forests and winding rivers to dramatic limestone mountains and remote rural landscapes, it offers a unique glimpse into the natural and cultural heart of Southeast Asia. Home to an incredible variety of wildlife, including elephants, gibbons, bears, pangolins and numerous rare bird species, Laos plays an important role in regional conservation efforts. Despite ongoing challenges such as habitat loss and illegal wildlife trafficking, dedicated rescue centres and conservation organisations are working to protect threatened species and safeguard the country's natural heritage. With its welcoming communities, traditional villages, Buddhist temples and unspoilt landscapes, Laos offers a remarkable blend of wildlife conservation, cultural discovery and adventure.
Conservation Activities
Discover the realities of wildlife rescue, rehabilitation and veterinary conservation in Laos, working alongside experienced teams dedicated to protecting the country's native wildlife. Based at a specialist wildlife rescue centre and modern veterinary hospital, you'll gain insight into the care of animals rescued from the illegal wildlife trade, human-wildlife conflict and other threats. From clinical support and rehabilitation to daily husbandry and welfare monitoring, each activity offers a closer look at the work involved in giving rescued wildlife a second chance.
Wildlife Veterinary Care: Observe and assist with health assessments, medical treatments and veterinary procedures, gaining insight into the diagnosis and treatment of rescued wildlife.
Rescue & Rehabilitation: Learn about the rescue process and support the care of animals arriving at the centre, from initial intake and assessment through rehabilitation.
Wildlife Hospital Experience: Spend time in the veterinary hospital, discovering how clinical teams manage cases, conduct diagnostics, maintain medical records and provide ongoing patient care.
Animal Husbandry & Welfare: Support daily care routines, including feeding, enclosure maintenance and welfare monitoring, while learning about the species-specific needs of rescued animals.
Behavioural Observation & Enrichment: Observe animal behaviour and explore how enrichment activities encourage natural behaviours, support wellbeing and contribute to rehabilitation.
Endangered Species Conservation: Learn about the threats facing Laos' native wildlife, including habitat loss and illegal wildlife trafficking, and discover how rescue centres contribute to wider conservation efforts.
Wildlife Rehabilitation & Release: Gain an understanding of the rehabilitation process and the considerations involved in preparing suitable animals for potential release back into the wild.
Conservation Education: Explore the importance of public awareness, responsible wildlife interactions and collaboration with local communities in protecting wildlife for future generations.
Activities and levels of participation will depend on the centre's current cases, animal welfare requirements, your experience and the veterinary team's guidance. Hands-on clinical involvement is not guaranteed, and some procedures may be observation-only.
Your Laotian home
Accommodation
Stay on-site at the wildlife rehabilitation centre in shared bungalows nestled beneath the trees, close to the gibbon enclosure. Wake up to the incredible calls of gibbons and immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the surrounding forest.
Each bungalow is equipped with fans, screened windows, electrical outlets and fresh linen, with a hammock on the porch providing the perfect spot to relax after a day of conservation work. Shared bathroom facilities include hot showers and Western-style toilets.
All vegetarian meals are included, with freshly prepared hot lunches and dinners served daily, alongside breakfast items for you to prepare at your convenience. Clean drinking water is available throughout the site, making this a comfortable, nature-filled base for your wildlife conservation mission.
Available Missions
We Can't Wait To Welcome You
Next Mission
Available year round, beginning and ending on Sundays
Minimum of one week stays required, with longer stays encouraged!
Private Group missions available - contact for details!
Who Can Join
Anyone studying or qualified in the animal care and veterinary industries
Open to any gender
Open to 18 year old
Inclusions + exclusions
What's included
Accommodation
Shared accommodation on site in rustic styled bungalows, surrounded by the sounds of the wildlife you are helping
Full Board
All meals and non alcoholic drinks
Transfers
Including airport pick-up and drop-off from Wattay International Airport (VTE)
Conservation Work
Support the rescue, rehabilitation and veterinary care of endangered wildlife while contributing to conservation medicine, animal welfare, local capacity building and species protection.
All Activities
Assist with wildlife health checks, medical treatments, hospital care, diagnostics, welfare monitoring, rescue intakes, husbandry, record keeping and clinical support.
Guides
Qualified English-speaking team leaders
What's not included
Flights
International flight to Wattay International Airport
Health/Travel Insurance
Mandatory
Tourist Visa
If applicable
Alcohol & Souvenirs
Conservation Contribution
Ready to Join Us?
If “Book Now” is available:
Click the Book Now button to secure your place on the mission. Select the departure date and the applicable package.
A deposit is required to confirm your spot - spaces are limited and cannot be held without payment
The remaining balance is split into three instalments, with final payment due 90 days prior to departure
If booking within 90 days of departure, full payment is required at the time of booking
Once your deposit (or full payment) is received, you’ll be sent a detailed information pack covering everything you need to know - including program details, travel guidance, what to expect, and a packing list
If “Book Now” is not available:
This mission may have specific requirements, offers multiple departure dates, or has alternative mission lengths available
Click Ask A Question and complete your details to register your interest
A Wilde Tracks team member will contact you via email
If you don’t hear from us within 3 business days, please email info@wildetracks.com
No payment is required to register your interest
Our team will help guide you through the best options available for you
Some of our trips require a minimum number of participants to run. In the unlikely event the minimum isn’t met, we’ll let you know no later than 60 days before departure. If you haven’t heard from us by then, your trip is good to go. To keep things flexible, we recommend booking your flight after this point or choosing a flexible ticket.
Find Out More
Want to learn more before booking your Wilde Tracks mission?
📧 Email us: info@wildetracks.com
📸 See the experience in action: Follow @wildetracks on Instagram for footage from past missions, conservation work and behind-the-scenes moments.
💬 Have a question? Send us an email or DM on Instagram, or use the “Ask a Question” button at the top of this page - our team is happy to help.
Real Experiences. Real Travellers. Real Reviews.
Don’t just take our word for it - hear directly from the travellers who have joined Wilde Tracks missions around the world.
From hands-on conservation work and unforgettable wildlife encounters to meaningful connections with local communities, our guests share what it’s really like to travel with purpose.
⭐ 5.0/5 on Tripadvisor
⭐ 34 five-star reviews
⭐ Travellers’ Choice recognised
Read their stories, see what they experienced and discover why so many of our guests are already planning their next Wilde Tracks adventure.
Photo gallery
wilde tracks
Wilde Tracks is a conservation organisation with a different approach to funding wildlife protection: our conservation work is funded through travel.
We work alongside wildlife veterinarians, conservation organisations, reserves, researchers and local communities around the world, helping fund vital work including veterinary interventions, wildlife monitoring and tracking, anti-poaching initiatives, research, habitat protection and community-led conservation.
Rather than relying on donations or traditional fundraising, the people who travel with Wilde Tracks help make this work possible. The money generated through our trips directly contributes to the conservation projects our guests may be part of, while also supporting important work continuing behind the scenes.