The volunteer work in Guatemala consists of cage cleaning, food preparation, and monitoring the health of the animals. Many animals arrive at the Center with health problems associated with the trauma of their capture and transport and need continual observation and medical attention. On the other hand, the Center's staff tries to avoid the animals becoming "imprinted" on humans and ask volunteers not to handle animals more than necessary as most will be released back into the wild. Released animals accustomed to humans have less of a chance of surviving in the wild. Animals that are kept in captivity have many needs in order to remain physically and mentally healthy. These needs can be separated into four basic categories: environment, nutrition, behavior, and care. Each enclosure should be checked regularly to make sure each of these fours needs are addressed while avoiding contact with the animals. These animals are wild and it is important to keep them that way.
There are certain responsibilities that volunteers at the Rescue Center have and everyone is expected to pull their own weight. Work begins early in the morning with the cleaning of cages and feeding of the animals. The animals do not work on human schedules; rather, they follow their own internal clock which insists that they eat early in the day. The time for your rest and relaxation is later in the day when the temperature and humidity demands a siesta. Volunteers love to spend this time of the day at the lake sunbathing, swimming, and relaxing.
In addition to the regular daily feeding and caring of the animals, there are special on-going activities in which you are expected to participate as needed. These activities include: constructing cages or extra buildings, maintaining trails, gathering foods for the animals, and researching the wild diets of the animals. Depending on your experience and skills, you may also be asked to help with veterinary medical treatment and operations as well as in the periodic blood and feces samples taken to monitor the health of the animals.
Perhaps the most satisfying work carried out at the Center is the animal release 2 to 4 times per year. You may assist in identifying appropriate release sites (with sufficient water and food and few nearby human settlements), constructing release platforms, and monitoring released animals. Volunteers are expected to become a willing part of the Rescue Center team and to take an integral part in the day-to-day operations of the Center.
The Center in Guatemala is truly a magical place that holds natural beauty within and outside the cages! There is plenty of time at night and during those hot afternoon siestas to think, and listen to the mysterious jungle noises that call for danger or initiate territorial squabbles. The beautiful creatures that surround you are all part of the experience. One only has to stop, look, and listen for a moment to realize that saving the jungles of our planet is truly something worth being a part of.
Note: The tasks may vary. They depend on factors such as number of
volunteers, season, current needs of the project, as well as
self-motivation. Not every volunteer may be fully involved in all these
tasks.
