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There is a growing trend in the illegal trade of exotic animals throughout the Amazon region and particularly in Ecuador. The rescue centre is a sanctuary for animals rescued from unhealthy and illegal situations throughout the country. Within the centre, the animals are kept in environments as close as possible to their natural habitat and released back into the wild where possible. This is a fantastic project for anyone who would like to work hands on with some of the world’s most exotic and impressive species.
Project Location
South of Quito, Near Tambillo and Cotopaxi volcano
Project Age Limit
Minimum 18 years, maximum dependant on participants’ health
Project Requirements
No Spanish required but a basic knowledge would be an advantage
Programme Location
The rescue centre is situated in an area of the Andes called the "avenue of volcanoes", a beautifully scenic part of rural Ecuador surrounded by rolling hills and majestic volcanoes, less than an hour south of Quito near a town called Tambillo. From the project site, located on a 50-acre area of farmland, you can enjoy views of the famous Cotopaxi volcano among others.
The centre works closely with two organisations who are committed to saving and preserving Ecuadorian wildlife, as well as a third organisation whose aim is to encourage the enforcement of existing animal legislation, for example, the confiscation of animals kept illegally and the punishment of animal traffickers.
Programme Information
The animal rescue centre was founded in 2001 after its owners came across a number of seriously maltreated indigenous capuchin monkeys being sold on the street. With no animal welfare organisations designed to help animals in situations such as this, the centre was set up in the hope that it may be able to prevent the reoccurrence of such horrifying scenes, and rescue and rehabilitate animals being treated in such an appalling manner.
From these humble beginnings, the centre has rapidly expanded and is now the number one animal rescue centre in Ecuador. There are often over 100 animals residing at the centre at any given time! Never one to turn away an animal in need, the centre is now working to its absolute limits, which is only made possible by the continuing help of enthusiastic volunteers, without whose help, so many animals would remain abused and uncared for.
The centre is committed to rescue and rehabilitation. Animals are saved from all sorts of terrible and cruel conditions. Once found, they are checked over by a vet and then taken to the centre where they are then cared for and nurtured in a safe environment. It is not a zoo and therefore works to limit the amount of human intervention with the animals, as well as keeping animals in enclosures which replicate natural habitats, in order to aid their rerelease into the wild.
There are sadly some occasions when the re-release of certain animals to their natural habitat in the wild cannot be possible. In these cases, the staff work to find them the best possible home after they leave the centre, such as another animal sanctuary or reproduction programmes designed to ensure the survival of their species.
The centre is also committed to raising community awareness. Volunteers can get involved with school visits, which are designed to educate the local community and draw their attention to the illegal trafficking of animals and the rights of animals, in the hope that their tolerance of such practices will be diminished.
Duties and activities that you will be involved with include:
During your time at the centre you will primarily be involved in the day-to-day care of the huge variety of animals. These are likely to include monkeys, jaguars, pumas, lions, ocelots, parrots, macaws, and a variety of other South American species. The cleaning and feeding duties take up the most time and need to be done twice a day, which will involve close contact with the animals.
You will also be involved with the cleaning and repairing of enclosures, as well as the building of new ones, and the general construction and maintenance of the park. It is important to continue improving existing facilities to provide more natural environments for the animals thus improving the process of rehabilitation. Other more specialised duties may include getting involved in rescue missions in cooperation with the UPMA, and helping with the liberation of animals as they are returned to their natural habitat.
A Typical Day
- A normal day will start at 7am at which time the animals are first fed and enclosures cleaned.
- This is followed by breakfast, and by 8am volunteers should be ready to start work on any number of projects within the centre working alongside the local staff.
- Lunch is at 1pm, after which volunteers are free until 4pm, when work begins again. During this free time volunteers can relax at the house, laze around in hammocks, play volleyball, watch dvds, read, etc. Tambillo, the local town, is only a short 30-minute walk, or $3 taxi ride, away.
- At 4pm, the animals are fed for the second time, and the enclosures cleaned again.
- At 6pm, the volunteers stop working and cook dinner together.
- On Saturdays, you finish at around 11am and do not work on any more projects until Monday, so a night out on the town in Quito or an exploration of Ecuador is always a good option
Project Orientation
Participants will receive a full orientation from the on-site staff when they arrive at the project.
Accommodation & Meals
The volunteers live in a comfortable detached house with every desirable facility - hot showers, laundry, stereo, TV and a fully equipped kitchen. At present the house can sleep up to 9 people at any one time. The accommodation is dormitory style and everyone is expected to pull together and help out with chores and cooking. This makes for a wonderful communal experience.
At the front of the house there is a porch with a few hammocks, and around the side there is a volleyball court. There is a payphone available for volunteers to make and receive calls.
Throughout the 50-hectare property volunteers can enjoy spectacular views of Cotopaxi and other surrounding volcanoes. Fruit and vegetable farms populate most of the surrounding area hence the area is peaceful and full of good, fresh air. There is plenty of room for sports or to simply relax and enjoy the sunshine.
Project Support
You will have the full support and guidance of the project staff for the duration of your stay. In addition you will have access to our 24-hour emergency number in the UK.
Free Time
You will have free time every afternoon between 1pm-4pm, and every day after 6pm. Your weekends will be free after 11am on Saturdays. This leaves you with plenty of opportunities to explore the surrounding area and see a bit more of this beautiful country. Usually, volunteers arrange outings together for the weekends, heading to Quito, Baños, Cotapaxi, Otavalo, and Mindo. It is easy to get a bus to any of these places from the town of Tambillo close by the project site. Or you may prefer to simply relax at the project, observe the animals in your own time, or enjoy a few dvds!
Getting There
You need to arrange your flights into Quito where you will be met by our on-site staff. The centre is approximately 45 minutes away from Quito by bus.
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