Project Description
The project was set up in 1993 as an animal rescue center. The center is privately managed by a Swiss/Quechan couple and constitutes part of the protected “Selva Viva” forest that spans 1300 hectares. Forest wardens make daily walks in to the forest to guard against poaching, the uprooting of trees and general environmental damage.
Beginning in 1993, the center initially took in animals rescued by the Ecuadorian government. However, it is not just the Ecuadorian government who bring animals to the center but people who used to keep wild animals as pets and subsequently realize that they cannot cope with these animals. Furthermore, some of the animals brought to the center are the young of the mothers killed by hunters. To have in your possession, buy or sell wild animals is prohibited. However, such incidences occur frequently.
The animals do not always arrive in the optimum of health. In fact, most are malnourished, injured and have parasites. A quarter of animals destined for the center perish on the journey there or during the first days of arrival; others are reintroduced into protected areas when they are strong, healthy and deemed fit enough to survive in their own habitat. Some animals remain permanently at the center. It is possible to free some animals whilst others are best cared for in captivity.
Why the projects need volunteers
The project needs volunteers because each animal requires specialist care. Some of the animals are dangerous or too young and need to be kept in cages. They have to be fed and the cages need to be cleaned. Also, new arrivals need to be carefully assessed.
Fast Facts What is included? What is not included? What is also included?
Fast Facts
| Voolunteer Time |
2 months + |
| Project Location |
Tena |
| Nearest airport |
Mariscal Sucre - Quito |
| Responsibilities |
Feeding the animals, cleaning cages, administering special diets and medication, cleaning and exercising, acting as guides for visitors, carrying bananas and other fruit to animals for feeding purposes, administration, etc. |
| Hours of Work |
30 to 40 hours per week |
| Number of places available |
14 volunteers |
| Project availability |
Throughout the year, January to December. |
| Prerequisities |
Men and women from the ages of 22 years who can commit to a minimum of two months. Studies in veterinary medicine are preferred but not essential. An interest in the environment and conservation is preferable. Payment for the first month is due upfront. An intermediate level of Spanish is required before commencing as volunteer. |
What is included?
| Accommodation |
- Shared accommodation in the volunteers’ lodge.
|
| Support |
- Before your trip - 24/7 advice via telephone and/or email before leaving your home country.
|
| Training |
- Workshop volunteer trainning before commencing as volunteer.
|
| Extra |
- Application Fee
- 25 hours of Spanish Lessons + Activities
|
What is not included?
| Transport |
- International flight tickets.
- Local transport once in the country.
- Airline and/or airport taxes.
|
| Insurance |
- Travel Insurance and related expenses.
|
| Visa, inoculations |
- Visa application costs and related expenses.
- Inoculations and related expenses.
|
| Food |
- Three meals a day. The volunteer will have to pay 125 USD per month to cover food costs. A kitchen is available in which to prepare food, eat breakfast and dinner, and, at the weekends, lunch can be taken. Volunteers take turns to prepare meals. The kitchen is equipped with all the necessary utensils, cutlery and food.
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What is also included?
- Transfer from the airport to location of the project or place of stay in Quito.
- Practical, informative advice and support before, during and after project from a team of professionals.
- In-country guidance to resolve potential issues that may arise during the project.
- Guidance and evaluation to check on progress during volunteer period.
- A facility at the organization office for making local calls.
- Receiving of faxes.
- Informative visitor guide with information on recreational activities.
- Certificate of successful completion as volunteer.
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Please note
Animals in captivity need to be fully assessed before they are reintroduced into their natural habitat. A mindset against the trafficking of animals needs to be instilled in everybody. Wild animals constitute a vital part of nature conservation. The Ecuadorian forests cover a broad expanse of flora, fauna, insects, birds, etc., making it biologically diverse and a wonderful region with which to be acquainted.
What skills do volunteers need?
Volunteers should:
• Have a love for animals and for nature conservation in general.
• Preferably have studied veterinary medicine, animal care, environmental science, or similar.
• Have the ability to work in a team and maintain good working relationships.
• Have an intermediate level of Spanish and knowledge of other languages such as English, German and/or French to help guide visitors at the center.
What does the Volunteer needs to bring
| - • Galoshes/Wellington boots
- Towels
- First Aid kit
- Flashlight/torch
- Batteries/box of matches
- Knife (Swiss Army)
- Waterproof jacket
- Sleeping bag
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent (application containing 40% Deet is recommended)
- Ziploc bags or similar airtight sandwich bags
- Gloves
- Seasonal attire
- Comfortable walking shoes/hiking boots
- Hat
- Toiletries for personal use
- Long/sleeved undershirts
- Camera-binoculars (optional)
- Sunglasses
- Books (for personal use)
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Steps to follow
When you have booked...- Once we receive your first email we will immediately contact you to give you general information about us and projects.
- Select the project where you would like to participate.
- Send your CV.
- Participate in an interview.
- You will receive an email about confirmation of your participation and we will prepare for your trip to Ecuador.
- You should fill out certain documents of the Ecuador Volunteer Foundation, which we will send you opportunely.
After you have been selected as a volunteer...- Get your flight tickets.
- Get travel insurance for the time that you will participate in our projects.
- Get your Police Check or Police Disclosure.
- Send us the documents of the Ecuador Volunteer Foundation filled out with the pertinent information.
- Verify that you got certain vaccines as Yellow Fever, Hepatitis A & B, Diphtheria, Typhoid. We recommend getting the yellow fever vaccine and malaria pills as a precaution.
- Get a medical certificate.
- Fill out the Final Form that is on our website.
- In the case that the volunteer is not a Hispanic speaker she/he must plan a Spanish course before entering in the project.
- Give an exam in Spanish to check your knowledge in the language.
- Check if you need a visa to enter in the country.
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