Description

Crazy about animals?

If you are then this is the perfect project for you in the perfect country. Given the huge amount of wildlife in Ecuador it's no wonder that a few of them need a helping hand once in a while. This wildlife center comes to the aid of around 300 wild animals of about 30 different species so its the perfect opportunity to see an array of hopping, bouncing, flying, diving and swinging creatures first hand (if you can get them to sit still long enough.) Duties include feeding, cleaning and of course cuddling as well as getting out and about and assisting with plant identification in the tropical forests and mangroves.

* Project details:
This Wildlife Rescue Center was founded over 20 years ago and is the first of its kind in Ecuador. The center rehabilitates and provides care for around 300 wild animals of about 30 different species. In addition, there are 3 captive breeding programs in operation all involving endangered species: the American crocodile, the spider monkey and the Guayaquil green macaw. All the animals at the center are either donated by the public or rescued from the illegal pet trade. The center 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 programs makes it necessary for the center to look to volunteers to assist them in all that needs to be done at the center. 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 center.

Highlights

* Working with a wide range of animals in the wildlife centre
* Enjoying Guayaquil's famous nightlife
* Exploring the cities numerous parks - including one with tame iguanas!

Qualifications

* 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.

Languages

• English
• Spanish

Cost in US$:

USD 1,299.00 for 2 weeks, USD 330.00 for every week thereafter

Cost Includes:

• Emergency evacuation services
• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• Registration fees
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

* 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

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

If you are interested in immersing yourself in another culture while giving your time to a worthy cause, then you are a typical i-to-i volunteer. We invite you to join the i-to-i community of dedicated volunteers aged 18-80 who are working on community development, building, teaching, and conservation projects across the globe. Together, we make a lasting impact that changes lives and helps preserve the planet through hundreds of worthwhile projects around the world.

Age Range

18-80

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Group living

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups

i-to-i Volunteering's Mission Statement

i-to-i Volunteering provides unique opportunities for you to travel, work and volunteer abroad. Thousands of travelers aged 16 to 80 have joined our volunteer vacations. With over 130 projects on 4 continents, across 22 countries you can join the worldwide i-to-i volunteer community on an extended adventure in areas such as teaching English, community development, conservation, home building, and working with animals.

Year Founded

1994