O Projeto Riza , Vegan Animal Sanctuary .

Hello, and welcome! My name is Chiara, and I’ll be your host. I’m a full-time volunteer at our animal sanctuary, nestled in the historic city of Coimbra.

Our project is dedicated to rescuing farm animals and giving them the love, care, and dignity they deserve. At the moment, our sanctuary is home to a wonderful family of animals, including 5 pigs, 1 donkey, 10 goats, 5 sheep, 156chickens, 6 cats, and 2 dogs.

As a sanctuary, one of our core principles is to honour the lives we protect, so we kindly ask that only vegan food is brought or consumed within the sanctuary and the house.

Coimbra itself is a UNESCO World Heritage city, surrounded by stunning natural beauty. You’ll find nearby beaches, rivers, hiking trails, and plenty of other hidden gems to explore during your stay.

We’re thrilled to have you here and can’t wait to share this special place with you!

Volunteers will actively engage in the daily care of our animals, with tasks that include feeding, cuddling, and cleaning their stables. You may also take part in additional projects like building compost boxes, setting up fences, and more. A typical volunteer day might look like this: - **8:30 AM:** Start the day by feeding all the animals. - **10:30 AM:** Clean the stables to keep the animals’ environment safe and comfortable. - **11:30 AM:** Take a well-earned break and head back home. - **4:00–5:30 PM:** Return to the sanctuary for evening feedings and final clean-ups for the day. Every day is an opportunity to make a meaningful difference while connecting with these amazing animals!