Animal Rescue Volunteer Ecuador

This animal rescue centre was established over 20 years ago as a shelter for endangered species in Ecuador. The lives of so many of Ecuador’s beautiful creatures remain under threat and the work at the rescue centre focuses on the recovery and release of the rescued and rehabilitated animals brought into its care. Due to the continuing problem of illegal trade in exotic animals, the work undertaken at the centre and by volunteers is crucial in ensuring the survival of these endangered species. This is an ideal project for hard working and caring individuals who want to experience life on the stunning coast of Ecuador.

Project Location
The project is situated in Balao Chico, just 2 hours from Guayaquil in Ecuador.

Project Age Limit
Minimum 18 years, maximum will be based on potential participants health.

Programme Information
The Rescue Centre was created by a group of businessmen from Guayaquil who were concerned about the environment and decided to take action and make a difference. The result was a shelter for endangered species that would emerge as being hugely beneficial to Ecuador’s environment.

In 1995, the centre received authorisation to function as a Unit of Wildlife Management and, as a result, became one of the first wildlife rescue centres in the country. In July 2006, the foundation that governs the centre became an official foundation with its main objective being to promote and conserve Ecuador’s genetic diversity. The centre is also the only crocodile-breeding centre in South America!

Volunteers are critical for the centre’s existence as it suffers from a lack of financial resources and government funding. It is also important for the centre to educate the local communities on conservation to prevent the loss of their wonderful species.

The foundation also works in other areas with projects such as mangrove ecosystem restoration and education projects for the local community and this is something that volunteers can involve themselves in.

The Rescue Centre
The rescue centre is a haven for animals that have been a victim of illegal trading and volunteers are needed to assist with the care of the diverse range of endangered species. The rehabilitation and release of the animals back into the wild is a huge priority as the centre is currently caring for around 300 wild animals from around 30 species. These animals have been rescued from the illegal pet trade or donated to the centre by the public.

Here are some of the animals that you may encounter at the rescue centre:

Mammals	Birds	Reptiles
• White tailed deer • Spectacled bear • Squirrel Monkey • Sechura Fox • Pumas • Ocelots	• Guayaquil Macaw • Grey-cheeked Parakeet • Blue-headed Parrots • Red-lored Parrots • Red-billed Parrots • Crested Guans	• Yellow-footed tortoise • Galapagos turtle • Common Boa • Python • Caimans • Crocodiles

Some volunteers may be fortunate enough to assist in the captive breeding programme of the Guayaquil macaws, spider monkeys and crocodiles.

An explanation of the Guayaquil macaw breeding programme:
It is estimated that only 100 Guayaquil macaws remain in the wild and with support from the centre, the public are being encouraged to release pet macaws so that a breeding programme can be established. Other macaws in the breeding programme have either been confiscated or transferred from other rescue centres or zoos. Volunteers may be able to assist in the observation of the macaw when they are in pairs and witness their reproductive behaviour and chick rearing.

Volunteer Activities
Volunteer duties will vary but may include the following:

Project Orientation
On arriving in Quito you will have a full project orientation on Monday morning. In the afternoon you will have time to explore Quito or just relax before the start of your project.

On arrival at the project you will have an orientation meeting where you will be given further information about the rescue centre, the activities that you will be undertaking and the rules of the centre. You will also be given ideas of things to do in your free time and information about meal times.

Accommodation and Meals
Volunteers will be staying in dormitory style accommodation. There are three rooms in total, two of which have a private bathroom and the other has a shared bathroom. Rooms have either air-conditioning or a fan so will be cool and comfortable.

You will be provided with 3 meals a day cooked by onsite staff, which will consist of typical Ecuadorian food including rice, chicken, beef, cheese, tilapia, plantain, and fresh fruit juice. Breakfast will be at 7am, lunch between 12 – 2pm and dinner will be prepared and left in the refrigerator for volunteers when they finish work at about 5:30 pm (depending on the daily work load.)

Project Support
Throughout your stay in Ecuador you will have the full support and guidance of a coordinator and project staff. You will be provided with competent assistance and help with any questions or advice you may need during your stay.

In addition, you will have access to our 24-hour emergency number so you can contact one of our UK staff at any time should you need to.

Free Time
The nearest village to the project is about 5 km away and the town of Naranjal is 16 km away. Here you will find all basic amenities including the Internet as well as cafes and restaurants. Onsite there are recreational activities for volunteers to partake in during their free time including horse riding, swimming in the lake, boating and kayaking.

Getting There
You will need to arrange flights to Quito International Airport where you will have a two-day orientation. You will then need to get an internal flight or bus to Guayaquil for the start of the project. Please contact our Latin America team for details.