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Volunteer in Amazon Animal Rescue Center
Volunteer in Amazon Animal Rescue Center

Puyo, Ecuador

Volunteer in Amazon Animal Rescue Center

Trip Highlights

  • A volunteering opportunity ideal for conservationists and animal lovers 
  • Volunteers are placed at a center that works in partnership with the Ecuadorian Environmental Police (UPMA) and the Ministry of Environment in the fight against the trafficking, abuse, capture and hunting of wild animals
  • Responsibilities at the project include assisting professional vets, assisting in conservation efforts of the Amazonian Forest
  • Other activities includes gardening, improving trails, making signs for visitors etc. 
  • A great opportunity to get away in the wilderness and making a meaningful contribution

Overview

Overview

This project is located in the Ecuadorian rainforest and works for rescuing, rehabilitating and when possible releasing animals back to their natural environment.

The centre works in partnership with the Ecuadorian Environmental Police (UPMA) and the Ministry of Environment in the fight against the trafficking, abuse, capture and hunting of wild animals. This center is very organized and volunteers can help with caring for the animals and maintenance.

This project was founded in 2006 with the aim of protecting the wildlife of the Amazon region through the rescue and rehabilitation of local flora and fauna. The animals at the center have all been abused, neglected or abandoned. Some of the animals were orphaned when their parents were killed by hunters, others were rescued from animal dealers who were trying to traffic the animals out of the country and many have been retrieved from families who had kept these animals in captivity. Unfortunately the majority have suffered some sort of physical or psychological abuse.

There are currently at least 40 different species of animals at the center which include: Ocelot, tayra, capybara, parrots, monkeys, tortoises, and caimans amongst others.

The center is also open for tourists to visit, charging a small entrance fee that is the center’s only other source of income. As animal welfare is not a high priority for many Ecuadorians, the background and mistreatment of each animal is explained to tourists, with the idea to educate local and foreign visitors about animal protection issues. In general, the visits are not guided, but tourists can read about each animal on the information sign at the cages.


Program Requirements

Program Requirements

Volunteers must be 18 years or older at the time of joining the project. You need to have an open mind and a flexible attitude for working in a new and different environment. The volunteer should bring energy and enthusiasm to make a difference. Participants must be fit and healthy at the time of joining the program and should be prepared to work outdoors and get their hands dirty. Participants in the program should have a keen interest and love for animal conservation work. Participants should have no criminal convictions and should provide a clean criminal background check report.


Volunteer Roles & Responsibilities

Volunteer Roles & Responsibilities

  • Day to day care of the animals
  • Cutting up fruit, preparation of diets, feeding the animals
  • Helping new arrivals adjust to the center
  • General maintenance and cleaning
  • Construction work; repairing and building new enclosures
  • Cage and enclosure enrichment
  • Assisting the vet when necessary
  • Other activities such as gardening, improving trails, making signs for visitors etc.

Volunteer Work Schedule

Volunteer Work Schedule

Volunteers will work from 08.00 am to 12.00 pm and 2.30 pm to 5.00 pm, Monday to Friday. On Saturdays and Sundays, volunteers work for a few hours in the morning as the animals still need feeding and looking after but once all the tasks are completed you are free for the weekend.


Living

Living

Volunteering Solutions is an established name for volunteering placements abroad. We ensure that all our accommodation and living standards match the requirements and comfort levels of our volunteers.

Airport Transfer

Volunteers would be picked up from the Mariscal Sucre International Airport by the VolSol staff or the in-country coordinator. Volunteers who are already present in Quito can arrive directly at the volunteer house.

Accommodation

Upon arrival in Quito, volunteers are provided accommodation for a night at the volunteer house. After transfer to the project in Puyo, volunteers are accommodated onsite in shared cabanas.There are volunteer cabañas with dorm rooms offering space for up to 14 people in total. There is a shared kitchen, bathroom and social area with TV and DVD player, hammocks and books. You will be provided with bedding and will even have access to a swimming pool and wi-fi. 

Orientation

Our local staff will provide a comprehensive orientation session for the volunteers. The orientation would cover information about your project and other essential info. On-site, the program staff will introduce the volunteer to the project and the local project staff and help with basic induction.

Meals

Volunteers are provided with three meals per day from Monday morning to Saturday lunch. Outside these times volunteers can enjoy a meal out in nearby Puyo or prepare food in the communal kitchen. Volunteers are expected to help and contribute in the cooking and cleaning activities as well.  Volunteers are able to make trips to the local town to purchase any additional food items/snacks as well.

During your Free Time

While at the project during free time volunteers get to mainly socialize with other volunteers. Wi-Fi is available to volunteers during their free time as well. During the weekends, to travel to Quito or other places volunteers can take a taxi to the bus station (“El terminal”) and take a bus from there.


Dates

Dates

2024

2025

January

06

13

20

27

February

03

10

17

24

March

02

09

16

23

30

April

06

13

20

27

May

04

11

18

25

June

01

08

15

22

29

July

06

13

20

27

August

03

10

17

24

31

September

07

14

21

28

October

05

12

19

26

November

02

09

16

23

30

December

07

14

21

January

04

11

18

25

February

01

08

15

22

March

01

08

15

22

29

April

05

12

19

26

May

03

10

17

24

31

June

07

14

21

28

July

05

12

19

26

August

02

09

16

23

30

September

06

13

20

27

October

04

11

18

25

November

01

08

15

22

29

December

06

13

20

27

Past Date

Available

Unavailable

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Costs

Costs

1 Week $596
2 Weeks $890
3 Weeks $1090
4 Weeks $1300
5 Weeks $1510
6 Weeks $1680
7 Weeks $199
8 Weeks $2099
Extra Week $230

Please Note: -An application fee of $229 is charged over and above the program fee as an application payment. (A 5% international banking fee is charged at the time of payment)

What are you Paying for?

  • Airport Pickup from Quito
  • One night accommodation in a hostel in Quito
  • Accommodation at the Project in Puyo
  • Pre Departure Information Guide
  • Orientation 
  • Local Staff Support
  • All meals on weekdays
  • Transfer to Bus station in Quito to travel to Puyo
    • Certificate Of Completion (Upon Request)

What's NOT included?

  • Flights
  • Return Quito airport transfer
  • Return transfer from project to Quito
  • Meals on weekends
  • ​Personal expenses
  • Bus ticket cost from Quito to Puyo

Reviews

Reviews

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Frequently asked questions

FAQ's Application and Program Details

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Health and Safety

Accommodation and Living

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