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Amazon Rainforest Wildlife Rescue in Ecuador

wildlife volunteer abroad Ecuador Amazon animal rescue centre

Location Ecuador
Start Date Every Monday
Duration
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The Project

Founded in 2006 in partnership with a local indigenous family that lives in the Amazon rainforest, this centre works with the Ministry of the Environment and the Environmental Police to rescue and rehabilitate wild animals from the jungle that were victims of abuse and animal trafficking. This placement is ideal for people interested in biology, animal rights, conservation, and environmental policy. Remote, but beautiful, the property teems with its talkative residents: parrots, monkeys, turtles, wild cats, and other mammals who call the verdant, lush green surroundings of this idyllic tropical location home.
Why the project needs you

Beyond routine maintenance, the Centre’s overworked staff needs support to achieve its long term goals, including moving the existing infrastructure and animals to a bigger location and most importantly, developing partnerships with local environmental authorities to advocate for protected areas where the animals may ultimately be re-released safely in their natural habitats.

Project Location

The project is located just outside the town of Puyo, the provincial capital of the Pastaza region. Situated 950 metres above sea level, Puyo and it's surrounding areas are considered to be one of the most beautiful parts of the Ecuadorian Oriente. Puyo is a modern city and it's location as the gateway to many of the delights the Amazon has to offer make it popular with tourists.

Despite it's proximity to Puyo, the project still feels as if you are in a rural location. Volunteers are free to explore the jungle at the back of the centre in their free time and around the centre, there are picnic areas and designated campfire sites where volunteers can go and sit around the fire in the evenings, play the guitar, sing songs or toast marshmallows!
Project Facts

• Duration: 2-26 weeks
• Cost: £935 ($1636) for 2 weeks, £175 ($306) for each week thereafter
• Requirements: Age 18+
• Location: Puyo, Ecuador
• Project activities: Animal Rescue, Habitat Restoration, Native Plant Lessons
• Working hours: 08:00 - 12:30 and 15.00-17.30, Monday - Friday, 08.00-11.00 Saturdays
• Project Availability: Projects begin every Monday year round.
What is included

• Accommodation: Shared room in a volunteer house.
• Food: 3 meals per day – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner in communal kitchen area with shared cooking responsibilities
• Airport pick up and drop off
• Training: Pre-departure pack, on-site orientation and project induction included
• Transport between Quito and project site
• Support: 24-hour support
• Local SIM card: All volunteers are given a local SIM card to use in their mobile phones. The network of the SIM is Porta and your phone must be unlocked to be able to use it
• Excursions planning: Staff will help plan activities and excursions (activities may cost extra)
What is not included

• Flights
• Insurance
• Visas

Project Quality

Kaya evaluates every project we offer to ensure that we only commit to programmes with genuine need for volunteer aid, not just financial assistance. We develop relationships with the projects and help shape initiatives to ensure in the long run that we do not encourage dependence on outside help, but rather establish foundations on which the people can build and develop themselves. We also ensure that the members of those communities are open and eager to learn and discover our culture, as we become a part of theirs. The quality and sustainability of our programmes are very important to us. We want you to have the most fulfilling and memorable time as possible, and be part of something that is going to last into future generations.

Accommodation & Meals

Volunteers stay in a home-stay or volunteer house depending on the project location, where, in most cases, they share their room with other volunteers. Shared rooms are usually single-sex. For most placements two to three meals a day are provided, all included in the placement fees. In most volunteers houses there will be a cook to prepare your food for you and a cleaner to ensure the house is clean and tidy, though in some of our locations volunteers will be expected to assist with these chores.

In-Country Coordinators

Each country coordinator is there to make sure your time in your programme runs smoothly. They will pick you up from the airport and take you on your orientation. All in-country coordinators are English speaking and are there to ensure you have all the information and resources for the best placement.

24/7 Emergency Support

As well as support from your in-country coordinators, you'll be given access to a 24/7 emergency phone line managed by Kaya staff, in case any problem should arise while you're overseas.

Kaya Help-desk

Each member of Kaya staff have worked, travelled, studied or volunteered abroad, and many staff have visited and volunteered in our projects knowing firsthand the country and nature of the programme placements. Their knowledge of international travel and volunteering is invaluable, and they can give you good advice and tips to make the most of your international placement.

Briefing Pack & Materials

Once you have booked a programme, an information pack will be sent out detailing everything you need to know - from specific project details and vaccinations required to the visa application process.

Airport Pickup

When you arrive at your destination a member of Kaya staff will meet you with a warm welcome at the airport and take you to your accommodation to get you set up for your stay.

Cultural Excursions

Kaya staff are at hand to help organise weekend excursions and activities, which can include visiting cultural places of significance and visiting various projects around the area. This way you can learn firsthand about each project and take part in local cultural and adventure activities.

Arrival Orientation

Shortly after you arrive you will be given your orientation by one of our in-country coordinators. They will show you your placement, local transport, take you into the local town, and show you things you can do in your spare time. Information regarding safety and security will be given along with some much needed lingo when moving and travelling around the area.

Language Classes

You can opt to take Spanish classes during your project, just ask your local coordinator to arrange these.

Funding for Individual Projects

If on your placement you wish to start up your own sub-project, a reasonable amount of funding will be provided. An example is: one volunteer arranged a basketball tournament for the street children where funding was provided for team shirts and trophies. This is a good chance to make your own lasting mark on a project and the people of your chosen country.

Local Community Benefits

Not only is your participation on your project of great help to the local communities, but so is the boost to the local economy that volunteers create while they are visiting.