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Amazon Wildlife Rescue

location
2 - 4 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • Get up close and personal with a vast range of wild animals in their natural habitat – ranging from monkeys, cats, macaws, ocelots, caiman, reptiles, toucans & many more!
  • Volunteer in the jungle – a beautiful and breath-taking setting that you'll never forget.
  • Become a full member of the team, actively helping the animals rehabilitate and recover before hopefully releasing them back into the wild!

Highlights

  • Get up close and personal with a vast range of wild animals in their natural habitat – ranging from monkeys, cats, macaws, ocelots, caiman, reptiles, toucans & many more!
  • Volunteer in the jungle – a beautiful and breath-taking setting that you'll never forget.
  • Become a full member of the team, actively helping the animals rehabilitate and recover before hopefully releasing them back into the wild!
  • Take part in a truly rewarding project with the sole aim of protecting animals.
  • Join for a full 4 weeks and care for your very own animal, acting as its designated trainer!

    • Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Groups

    About the program

    Passionate about animals? Experience the jungle on this unique volunteering project, caring for rescued wildlife and helping to conserve endangered animals in the Amazon.

    Pack your bags and re-locate to Ecuador's stunning Amazonian Rainforest on this unique volunteering placement at an Animal Rescue Centre. Support an experienced team and assist in the care and rehabilitation of injured and rescued exotic wild animals. Set up by an inspired and passionate young local ...

    About the program

    Pack your bags and re-locate to Ecuador's stunning Amazonian Rainforest on this unique volunteering placement at an Animal Rescue Centre. Support an experienced team and assist in the care and rehabilitation of injured and rescued exotic wild animals. Set up by an inspired and passionate young local more than 10 years ago, his project has developed into a fully functioning rescue centre for hundreds of animals. You'll also be helping to alter the attitude of locals and the wider region to the importance of caring for both their animals and the environment.

    Join now and become a fully-fledged member of a wildlife rescue team in Ecuador’s beautiful natural surroundings – there are few places on earth like it!

    This program is fantastic for anyone who loves animals and is passionate enough to donate some time toward their rescue and rehabilitation. If you are a responsible person, in general good health and motivated to work in a team, then this program is perfect for you! With the project taking place in a Spanish speaking country it is helpful if you are willing to pick up some Spanish words along the way, but you can join without speaking it. The accommodation and rescue centre are surrounded by rainforest so be prepared for a basic set up with no big luxuries. It’s all about going “back to basics” and being one with nature! 

    Typical day

    Typically, you will be volunteering from Mondays to Fridays, and you can expect your routine to look something like this:

    • 07:30 – 08:00                    Breakfast
    • 08:00 – 12:00                    Volunteering
    • 12:00 – ...

    Typical day

    Typically, you will be volunteering from Mondays to Fridays, and you can expect your routine to look something like this:

    • 07:30 – 08:00                    Breakfast
    • 08:00 – 12:00                    Volunteering
    • 12:00 – 14:30                    Break, including lunch at 13:00
    • 14:30 – 17:00                    Volunteering
    •  From 17:00                       Free-time
    •  At 18:00                             Dinner

    The team will always adapt to the special needs of the animals living on site, meaning the schedule might change a bit from time to time but, overall, this is how it will look.

    Depending on your availability, you can spend either two or four weeks at this project. Once you arrive in Quito, you will take a private transfer to the Animal Rescue Centre where you will be welcomed to the site by the local team. One of the local biologists will give you a comprehensive tour of the centre; the facilities; the animals; the working routines and all the equipment you will need to start your placement. The main tasks you can look forward to doing as a volunteer are:

    • Preparing food for the animals and feeding them
    • Observing the animals, their behaviour and overall well-being
    • Supporting animal welfare in various ways, e.g. via enrichment activities
    • Clean and maintain the enclosures and general maintenance work
    • Taking part in larger projects, depending on current needs, e. g. enclosure building
    • Supporting the various needs of the centre that may be present when you join
    • As soon as you are confident enough to instruct and guide new volunteers in their daily routines you might be asked to do so (optional)
    • Opportunities to assist a bird trainer in the training of birds of prey
    • If you join for a full 4 weeks you will be given one animal who you are responsible for. You will take care of it during your time at the project and function as its personal patron.

