Location
The Wildlife Rescue Center is situated one hour south of Quito in a unique area of the Ecuadorian Andes called "The Avenue of Volcanoes". This is unforgettable place that is surrounded by magnificent mountains and countryside. The climate is pleasant all year round with an average temperature of 18°C during the day and 10°C during the night.
About the project
The Rescue Centre was established by a local family of farmers in 2001 and is a sanctuary for wild animals that have been victims of animal trafficking, whereby wild animals are unnaturally enslaved into pets.
Most of the wild animals come from illegal confinements: such as private houses, hostels or are confiscated from markets. In order to rescue these animals, the Center works closely with the local police and also with the Ecuadorian Ministry of Environment Ministry. The most frequent victims of animal trafficking are primates, aquatic as well as terrestrial birds and reptiles.
At the rescue centre there are all kinds of animals either as temporary or permanent residents. Residents include mammals such as pumas, ocelots, lions, jaguars, spectacled bears and new world monkeys; various species of birds like parrots, eagles and toucans; as well as reptiles like Galapagos tortoises, aquatic turtles, boas etc. Animals in need are never rejected, and each one of them receives daily and personal attention. If possible some animals are released back into the wild.
The Center depends heavily on volunteers and other sources of donation. As a volunteer you will work up-close with these animals and contribute to the goals on the Center together with participants from around the world.
Volunteer work and contribution
The volunteers should have a strong desire to work as they are responsible for the welfare and day-to-day care of animals at the Center.
The most important tasks are the feeding and cleaning of the animals and their enclosures, which takes up the majority of the time. Twice a day you will work closely with the animals to make sure that each one of them is provided for. The Center is also constantly looking for ways to improve, extend and enrich the existing cages and enclosures in order to provide the best possible environment, in which the animals can reinforce and nurture their natural instincts. Thus the work includes hard physical labour, such as the construction and maintenance of enclosures, and the improvement of the animals' environment in which they currently live.
The work and the projects always vary, so volunteers need to be flexible, patient and highly motivated.
Accommodation
The volunteers live in shared houses with facilities: beds, hot water, TV, stereo, DVD and a fully equipped kitchen.
Each house can accommodate up to 6 volunteers. It is the volunteers' responsibility to take care of and clean their houses. Living this way, helping each other, creates a more homely atmosphere and adds to a communal living experience.
Please remember that this is not a hotel or vacation camp; it is a place where everybody from all over the world has the opportunity to contribute to and work with us for the conservation of our planet.
Not just work...
During the weekends volunteers are encouraged to travel and experience Ecuador. Depending on which activity you intend to pursue, such cities of glamour or culture are available to your choice:
- Quito - Capital. Colonial City. Quito is one of the first UNESCO World Heritage Cities.
- Baños- The adventure capital of Ecuador. In this city you can find an active volcano having small eruptions of ash and lava. Volcano Tungurahua. There are also many hot spring mineral baths as its name would imply.
- Cuenca- The third largest city in Ecuador. Cuenca was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Trust site.
- Mindo - Birding capital of the world. 1.25 hours from Quito.
- Otavalo - Small town only two hours north of Quito famous for its Saturday market of indigenous crafts and livestock.
- Riobamba -- Starting point of the famous train ride down the Nariz del Diablo and gateway to Mount Chimborazo, Ecuador's highest peak, whose summit is the furthest point on Earth from its centre.
- Esmeraldas - One of the most popular beaches in Ecuador.
- Loja - the oldest colonial city.
- Nueva Loja - a jungle centered city.
Minimum requirements
- Min age 18 - Max age 60
- Conversational English or Spanish
- Good physical fitness
- Motivation to work with animals
- Able to work in high elevation
- Full travel & medical insurance
- Immunizations (please consult your doctor)