Animal rescue program at Morona Santiago Zoo
Morona Santiago, Ecuador 4 weeks - 12 months
Volunteer project: In this project, volunteers will support a little zoo, located near Macas in Morona Santiago in the Amazon region. The zoo started in early 2006 as a "rescue center" for wild species to respond to the inadequate treatment of these animals who were hunted and sold to citizens as pets, were hold captive in confined spaces with inadequate diet, hygiene, etc. That was the reason to create the center to rescue mammals, reptiles, birds, etc. We started with the rescue of a tapir (Tapirus terrestris). In April of 2006 a 7-month old male jaguar (Panthera onca) was brought from San José de Morona. Other animals were brought to the Center by the Ministry of Environment or individuals. This led to the need of a larger area where to build dens for each animal and provide the right habitat.
We need volunteers to ameliorate the difficult economic situation of the zoo due to the lack of involvement of local institutions and the government. If you want to help us feed the animals, care for them and learn about them, you are welcome to this project.
The activities carried out at the zoo are: Preparation of food for the animals; Washing and chopping fruit; Placing containers for animal feed; Cleaning dens; Weeding and maintaining the dens; Composting organic wastes; Fertilizing ornamental, medicinal and fruit plants that are part of the recreational area; Placing signs and maintaining the ecological trail; Guidance for visitors and tourists.
Language: English / Spanish
Duration of the project: The project is running all year round. Minimum commitment required is 4 weeks, up to 12 months.
Accommodation: Accommodation is provided in the project house.
Location: The project takes place in the head of the Amazon Basin, in the Province of Morona Santiago, near Macas, the capital of the province.
Age range: 18 and over
Participation fee: $690
Extra fee: $500 US for 4 weeks
The extra fee is intended to support the local host of the project who does not have sufficient funds. It is due upon arrival.
Support the operation and conservation efforts of the Azuay animal shelter
Azuay, Ecuador 4 weeks - 12 months
Volunteer project: The animal shelter is located in the Province of Azuay and it has about 600 animals. We are looking for volunteers who have interest and motivation to learn about the various animals and plants, and good will to help the animals and the staff.
The animal shelter has ocelots, penguins, blue footed boobies, tapir, buffalo, deer, ostriches, yamalas (small deer) cuchuchos, variety of birds, alligators, peacocks, turtles, etc. Initially there were just 5 deer and a capuchin monkey, but the number of animals increased as people donated wild animals they used to keep in their homes. The shelter only receives donated animals; it never buys animals as the sale or purchase of wild animals is prohibited in Ecuador.
The project activities will be coordinated by the staff of the animal shelter. The volunteers will be involved in the work of the different departments: Education; Animal and plant management; Research and conservation; Maintenance and construction.
Volunteers' tasks include: Preparation of food for the animals; Washing and chopping fruit; Placing containers for animal feed; Cleaning dens; Weeding and maintaining the dens; Composting organic wastes; Fertilizing ornamental, medicinal and fruit plants that are part of the recreational area; Placing signs and maintaining the ecological trail; Guiding visitors and tourists.
Language: English / Spanish
Duration of the project: The project is running all year round. Minimum commitment required is 4 weeks, up to 12 months.
Accommodation: Accommodation is provided in a modest volunteer house near the zoo.
Location: Province of Azuay, near Cuenca, the capital city. Cuenca is the most beautiful city of Ecuador, with all public services.
Age range: 18 and over
Participation fee: $690
Extra fee: $500 US for 4 weeks
The extra fee is intended to support the local host of the project who does not have sufficient funds. It is due upon arrival.