from 872€

Great 4.4rating (78)

Animal Sanctuary Assistant

location
4 - 24 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+

rating  Great 4.4  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Good response rate

Highlights

  • Experience the exciting life in the middle of the Rainforest
  • Boost your CV with international work experience
  • Gain Spanish fluency by sharing with the locals
  • Explore breathtaking landscapes and wildlife
  • Make memories you will never forget during your stay abroad

Especially suitable

Age 18+
Singles
Couples
50+

About the program

The animal rehabilitation center is located in the protected rainforest and shelters different animals, some are in danger of extinction. Support local animal protection.

​In 1993, this project was founded by a Swiss couple who has since then worked tirelessly to build up the center to what it is today. Today, it belongs to one of the most efficient and well-run animal rescue centers in Ecuador. In addition to the animal rehabilitation center, our partners ...

About the program

​In 1993, this project was founded by a Swiss couple who has since then worked tirelessly to build up the center to what it is today. Today, it belongs to one of the most efficient and well-run animal rescue centers in Ecuador. In addition to the animal rehabilitation center, our partners also manage other projects. There is a jungle lodge to promote eco-tourism and a reserve to preserve and protect the rainforest as well. At the moment, the animal sanctuary cares for about 350 different animals (number subject to changes).

The animal rehabilitation center is located in the protected rainforest and shelters different animals, some are in danger of extinction. Most of these animals come here in poor condition: malnourished, wounded, and often full of parasites. Approximately one fourth of the animals die on their way to the rescue center or in the first days of being there, and only one in four is successfully set free if the animal does recover. The remaining half must remain at the center either roaming free in the open area, or in enclosures that protect them from other animals and humans. In an ideal world, every animal that comes to the the rehabilitation center would be returned to the wild at some point. ​

​Although releasing animals back into the wild may sound like a great idea to humans, it can sometimes be harmful for the individual animal, species, or even the ecosystem as a whole. When volunteering in Ecuador at the animal rescue center, please keep in mind that there are a number of reasons why returning an animal to its natural habitat is a difficult decision. When releasing an animal, it obviously has to be released somewhere. The change from captivity to the wild is stressful and disorienting, often leaving animals especially vulnerable to hunting if they are released in an unprotected area. It is fruitless and disappointing to spend a great deal of effort preparing an animal for release, only for it to be illegally recaptured or hunted immediately.

The rehabilitation center lies at the edge of roughly 11 kilometers (7 miles) of protected primary rainforest where hunting is prohibited. This is the area used for releasing animals that are ready for reintroduction. Unfortunately, this center is like an island surrounded by unprotected areas, which can lead to problems for the released animals.


Typical day

​​One important part of the volunteers’ work in Ecuador is to guide visitors through the center, which is financed by entrance fees and donations. Therefore, motivated volunteers who enjoy guiding visitors, while enthusiastically speaking about the center and its animals, are required. Of ...

Typical day

​​One important part of the volunteers’ work in Ecuador is to guide visitors through the center, which is financed by entrance fees and donations. Therefore, motivated volunteers who enjoy guiding visitors, while enthusiastically speaking about the center and its animals, are required. Of course, you will receive a basic training course where you will learn all about the center and the animals.
You should, however, have the interest, leadership skills, and personal skills to handle tourists from all over the world. You must also be patient and willing to answer any questions they may have about the facilities and animals. Another main task of volunteers includes feeding and taking care of the animals. Not all the animals live freely and can find food by themselves. Many of the animals must stay in enclosures, which means they need to be fed and have their enclosures cleaned every day. New arriving animals also have to be examined and observed extensively before determining how they will be incorporated into the center.

​Apart from the main work with the animals, other tasks such as maintaining and fixing trails, cutting branches for the enclosures, and harvesting bananas also have to be fulfilled. Volunteers must give a hand where they are needed most, and when possible, will have the chance to work in the area they are most interested in. As a volunteer, you will work five days a week, around eight hours per day. In the morning, volunteers begin the day by preparing the food and feeding the animals. Visitors usually get there between 8:30 am and 5:00 pm to participate in the guided tours. In the afternoon, the second feeding for the animals typically begins at 1:00 pm. Days off (every volunteer gets two per week) are arranged at the beginning of the week to ensure that enough volunteers are working each day.


Important: Contact with the animals must be kept to a minimum, as the "wild" animals should also remain wild so that they can hopefully be released back into their natural habitat once the recovery and rehabilitation process is complete. This is why any kind of interaction with the animals is not allowed (touching, talking to them, hand-feeding them, getting close to them).


​Note: The tasks may vary. They depend on factors such as number of volunteers, weather, season, current needs of the project, as well as self-motivation. Not every volunteer may be fully involved in all these tasks.


Free-time activities

The volunteer project is located in the province of Napo about 1.5 hours from Tena. Tena is approximately a 7 hours bus ride southeast of Quito, located directly in the Amazon basin.

