Carly’s Ecuador Experience

What task on your project did you most enjoy?

My favorite part was the hands-on experience with the animals. I got to interact with so many exotic animals, and I learned so much about the care for them. I enjoyed feeding the animals, training the animals, and providing enrichment to all of the animals.

What was your greatest achievement?

My greatest achievement was honestly doing this trip alone in general. I have never traveled alone, and I was a little nervous going out of the country alone. However, it was so amazing, and it turned out to be such a good experience.

Did you feel you made a difference?

Yes! I loved working with the animals, and I feel like I made a difference while I was there. I helped with a lot of enclosure maintenance while I was there, which I also felt like made a difference because I got to see physical change to the animal sanctuary.

What advice would you give future participants?

Enjoy your time there and embrace everything! Time goes by so fast, and you will be sad when it is over. Make sure you go on all the side adventures possible and take advantage of all opportunities.

What was your most memorable moment?

My most memorable moments were all of the animals and the people I got to work with (it’s impossible to choose one). The animals were so unique and nothing like I have ever done. They included parrots, capybaras, kinkajous, many species of monkeys, coatis, anteaters, and so many more. It was amazing to get to work with such a variety of animals. The people were also so memorable because I got to meet so many new and amazing people. I learned more about their countries and made such good friendships.

Please tell others why you think they should sign up for a program with Kaya.

I loved the program I chose through Kaya. Kaya offers so many different programs that fit everyone’s passion. Kaya made it so easy to find an animal sanctuary and then follow through with my plans to live in Ecuador for a month. Also, every single person I talked to at Kaya was amazing. They were so willing to help and made sure I had everything I needed. Some people that really helped me were Sheila, Javier, and Diana. They were always helping me with questions I had and going above and beyond to make sure I was happy with my experience with Kaya.