Post-release Monitoring Assistant
- Morocco, Morocco
Post-release Monitoring Assistant
Post-release Monitoring Assistant (40 hours per week)
AAP Animal Advocacy and Protection is a European animal welfare organization dedicated to the welfare of exotic animals.
We are looking for an enthusiastic, focused and physically fit volunteer who will be responsible for assisting the post-release monitoring of Barbary macaques in one of Morocco’s most amazing National Parks. Are you interested in primate behavior, wildlife monitoring and rehabilitation & release? Then this might be the volunteer job for you!
Born to be Wild project
In 2017 AAP initiated the Born to be Wild project in Morocco. This project follows a holistic approach by addressing the different threats to Barbary macaques (Macaca sylvanus), aiming to ensure sustainable conservation of this species and its habitats within Morocco. For more information see also: https://en.aap.eu/born-to-be-wild/.
In 2019 the Moroccan Department of Waters and Forest (DEF), AAP and other partners started to investigate the option to set up a conservation reintroduction program for the more than 75 Barbary macaques that have been confiscated over the last few years. The DEF has identified Tazekka National Park as a suitable area for such a release. A comprehensive habitat survey in 2019 showed that the current habitat is very well suited.
After a lot of work, in October 2025, the first Barbary macaque’s group was released in Tazekka National Park. This was a long-time milestone for this species, but the job is not done yet. The post-release monitoring is a crucial part of the project, giving us a better perspective on how the group is behaving, where they are moving, potential threats, improvements for next releases, etcetera.
With the support of Rennes University (France), we have been able to collect behavioral data on the pre-release groups, as well as study and implement GPS collars on selected individuals. This allowed us to obtain their position and closely monitor them after release using VHF telemetry.
A second group is planned to be released in Spring 2026!
What will you do?
As a volunteer, you fulfil an indispensable role! You will assist the post-release monitoring team, following the already re-introduced as well as future releasable groups while performing behavioral observations and collecting crucial information about the individuals and group(s).
⦁ You are responsible for data collection (ad libitum observations and scans).
⦁ You will oversee supervising the correct monitoring and communication with the team when the Post-release Coordinator is on leave, free or following other groups.
⦁ You will be accountable to train and support local staff to provide high quality monitoring.
⦁ You will be in charge of data cleaning.
⦁ Other tasks might include: collect behavioral data on the pre-release group, fecal samples.
All this work will be supervised and conducted in collaboration with the post-release monitoring coordinator.
What does AAP offer?
⦁ An inspiring working environment situated in Bab Boudir, within close reach of Taza in Morocco.
⦁ A position with social value and relevance within an international company.
⦁ A professional workplace that encourages and supports dedication, accessibility and vigorousness.
⦁ You will contribute to improving the understanding of the first project that releases Barbary macaques back into the wild.
⦁ You will meet new people and gain new experiences.
⦁ A living and workplace inside of a National Park full of wildlife and places to visit.
⦁ Daily transport to and from the release site is provided.
What do we ask of you?
⦁ You are available for at least 8 weeks in the period from March 2026 on.
⦁ You are at least 18 years old.
⦁ You are fit enough to do physical work and hikes all day (the mountains here are rocky and steep).
⦁ You have experience with primate behavior, research and/or release monitoring.
⦁ You have affinity with AAP's mission.
⦁ You must be fluent in English. Knowledge of French and/or Arabic are desirables.
Conditions
⦁ 5 days work and 2 days off per week (the free days can vary depending on our needs).
⦁ Free housing (explained below), but you will be responsible of your own meals/supplies.
⦁ A contribution to your travel expenses (for a minimum of 3 months) can be discussed.
Do you want to know a bit more about the position first? Then contact Post-release Coordinator, at pablo.caso.parajon@aap.nl and Volunteer Coordinator, at vrijwilligerswerk@aap.nl or call 036-5238735. You can apply via our application form. Only people with the right to work within the EU or Morocco will be considered for this application.
Your stay
During your stay you will be housed in a small village called Bab Boudir. This village is 30-40 minutes away from the release site in Tazekka National Park. Every morning, we drive the project car to the release site, and we return in the late afternoon. You will stay in one of the portacabins which is available for interns, students and volunteer housing for this project. The cabins are basically furnished, and each have a shower, toilet, heating and AC. Each cabin can house up to two people. Besides that, there is a communal kitchen and living space. Once a week you can visit the nearest town (Taza) for food shopping and anything else you need.
During your stay you will be housed in a small village called Bab Boudir. This village is 30-40 minutes away from the release site in Tazekka National Park. Every morning, we drive the project car to the release site, and we return in the late afternoon. You will stay in one of the portacabins which is available for interns, students and volunteer housing for this project. The cabins are basically furnished, and each have a shower, toilet, heating and AC. Each cabin can house up to two people. Besides that, there is a communal kitchen and living space. Once a week you can visit the nearest town (Taza) for food shopping and anything else you need.
Please be aware that the circumstances you will be working and living in are relatively basic. Most local staff only speak Arabic or Berber, and some speak French.
About AAP
AAP Animal Advocacy and Protection is a European animal welfare organization dedicated to the welfare of exotic animals. It is our mission to end their suffering by rescuing animals in need and advocate for better laws and regulations. AAP operates two rescue and rehabilitation facilities, one in Almere (the Netherlands) and one in Villena (Spain). We rescue animals from illegal trade, circuses or private owners and help them recover both mentally and physically. When they are rehabilitated and ready to move on, we find a good place for them with one of our outplacement partners, such as a sanctuary or suitable zoo.
Check out our website www.aap.eu and follow our stories on social media!