A SAVE HOME TO INDIGENOUS WILDLIFE
Welcome to the Suriname Wildlife Sanctuary!
We are Valeska and Matthijs Kuijpers, the founders of this sanctuary. After many visits to Suriname, making new friends, and authoring a comprehensive book on the reptiles of the Guianas, we decided to make a life-changing move to this incredible country in 2024 to pursue our dream.
We acquired 5 hectares (about 10 acres) of secondary tropical forest, complete with a serene creek flowing through it.
Since then, we've been busy building our wooden home, creating comfortable accommodations for eco-volunteers, planting a permaculture food forest, and constructing natural
habitat enclosures for the indigenous wildlife.
As word spread about our mission, people began
bringing injured animals to us, and our vision gradually grew into what is now becoming; The Suriname Wildlife Sanctuary
Why We Exist
Our sanctuary rescues injured wildlife in Suriname, offering safety and care to animals harmed by human activities and habitat loss.
Build Natural Habitats
Our habitats are spacious and designed to mimic the animals' natural environments, meeting their specific physical and psychological needs.
Research and Develop Enrichment
We continuously seek ways to enrich the lives of our residents, developing innovative enrichment methods that ensure they are mentally and physically stimulated.
Educate and Inspire
We aim to raise awareness among the people of Suriname and tourists about the country’s incredible natural heritage. By showcasing the beauty and needs of our wildlife, we hope to inspire greater respect and conservation efforts.
Contribute to Wildlife Conservation
Through observation and study, we aim to better understand the needs of these animals, providing valuable insights that can help protect them in the wild.
Offer Eco-Volunteer Opportunities
Our sanctuary relies on the support of passionate individuals. We provide paid eco-volunteer positions that offer unique opportunities to work with and learn about Suriname’s wildlife, contributing directly to their care and the sanctuary’s operations.
Our Mission
Our mission is to rescue, rehabilitate, and provide a safe, nurturing environment for animals in need. From majestic birds and elusive reptiles to beautiful mammals, we are committed to protecting the rich biodiversity of this beautiful region.
To sustain our operations, we offer a unique volunteer program that allows wildlife enthusiasts, nature lovers, students, interns and anyone with a passion for wildlife and conservation to join our efforts. By contributing a small fee, volunteers get the chance to actively participate in the care and rehabilitation of our animals, working side by side with our dedicated team of experts.
Your stay will be an all-inclusive experience in the heart of the Surinamese rainforest, where you’ll have accommodation, safety, and full board. Beyond the rewarding work with our animals, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and extraordinary biodiversity that Suriname has to offer.
By volunteering with us, you’re not just helping the animals—you’re becoming part of a community that values and protects the natural world. Together, we can make a real difference, giving these creatures the second chance they deserve while fostering a deeper connection with nature. Join us, and be part of this meaningful journey.
Stichting Suriname Wildlife Sanctuary is dedicated to providing a safe, spacious, and clean sanctuary for wildlife that can and cannot return to the wild due to psychological or physical injuries. We offer a (semi) permanent home for these animals, ensuring they receive ongoing care and attention in a setting that prioritizes their well-being.
Be a part of this cause
By volunteering at the Suriname Wildlife Sanctuary, you are helping to create a safe, nurturing environment for animals in need and you gain experience with these incredible animals.. Together, we can ensure that these creatures receive the care and protection they deserve, while also fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for the unique wildlife of Suriname.
What Makes Us Special
We are located in Suriname, the smallest country of South America, although small is relative as it is still 4 times the size of the Netherlands with a population of only around 600.000 people, one of the least densely populated countries in the world.
It is unique for several reasons. Its rich cultural diversity, abundant
natural beauty, authenticity, being one of the least travelled to countries in the world and historical significance all contribute to its special character.
Suriname is known for its remarkable cultural diversity. Its population is a vibrant mix of ethnic groups, including East Indians (Hindustanis),
Creoles (people of African descent), Javanese, Maroons (descendants
of escaped African slaves), Indigenous peoples, Chinese, and Europeans (primarily Dutch).
This diverse population has created a rich tapestry of
cultural traditions, languages, and religions.
The linguistic diversity is equally impressive. While Dutch is the official language, many other languages are spoken, including Sranan Tongo (a creole language), Hindi, Javanese, and several indigenous languages. This multilingualism reflects the country's inclusive and multicultural nature.
Suriname is known for its religious tolerance and harmony. Various religious groups, including Christians, Hindus, Muslims and indigenous spiritual practices, coexist peacefully. This pluralism is evident in the landscape of Paramaribo, the capital city, where you can find a synagogue and a mosque standing side by side.
About 93% of the country is covered in forest, part of the Amazon biome, home to an incredible array of wildlife, plants, and ecosystems. The Central Suriname Nature Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a prime example of its natural splendor.
The country is crisscrossed by numerous rivers, including the Suriname River, which plays a crucial role in transportation and sustenance for local communities.
Suriname's rivers lead to breathtaking waterfalls, such as the Raleighvallen (Raleigh Falls) and the Blanche Marie Falls, which are major attractions for nature enthusiasts.
These rainforests have an incredibly biodiversity, hosting countless species of flora and fauna, many of which are endemic. Jaguars, giant otters, tapirs, tortoises, anacondas, howler monkeys, lanceheads, dart frogs, giant tree frogs and a variety of bird species inhabit these forests, making Suriname a paradise for wildlife researchers and ecotourists.
The Suriname Wildlife Sanctuary is a nonprofit wildlife rehabilitation and animal rescue that focuses heavily on conservation and education.
Ask Us Anything
Suriname Wildlife Sanctuary
Oost-West verbinding 137A, Commewijne, Suriname