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- Amazon Rainforest Wildlife Rescue and Release in Ecuador
What is the Amazon Rainforest Wildlife Rescue in Ecuador all about?
Support efforts to protect local species on this wildlife rescue in Ecuador’s Amazon rainforest The project was founded in 2006 by a local family, in collaboration with the Ministry of the Environment and the Environmental Police, to rescue and rehabilitate wild animals that have been victims of abuse and animal trafficking. The centre has 4 hectares of land to house hundreds of animals, including parrots, monkeys, turtles, wild cats, capybaras, caymans, and many more. Prepare for new animals arriving at the center that have been rescued from large Ecuadorian markets, plazas and homes where people have been keeping them illegally as pets.
The ultimate aim, where possible, is to release the animals back into their natural habitat in the wild; a unique and rewarding experience to be involved in as a volunteer. The sanctuary also utilizes an additional 70 hectares for release and research purposes. Read more about the project by reading our blog Volunteering in the Amazon Rainforest in Ecuador.
Why choose this Amazon Rainforest Wildlife Rescue programme in Ecuador?
The project will benefit from your support in helping the overworked staff, not just with daily work, but also to reach their long-term goals. These objectives include: moving existing infrastructure and animals to a bigger location, and developing partnerships with local environmental authorities to advocate for protected natural habitats where the animals can be re-introduced. Feel empowered as you are given responsibilities and tasks around the sanctuary, which vary each day, and witness first hand the rewards of your hard work. You will benefit by gaining up-close interaction with wild animals and by working in advocacy for this important cause; both being experiences worthy of adding to your CV/resume.
Role of the Conservation volunteer
Helping with regular maintenance of the center’s spaces is an important aspect of your daily work. The team are hugely passionate about animal welfare but with inadequate resources and low staff members, the sanctuary always needs assistance with: cleaning the cages, feeding the animals, enrichment activities, repairing animals’ shelters, constructing new homes for incoming animals and nurturing traumatised species back to a more stable state of mental health. Occasionally, the project provides tours for school groups in order to educate local children about the importance of caring for animals. Volunteers may be asked to help with these groups, giving you an opportunity to use your English and/or Spanish.
There is a clinic for injured / unwell animals on site and there may also be the opportunity to observe the resident veterinarian. Those with experience in veterinary science or biology will be able to work with the sanctuary coordinators, taking more of an active role in the animal care and in the technical aspects of running the rescue center.
What skills do I need to be a Wildlife Rescue Volunteer?
No specific qualifications are required, however a level of comfort with animals is needed. This is an active program so work hard and directly benefit the animals and sanctuary. Spanish skills are not required for this placement, although they will help to integrate you more with the local community and staff. A background in veterinary science, biology or environmental conservation is very useful. Experience working in environmental policy (administrative or legal level) would be a plus!
Travel during COVID times
The health and safety of our travelers and our local communities remain central to our plans for reopening countries and projects. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have been adapting our programs and protocols to protect all those involved, and ask for everyone’s patience and collaboration as new rules are implemented in-country. For all projects, new standards of sanitation, procedures and social behaviors are in place, including new health and hygiene protocols and social distancing practices. You can read more here. Each location may be slightly different in the way they operate. We encourage you to inquire to your placement advisor to learn more about your specific project as you plan for your responsible return to travel!
While the COVID pandemic is still affecting travel, for this location, you will need to do a quarantine for the first 10 days. So choose your project length accordingly for pricing by adding in an extra week to your travel plans.
While the COVID pandemic is still affecting travel, for this location, you will need to do a quarantine for the first 10 days. So choose your project length accordingly for pricing by adding in an extra week to your travel plans.
RECRUITING FOR EARLY 2021
WHY JOIN THE PROJECT
To work in one of the most biodiverse areas on earth
To rescue,rehabilitate and release animals
To learn more about biology, conservation and animal rights
FEATURED VIDEO
PROJECT TESTIMONIALS


Where will I work in Ecuador?
About the location
This project site is a remote location, ideal for volunteers who appreciate tranquil and simple living conditions. The cente is located three kilometres outside of El Puyo, the capital of the province of Pastaza where the southern and northern regions of the Amazon divide. Amid indigenous, Amazonian villages, lies this tropical jungle canopy, where mist rises off distant mountains, monkeys roam free, and a chorus of animals voices fills the air.
Accommodation
You will be accommodated in a shared room with 3 to 5 other volunteers in wooden cabins on site, in the heart of the sanctuary. Shared bathroom blocks are provided with western style toilets.
What to do in your spare time
Sometimes, volunteers head into Puyo to grab a well deserved ice cream in the late afternoon or dinner at the weekends. Your accommodation has a stock of books and DVDS you can use. You will also enjoy playing cards, relaxing in the hammocks and sitting around the fire pit at night.
Details & Costs
- Duration: 2+ weeks
- Cost: £1423 / $2221 for 2 weeks
£246 / $384 for each week thereafter - Requirements: Age 17+
- Location: Puyo, Ecuador
- Working hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00-12:30 and 14:30-17:00
- Project availability: All year round
- Arrival day: Every other Friday
What is included
- Accommodation: shared room in a cabin during your placement & 3 nights stay in a hostel in Quito upon arrival (breakfast provided)
- Meals: 3 per day Monday evening to Friday, meals served in communal kitchen with shared evening cooking responsibilities
- Airport: scheduled pick up and drop off from Quito International Airport
- On the ground transportation: between Quito and projest site
- Access to personal online Kaya Community account including:
– Pre-departure information pack for Ecuador
– Fundraising Guide
– How to Manage your Money Abroad Guide - On the ground training: cultural and safety orientation and project induction
- Support: 24-hour support including emergency contact numbers from local team
- Excursion Planning assistance from local staff (activity prices may be extra)
- Local SIM card and phone ($50 deposit required, phone must be returned when you leave)
What is not included
- Flights
- Insurance
- Visas
- Police/Government Background Check; US and UK citizens will be processed through Kaya (admin fee applies). All other nationalities must provide local police check.
- Routine or country specific vaccination if applicable
- Optional intensive Spanish classes 1-week programme £355 / $621 including accommodation
- Optional excursion on the Sunday of your arrival weekend. Please speak to an advisor if you want to know more.
- Any costs for COVID-19 PCR tests required pre-departure and in-country
2021 Dates
Start Days | |
January | 8th, 22nd |
February | 12th, 19th |
March | 12th, 26th |
April | 16th |
May | 14th, 28th |
June | 11th, 25th |
July | 9th, 23rd |
August | 6th, 27th |
September | 24th |
October | 15th |
November | 12th |
December | 10th |
Easy 4-step application process
APPLY ONLINE
Click here to apply online and pay your application fee to apply for your space on your chosen project. Our advisors will then contact you to guide you through the next steps.
TELEPHONE INTERVIEW
Once we’ve received your application, we’ll review your details and be in touch to arrange your informal telephone interview with your Kaya Placement Advisor.
CONFIRMATION
Following your interview, we will provide you a placement offer. Once you are ready to confirm your placement and dates, you can pay your confirmation fee to book and secure your space.
GET PREPARED
When you have confirmed your project dates we'll send you your Welcome Pack and lots of other helpful information to assist you with preparing for your placement.

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