Wild Spirits, Toni and Guy

Wild Spirits, Toni and Guy

Escape to where the wild things are. From tending mustangs in California to walking big cats and baboons in Namibia, here’s our pick of the best wildlife volunteering holidays

WILD HORSES Lompoc, California, US

Return to Freedom provides a safe haven for wild horses. Set in the wine region where Sideways was !lmed outside of Los Angeles, the 300-acre ranch is among a few private preserves that let stallions, mares and foals roam freely and form natural family bands. (Most American mustangs are being rounded up by the thousands and shipped to slaughterhouses or shoved into long-term holding pens). “e work can be hard and grubby, from throwing hay o# a pick-up truck every morning to mending fences, but there’s also the joyful aspect of tending the rescues and socialising motherless foals with the aim of !nding them loving homes. Staying in rustic log cabins, volunteers can visit local vineyards and swim or surf at the nearby beach. Free lodging for volunteers staying two weeks or longer; returntofreedom.org