Description

This volunteer project is located at one hour South of Quito in a Wild Animal Rescue Centre.

Animal rights are more or less non-existent in Ecuador. Some wild animals are bought as pets when they are young, but as they grow larger, the owners find it difficult to cope with a wild animal in the house. What was at first a cute looking cub often turns into a dangerous adult animal! At this point many people try to get rid of their unwanted pets. Also, illegal shipments of captured wild animals are often intercepted as they are smuggled out of Ecuador. Many of these animals are on the endangered-species list, and the local police are empowered to take the seized animals directly to the Santa Marta Rescue Centre.

The Rescue Centre looks after the animals with the intent returning those creatures back into the wild. (This is not always possible, since many animals are often sick, injured, or partially domesticated).

At the Rescue Centre the enclosures and cages are modified and built as the different animals arrive, in accordance with each animal's requirements. The aim of the volunteer project is to provide the rescued animals with stimulating and healthy environments, to encourage re-establishment of natural behaviors.

Volunteers in this volunteer work will clean out the cages, provide the animals with fresh food and water, build and maintain cages and enclosures, and build pathways for staff and visitors.

Highlights

Ecuador is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, with habitats and biomes ranging from sub-alpine tundra to steaming rain forests. The many different environments support an incredible variety of mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians, including jaguars, ocelots, numerous monkeys, snakes, crocodiles, toucans, and parrots. Even though the wild animals are protected by federal laws, the laws are rarely enforced. It is possible for "collectors" to purchase many varieties of wild animals in the local stores and markets.

Languages

• English
• Spanish

Cost in US$:

USD 120 per week

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

• Animal Welfare
• Conservation
• Eco-tourism
• Environment
• Reforestation

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Eco Volunteer UP Foundation's Mission Statement

We are a non-profit organization which is legally recognized by the Ecuadorian Government. Volunteers with Eco Volunteer UP have the choice of many worthy programs, such as vulnerable orphanages, institutes for children with disabilities, street children and local indigenous communities. There are volunteer programs located in and around Quito, the capital of Ecuador, as well as programs located in the Cloud Forest and its communities close to Quito, the Ecuadorian Amazon, the Galapagos Islands and other key places around Ecuador. We offer volunteers real immersion in the various Ecuadorian ecosystems, and the unique opportunity for learning and sharing about Ecuadorian cultures, costumes and traditions.