Project details
This Wildlife Rescue Centre was founded over 20 years ago and is the first of its kind in Ecuador. The centre rehabilitates and provides care for around 300 wild animals of about 30 different species. In addition, there are 3 captive breeding programmes in operation all involving endangered species: the American crocodile, the spider monkey and the Guayaquil green macaw. All the animals at the centre are either donated by the public or rescued from the illegal pet trade. The centre also farms shrimp, tilapia, banana and cocoa with an emphasis on aquaculture.
Why the project needs volunteers?
A lack of financial resources and commitment from long-term government funded programmes makes it necessary for the centre to look to volunteers to assist them in all that needs to be done at the centre. The expertise, human resource, and economic backing provided by international conservation agencies and by smaller private groups such as i-to-i is essential to the survival of the small non-profit wildlife rescue centre.
What kind of skills you need to go on this type of project?
The most important requirement for this project is a strong love of all animals, enthusiasm, and flexibility, as well as the readiness to be involved with some of the more basic duties that will be required. Be ready to roll up your sleeves, get dirty and work hard! There are horses on site and you may be able to take horse rides out into the surrounding areas.
Your role as a volunteer
Duties may include feeding the animals twice daily, cleaning and repairing all animal enclosures, building new enclosures, assisting in wildlife health care, maintaining animal behaviour database and bird sighting database, and assisting a botanist with identifying plants in the mangrove and tropical forest. You are encouraged to learn as much Spanish as possible before you go - knowledge of beginner Spanish will be key to communicating with the project staff.
Where the project is based?
This project is located in Balao Chico about 2 hours from the nearest city of Guayaquil, which is Ecuador's largest city and most major sea port. The project is about 5 km away from the nearest village and 16 km away from the town of Naranjal which has basic amenities and cafes. The project is in a rural, tropical location and you should expect insects!
You will be staying on site in a volunteer house, facilities are basic but comfortable, be prepared for quiet evenings. You will need to arrive into Quito International Airport (UIO) for orientation two days later you will transfer to the project and can take either a bus or fly to the local airport. If you would like to arrange flights to Guayaquil please contact the Latin America Team for more information.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
- Accommodation: Shared room at the project
- Food: All meals Monday to Saturday, no meals on Sunday
- Airport Pickup: Included on arrival date. Ask us for details if you're arriving early!
- Training: In-country orientation
- Support: Pre-departure helpdesk, Local in-country team and 24hr emergency support.
Also see tour packages in:
South America
Ecuador
Volunteering
|
