Project Description
One of the most threatened natural resources in the Amazon Rainforest is the wildlife, which can suffer from habitat destruction, unsustainable hunting, and traps set by illegal animal hunters. Orchids, parrots, monkeys, and more than 20 thousand exotic animal and plant species have distinguished Ecuador as one of the countries with the most biodiversity in the world. At the same time, this distinction has turned this biodiversity into the helpless victim of illegal plant and animal trafficking.
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 realized that they cannot cope with these animals. Furthermore, some of the animals brought to the center are the young of mothers killed by hunters. To have in your possession, to buy, or to 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 of these animals, while others are best cared for in captivity as they would not be able to survive in the wild.
Why the projects need volunteers
Since there is no existing help from the government for the development, implementation, and management of projects like this, the only alternative we have is the time, work, and donations given by volunteers. Thus, volunteers have come to be our only consistent source of income to support us in taking care of the animals and funding the necessary infrastructure. Your participation in these projects is very important because each time a volunteer participates in an adventure with us, you create awareness in other people about the reality of the experiences of these animals. Through this experience, volunteers can learn and better understand the root of the problems and share their stories with a passion that encourages others to join our cause of reducing the trade and mistreatment of wild animals.
Fast Facts What is included? What is not included? What is also included?
Fast Facts
| Voolunteer Time |
1 week + |
| Project Location |
Puyo |
| Nearest airport |
Mariscal Sucre - Quito |
| Responsibilities |
Feeding the animals, cleaning cages, administering special diets and medication, cleaning and exercising the animals, acting as guides for visitors, bringing bananas and other fruit to the animals for feeding purposes, administration, etc. |
| Hours of Work |
30 to 40 hours per week |
| Number of places available |
14 volunteers |
| Project availability |
Open year-round. |
| Prerequisities |
Minimum age: 18 years. Studies in veterinary medicine are a plus. Interest in the environment and conservation. Intermediate level of Spanish is highly recommended (not required) before beginning volunteering. |
What is included?
| Accommodation |
- Shared rooms with other volunteers in the volunteer lodge.
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| Support |
- Before your trip - 24/7 advice via telephone and/or email before leaving your home country.
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| Training |
- Workshop, volunteer training before beginning as a volunteer.
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| Extra |
- Application Fee
- 25 hours of Spanish Lessons + Activities
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What is not included?
| Transport |
- International flight tickets.
- Local transport once in the country.
- Airline and/or airport taxes.
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| Insurance |
- Travel Insurance and related expenses.
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| Visa, inoculations |
- Visa application costs and related expenses.
- Inoculations and related expenses.
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| Food |
- Three meals per day. A kitchen is available in which to prepare food, eat breakfast and dinner, and, on the weekends, eat lunch. Volunteers take turns preparing meals. The kitchen is equipped with all the necessary utensils, silverware, 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.
- Ability to make local calls and receive faxes at the organization's main office.
- 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 environmental conservation in general.
• Studies veterinary medicine, animal care, environmental science, or similar subjects is a plus.
• Have the ability to work in a team and maintain good working relationships.
• Have an intermediate level of Spanish (recommended, but not required) and knowledge of other languages such as English, German, or French to help guide visitors at the center.
What does the Volunteer needs to bring
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- Rain/work boots
- Towel
- First Aid kit
- Flashlight
- Batteries, box of matches
- Pocketknife
- Waterproof jacket
- Sleeping bag for warm climate
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent (at least 40% Deet is recommended)
- Ziploc bags (to protect electronics from humidity)
- Work gloves
- Seasonal attire
- Comfortable walking shoes/hiking boots
- Hat
- Toiletrie
- Long-sleeved shirts
- Camera, binoculars
- Sunglasses
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Steps to follow
Once you have registered...
- Once we receive your first email we will immediately contact you to give you general information about us and our projects.
- Select the project in which you would like to participate.
- Send your CV.
- Participate in an interview.
- You will receive an email confirming your participation and we will prepare for your trip to Ecuador.
- You should fill out the documents that the Ecuador Volunteer Foundation sends you as part of the registration process.
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.
- Send us the documents from the Ecuador Volunteer Foundation, filled out completely.
- Verify that you have gotten the necessary vaccines, such as Yellow Fever, Hepatitis A & B, Diphtheria, Typhoid. We recommend getting the yellow fever vaccine and bringing malaria pills as a precaution.
- Fill out the Final Form that is on our website.
- If the volunteer is not a Spanish speaker, she/he may plan to take a Spanish course in Quito before entering in the project.
- Check if you need a visa to enter Ecuador.
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