The location of the project is unique and allows you to immerse yourself in the depths and adventures of the ...

Free-time activities

The volunteer project is located in the province of Napo about 1.5 hours from Tena. Tena is approximately a 7 hours bus ride southeast of Quito, located directly in the Amazon basin.

The location of the project is unique and allows you to immerse yourself in the depths and adventures of the Amazon jungle. The trip to the project site is only possible by boat, through evergreen nature with exciting wildlife!

The city of Tena itself is touristy and offers a wide range of hotels, hostels, restaurants, shopping and a variety of agencies, offering excursions to waterfalls, rafting and other outdoor sports, wildlife observation, etc.

The climate of the project site is tropical with an average annual temperature of 25 °C during the day and 17 °C during the night. It rains all year round; the rainiest months are August to December and March.


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) or Spanish (basic level)

Required Documents

CV and Volunteer Questionnaire

Nationality Restrictions

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

Time Commitment

Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

What's Included

What's Included

Services by South America Inside

Our volunteer project in the Animal Sancturay in Ecuador includes:

  • Shared room in Volunteer House
  • Breakfast, lunch, dinner
  • Advice from our experienced staff
  • On-going support via WhatsApp, phone or mail
  • Elaboration of your application profile in Spanish
  • Your placement in the volunteer project
  • Pre-departure information
  • Packing list
  • Country handbook
  • Intercultural guide
  • Orientation upon arrival
  • On-site volunteer coordinator
  • 24/7 emergency number
  • Advice on travel insurance
  • Certificate of participation

Accommodation

The volunteers live together in two different volunteer houses that are connected by a small bridge. There is enough space for up to 14 volunteers, who come from all over the world. Bedrooms are equipped with 2 beds, so you may share a room with another volunteer. It is very important that you are willing to share chores (e.g. cooking, cleaning etc.) in the volunteer house to avoid disagreements with other volunteers and to ensure that each person contributes equally. Living together is, on one hand, a challenge, but on the other hand, a rewarding, unforgettable experience. You will interact with people from all over the world, with different cultures and points of view and, ultimately, this will make your stay a culturally enriching and unique experience.

Please note that there is no electricity or telephone where you will be staying, and that candles and flashlights provide the primary source of light at night. If you want to call someone by phone, you will have to walk to the nearest town, or you will need a mobile phone adapted for local use or purchased upon arrival to Ecuador.​

Each house has running water, a shower, and a toilet. Clothes have to be washed by hand. During the weekdays, local women prepare lunch for the volunteers. Volunteers are responsible for preparing their own breakfast and dinner each day, which is often a group effort.

​​​On the weekend, volunteers prepare their own lunch as well. Food is provided by a truck that comes once a week and brings the food that was ordered the week before. If desired, you may purchase drinks (cola, beer) from the bar. The water is safe for drinking, and there are always fruits that can be used to make fresh juices.

Food & Beverages

The volunteer program includes daily breakfast, lunch and dinner. Special diatry requirements can be taken care off.

Internet Access

Limited access at the project site

What's NOT included?

What's NOT included?

Airport Pickup at Mariscal Sucre International Airport

An airport pickup isn't included within the program fees either.

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

Year-round. Arrival day in the project is always Sunday, departure day is always Monday.

Availability
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Program fees

4 weeks (min. stay) 872€
5 weeks 985€
6 weeks 1,098€
7 weeks 1,210€
8 weeks 1,323€
9 weeks 1,436€
10 weeks 1,548€
11 weeks 1,661€
12 weeks 1,774€
24 weeks (max. stay) 3,097€
Average fees 173€/week

Program fees

173€ per week 4 - 24 weeks Age 18 - 50+

Payment methods

Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

NO CREDIT CARD FEES


Duration

4 - 24 weeks

Deposit

The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.


Final Payment

Your final payment will be agreed with South America Inside during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


Meet your organization

South America Inside

Great 4.4 rating (78 reviews)

Agency - founded in 2003

Verified by Volunteer World

  Good response rate

Coordinated by

Marion

Spoken languages: German, Spanish, English

About the project

South America Inside promotes intercultural, linguistic and educational exchanges. Its volunteer programs are addressed to students, professionals and retirees.

Meet your organization

South America Inside is an intercultural management agency, founded back in 2003, which specializes in the promotion of programs abroad, language travel and educational programs throughout Latin America.

Since 2007, to enrich the experience of our global-minded clients and to provide them with even more possibilities, South America Inside has been expanding their program offerings throughout South and Central America.

Working together with some of the best language schools in Latin America, South America Inside provides high quality language courses in almost every Latin American country.

Thanks to a professional team of motivated and friendly staff, South America Inside has been very successful over the past several years and have been able to establish an outstanding network of what we call "Insider Contacts." To enrich the experience of their clients and to provide them with more possibilities, South America Inside has been expanding our program offerings throughout Central and South America, in addition to our well-established Chilean programs.

