Amazon Wildlife Rescue

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! 

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.