AMAZONIAN WILDLIFE RESCUE AND REHABILITATION PROJECT

Assist with animal feeding and care, cleaning animal cages, park maintenance and making new paths, and construction of enclosures.

The project

A family started the wildlife refuge and it’s a privately funded sanctuary for rescued and confiscated wild animals. It is sometimes open to the public and school groups for tours, providing education about these species and their fate as illegal pets or trafficked animals, but their main goal is the protection of animal and plant life in the Amazon through the rescue and rehabilitation of flora and fauna.

Although a relatively new center, they are expanding rapidly and always working to improve the lives of the animals, with the ultimate goal of releasing them back out into the wild. Some of the animals there are: wooly monkeys, spider monkeys, squirrel monkeys, tortoises and turtles, crocodiles, parrots and macaws, pigs, and a variety of animals native to the Amazon jungle region of the country.

 

Dates/Length

Project available year-round. 2 weeks to 6 months durations available.

 

Costs

2 weeks – $1750
1 month – $2300
2 months – $3400
3 months – $4500
Each extra week  – $275

Location details

The project location is in the Amazon. Accomodation is at the volunteer house.  2 meals are included: breakfast and lunch.

 

Requirements

Must be 18 and over, with valid passport and health insurance

Itinerary Sample

 

Mondays to Fridays

7:30 to 8:00  breakfast

8:00 to 12:00 according to the number of volunteers they are divided in two groups where they do different activities such as feeding the animals and cleaning cages and center maintenance, repairs, reconstructions.

12:00 to 14:30 lunch time

14:30 to 17:00 continue working with the activities

18:30 to 19:00 dinner time

1: No poverty

2: Zero hunger

3: Good health and well-being

4: Quality education

5: Gender equality

6: Clean water and sanitation

7: Affordable and clean energy

8: Decent work and economic growth

9: Industry, innovation and infrastructure

10: Reduced inequalities

11: Sustainable cities and communities

12: Responsible consumption and

production

13: Climate action

14: Life below water

15: Life on land

16: Peace, justice, and strong institutions

17: Partnerships for the goals

32 specimens were conditioned for weighing and approach (approach involves calling the animal to come, facilitating checks, and preventive medicine).

6 animal releases in Tamandúa: 1 sloth, 2 charapa turtles, 2 boas, 1 porcupine.

1 the first puma was reported in the reserve thanks to the placement of camera traps.

1 New installation for a new guest, the jaguarundi.

New 150-meter path on the squirrel monkeys’ island.

Renovated enclosure with an adjoining room for storing cleaning products and proper maintenance, including a sink and necessary utensils.

  • Handling and care of animals, including operant conditioning techniques and nutrition practices.
  • Each participant trained one animal, creating a special bond with the specimen.
  • Placement of camera traps for wildlife monitoring.
  • Participation in the improvement and cleaning of enclosures, as well as in the creation of facilities.
  • Increased awareness of the importance of conservation and wildlife protection.

Role of the volunteer

The main tasks of volunteers are to assist with animal feeding and care, cleaning animal cages, park maintenance and making new paths, and construction of enclosures. Volunteers can also assist with tours for school students and other visitors to the park, either in their native language, or Spanish, depending on their ability.

 

 

Skills required

Professionals in the fields of veterinary science, biology, zoology or other related areas could assist the sanctuary’s coordinator with animal care and the more technical functions and of the center.

This internship is geared towards individuals with a desire to work with the preservation of ecosystems and fauna, enviromental education and willingness to learn and help.

What’s Included?

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Accomodation

Available during the length of the project (Either at the project or local homestay families with 2 meals included)

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Transfer from Quito to project

R

Aiport pick-up

EcuaExplora staff ready to transport you

R

Support 24 hours

On the ground EcuaExplora staff available

R

First weekend accomodation

In a hostal in Quito with breakfast

R

Orientation

(includes city tour and lunch)

Not Included

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Health insurance (REQUIRED)

Q

Meals not specified

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Transportation to/from the homestay to the project each day

Q

Optional extras

Add $60 per week for 6 hours Spanish classes if in Quito.

Sounds amazing? Want to be part of something important?

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