Volunteer Work

Do you dream of staying abroad while doing something positive? Are you looking for a unique experience that will leave a mark on your life? Then a Volunteer Work program in South America or Central America is perfect for you!

With South America Inside you can combine an adventure abroad with social commitment, and create lasting memories in Latin America. Support the protection of endangered species; help a local community construct new homes; give new hope to impoverished children.

The possibilities to lend a hand are diverse, as there are the many places where help is needed. We have classified our volunteer projects in different areas so you can easily find the one (or more!) projects that best match your needs and interests.

Why with us

There are many persuasive reasons that speak in favor of South America Inside when it comes to selecting your perfect provider of language, study and volunteer travel abroad. Following, we have prepared a short summary so that you can get us to know a little better.

Our Insider benefits at a glance:

  Regional Experience
Over one decade (established in 2003) of dedication to language, work and study travel programs in Latin America. Thanks to our long standing work and life experience in the South American continent, we know this region really well. Therefore, we can help and inform you in a professional and competent way.

  Multifaceted Offers
Over time we have developed new programs to offer a wide array of work abroad opportunities to our clients. We have been pioneers in launching new exchange programs, as we have been the first in offering Work & Travel/Working Holiday and Farm Stays in Chile and successfully introduced these programs into the market back in 2005. Since 2012, we are the only agency to offer this type of program in Costa Rica.

  Insider Advice
Despite living in the modern era of the internet, we know that reliable and competent advice is still an important criterion for most of us. At South America Inside, you will find the benefits of an internet provider and an independent travel agency. We will be glad to pass on our extensive knowledge and regional experience.!

  Location
It is difficult to run programs when there is nobody “on the ground” to evaluate existing options and search for new opportunities. So, we are located in Chile, on location, and we know everything that is going on first hand. We know what it is like to live as a foreigner in South America and will be happy to assist you in making your stay unforgettable!

  Independence
South America Inside is an independent provider of language courses, internships, volunteer work, Farm Stays and Work & Travel programs in Latin America. We neither depend financially nor structurally on any other company, language school, association or organization. Therefore, we are able to give personalized information in accordance to your needs and availability.

•  Multilingual Team

Our team is multilingual and international! We speak fluent English, Spanish and German, as well as some French and Portuguese. With our customers, we can communicate in their native language and we avoid misunderstandings with local partners by communicating in Spanish with them. You can be sure that there will be an English-speaking contact person for you before, during, and after your stay.

  Customer Service
Excellent customer service is one of the most important goals for South America Inside, and this is evident with the positive feedback we regularly receive from our many happy clients. Emails are answered within 48 business hours and every client is treated with the same friendliness and expertise.

  Gapless and Accurate Information flow
With South America Inside you will have one and the same contact person before, during and after your trip. With that said, we guarantee a gapless and accurate information flow and you will always be very well informed.

  Approved Program Places
Many of our program places, especially in the area of internships and volunteer work, are designed in the way that they will be recognized by most universities, colleges or academies.

78 reviews · rating4.4

lyne bourbonnais rating3.8

2024 at Eco Farm Worker

j'ai bien aimé mon expérience à Antigua qui est une superbe ville facile à visiter. Vivre dans une famille, y prendre les repas est une très belle incursion dans la vie guatémaltèque. et quoi de mieux pour l'immersion en langue espagnole! eco farm: bien qu'au départ je n'ai pas bien saisi ...
GERALDINE QUIRKE rating3.2

2024 at Work in a National Park

When I scheduled volunteer time the indication was that there was a limited number of volunteers based on the projects/work to be done. As more and more volunteers arrived i realized that we were more valued for the money we paid than for the limited amount of work to be done. Also, I felt that ...
Floriana D. rating5

2023 at Local Wildlife Helper

Hey there, I love my experience, it is amazing !!! Tomorrow I am going to visit and I am working, it's going very well ! Thank you for everything!! ...
Ich bin gut auf der Osterinsel angekommen. Wurde von dem Projektleiter am Flughafen abgeholt. Er hatte sogar eine Kollegin mit, die deutsch spricht, sollte ich mit spanisch nicht so gut umgehen können. Echt toll! Die Unterkunft ist gut und ordentlich und groß, sie liegt am Ende der Ortschaft, ...
Emilie Hasni rating4.2

2023 at Help Save Sea Turtles

Magnifique expérience avec les tortues et avec les autres volontaires aussi. Le cadre est magnifique, les couchers de soleil et les balades dans la nature autour du lieu du volontariat sont superbes. Petite info : si tu veux avoir internet, le seul réseau qui fonctionne est Kolbi. Nous on a ...
Laurence M. rating5

2023 at Wildlife Rescue Assistant

The country is magnifique and at this moment all the people who I’ve met are nice. The projet and his place is very cool and the family home stay too! Everything is OK thank you for ...

Location


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Contact Marion
  Good response rate
German, Spanish, English

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