Ecuador - Rainforest Monkey Sanctuary

Express your devotion for animals at a family-run monkey sanctuary in the center of the Ecuadorian rainforest after a week of cultural immersion and Spanish lessons in Quito! The sanctuary came to fruition in 2006 and currently acts as a safe haven for over 60 animals, mainly monkeys, although other native species that have been injured are represented there as well. Many locals in the area domesticated these animals as pets, and many have been abused or abandoned by previous owners. The sanctuary acts as a rehabilitation center, and animals are often released back into their natural habitat when the time comes. Volunteers working in the sanctuary must have an intermediate level of Spanish, the capacity to be independent and to take initiative over responsibilities, a love for animals, and a desire to improve the treatment of wildlife in the region. Some of the tasks available at the sanctuary include preparing food for the monkeys and other animals; making enrichment toys for the animals; assisting in general maintenance and clean-up around the sanctuary; harvesting yucca, sugar cane, and/or cocoa as part of the animals’ diets; and handling day-to-day care of the animals.