Rescue Center for Trafficked Animals in the Amazon Jungle in Ecuador
Highlights
- Volunteer with exotic animals under the professional care of the center.
- Help preserve one of the most fascinating and important ecosystems in the world, the Amazon Rainforest.
- Work and learn from experts in the field and from the local people, who have lived in these forests for centuries.
- FREE 20 hour intensive Spanish course.
- Food and accommodation, transport and 24h support included.
Overview
Volunteer with an Exotic Animal Rescue Center in the Ecuadorian Amazon and join the fight against widespread illegal animal trafficking
Ecuador boasts one of the highest rates of illegal animal trafficking in South America. The majority of exotic animals are taken from their natural rainforest habitat in order to be sold on the domestic or international market.
In this project, you will be working together with expert researchers and conservationists who rescue and rehabilitate trafficked animals with the goal of safely releasing them back into the wild. You will help to keep these centers operational, help them grow, and help educate both the local and international communities on the plight of these animals.
This is a unique chance to live and work in one of the most unique environments in the world, surrounded by amazing animals and an even more amazing culture. Please note that within the Exotic Animal Rescue Center we frequently see monkeys, parrots, turtles, and jaguars, so these will be the animals you work with on a regular basis.
What will you do as a volunteer?
- Help with the preparation and distribution of the animals’ food on a daily basis.
- Assist with constructing, maintaining and cleaning of animal enclosures.
- Occasionally assist with the health treatment of the animals (contact with animals must be minimal to prepare for the wild).
- Monitor their health and general welfare.
- Assist with monitoring tasks by filing reports for NGO Taxi.
- Obtain daily provisions, run errands, and other administrative tasks.
- Teach both the local population and visitors about issues surrounding illegal trafficking and describe how others can help.
- Create a long-lasting bond between the environment and the community.
- Food and Accomodation
- Airport pick up and transport to and from the project in the Amazon rainforest
- Free 20 hour intensive Spanish course
- 24h support
- Pre-arrival pack
- Complementary T-shirt
- Welcome dinner
- Flights
- Non-organized or weekend activities.
- Snacks and non mealtime drinks.
- Travel insurances.
- Personal spending.
- Any additional items not listed in the ‘Included Services’ list.
Important Information
Professional Requirements
As a volunteer you don’t need any professional requirements, since you will be supervised by the centers technicians and professionals at all times. However we do require that you have a sincere desire to help animals, a genuine commitment to the project, and a hard-working attitude. Minimum stay is four weeks.
You also need to be in reasonable physical condition as the work generally takes place outdoors and can be labor-intensive (e.g. building cages). This project really is an excellent opportunity to learn more about indigenous jungle wildlife, as well as giving you lots of experience with animal care, veterinary studies, biology and environmental science.
While working on this project you will be required to work within teams, undertaking many tasks, therefore collaboration and autonomy are encouraged. It’s also a great chance to learn more about the local community by working alongside them every day. Within South America, you should be ready to respond to changes and deal with the unexpected every day.
Language Requirements
It is preferred that you have advanced English skills, although your Spanish skills can be basic. Staff at the center also speak some French and German. However, talking to workers and the local community will enrich your experience and teach you more about Amazonian culture. A foreign language always helps with career prospects, therefore we encourage you to speak at least some Spanish. Have a look at our ‘Spanish Language Courses’ to combine both.
Booking Section
Dates & Availability
This program is available all year round. You can select any date as per your comfort.Please select the week you plan to join the program.