    Free-time activities

    Weekends will be non-directed time with plenty of opportunities to explore Ecuador’s beautiful landscape and culture. Join your fellow volunteers on trips to Puyo, Banos or Quito to name just a few. Puyo is a small village a short distance away from the centre with plenty of shops and restaurants ...

    Free-time activities

    Weekends will be non-directed time with plenty of opportunities to explore Ecuador’s beautiful landscape and culture. Join your fellow volunteers on trips to Puyo, Banos or Quito to name just a few. Puyo is a small village a short distance away from the centre with plenty of shops and restaurants if you fancy a drink, food, or a little shopping.

     Banos is slightly further away and as such is great for weekend visits and has plenty of optional activities on offer - from bungee jumping, white water rafting, bars, restaurants etc. Of course, you can always stay at the Rescue Centre, relax in your hammock, and enjoy the peace of the jungle. It’s completely up to you!

    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 18 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (basic level)

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Other Skills

    There is no prior experience required although the minimum age is 18 and you must also have your doctor sign our medical form confirming you are medically fit to participate.

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 08:00 - 17:00

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    • Pre-departure support 
    • Accommodation 
    • Meals from Monday breakfast to Saturday breakfast 
    • Onsite staff support • Orientation and safety briefings 
    • Airport transfers 
    • Project Equipment 
    • Project Donation 
    • Financial Failure Protection (your money is protected)

    Airport Pickup at Mariscal Sucre International Airport

    Once you have arrived in Quito we will transfer you to the Animal Rescue Centre. All transportation during the volunteering placement is included.

    Accommodation

    You will be sleeping on site in basic wooden huts which are shared by 4 – 6 volunteers (single sex rooms). The bathroom facilities are shared as well and in short walking distance. Given the project site is in the jungle there will be specific times during the day for hot water supply (mornings and evenings). The team will let you know so you can plan your routine. Life with other volunteers and staff is like a big community, everyone is responsible for maintaining standards meaning everyone helps clean the huts and facilities together. 

    Food & Beverages

    You will be provided with breakfast, lunch and dinner from Monday to Friday on the project site. 

    Breakfast is very basic and mainly consists of bread, margarine, porridge, coffee and tea. If you want to upgrade your breakfast a bit you can buy and store some items from the supermarket in your personal locker (or the fridge if there is enough space). 

    Lunch and dinner are more varied, comprising of either local or international cuisine. You can look forward to eggs, rice, potatoes, chicken, salads, burgers, pasta, etc. Only one meal option is provided but special dietary requirements can be catered for. 

    Additionally, juices are offered during meals and you will always have access to filtered water during the day (tap water is not drinkable). All volunteers help with the cooking and cleaning of meals. From Saturday noon until Sunday evening you need to supply your own food. Feel free to use the facilities within the centre to cook if you want to.

    Internet Access

    Limited access at the project site

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) in Quito. We assist you to find cheap flights to Ecuador. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Ecuador provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in Ecuador you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Ecuador. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    We are able to offer this program on a rolling basis, meaning you can start on any Monday throughout the month from January 2021. If the dates below don't quite work for you, please contact us and we will then arrange a suitable starting date for your adventure!
    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program Fees

    $568 per week 2 - 4 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES

    Duration

    2 - 4 weeks

    Deposit

    Reserve your spot with just a few clicks and a small, secure deposit. You can pay by credit card, PayPal, or other convenient methods.

    Final Payment

    You’ll agree on the final payment method with your local organization during the application process. This final payment is only due closer to the start of your trip.

    4.9
    Top Pick
    One of the top picks on Volunteer World, according to travelers

    Location

    Americas > South America > Ecuador > Puyo

    Meet your project coordinator

    Gapforce
    5
    reviews
    4.92
    Outstanding
    1989
    Founded

    Verified

      Below average response rate
    Spoken languages: English
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    Volunteer Abroad  >  Animals  >  Wildlife Conservation in Ecuador
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