from 924€

Perfect 4.6rating (43)

Caretaker in Amazon Wildlife Rescue Center

location
2 - 24 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+

rating  Perfect 4.6  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Good response rate

Highlights

  • A great opportunity to get away in the wilderness and making a meaningful contribution
  • Opportunity to volunteer at a renowned rescue center
  • Participate in rescue and conservation efforts with other volunteers from around the world
  • Experience Ecuador and take trips on weekends to explore the country

Especially good for

Age 18+
Singles
Couples
Families
Groups
50+

About the program

Calling in all wildlife enthusiasts. Work for the conservation of Amazonian animals at the rescue centers, and help in sending them back to their original habitat.

The project

Ever wondered how would the experience be of living in largest rain forest in the world? Does the mere thought of it excites you to brim? If you are an adventure and wildlife enthusiast, then this must excite you to the core for sure. Volunteering Solutions offer placements under the ...

About the program

The project

Ever wondered how would the experience be of living in largest rain forest in the world? Does the mere thought of it excites you to brim? If you are an adventure and wildlife enthusiast, then this must excite you to the core for sure. Volunteering Solutions offer placements under the Amazon Animal Rescue Center Program in Ecuador. This project is located in the Ecuadorian rain forest and works for rescuing, rehabilitating and when possible releasing animals back to their natural environment. 

Founded in 2006 with the aim of protecting the wildlife of the Amazon region through the rescue and rehabilitation of local flora and fauna, this program is under the direct supervision and administration of the Ecuadorian Environmental Police (UPMA) and the Ministry of Environment. Continuous efforts are made in the fight against the trafficking, abuse, capture and hunting of wild animals. This center is very organized and volunteers can help with caring for the animals and maintenance.

The animals

There are currently at least 40 different species of animals at the center which include: Ocelot, tayra, capybara, parrots, monkeys, tortoises, and caimans among others. Some of the animals were orphaned when their parents were killed by hunters, others were rescued from animal dealers who were trying to traffic the animals out of the country and many have been retrieved from families who had kept these animals in captivity. Unfortunately the majority have suffered some sort of physical or psychological abuse.

Volunteer work

A list of routine tasks under this program is as below:

  • Day to day care of the animals
  • Cutting up fruit, preparation of diets, feeding the animals
  • Helping new arrivals adjust to the center
  • General maintenance and cleaning
  • Construction work; repairing and building new enclosures
  • Cage and enclosure enrichment
  • Assisting the vet when necessary
  • Other activities such as gardening, improving trails, making signs for visitors etc.
The center

The center is also open for tourists to visit, charging a small entrance fee that is the center’s only other source of income. As animal welfare is not a high priority for many Ecuadorians, the background and mistreatment of each animal is explained to tourists, with the idea to educate local and foreign visitors about animal protection issues. In general, the visits are not guided, but tourists can read about each animal on the information sign at the cages.



Typical day

Volunteers will work from 08.00 am to 12.00 pm and 2.30 pm to 5.00 pm, Monday to Friday. On Saturdays and Sundays, volunteers work for a few hours in the morning as the animals still need feeding and looking after but once all the tasks are completed you are free for the weekend.

Typical day

Volunteers will work from 08.00 am to 12.00 pm and 2.30 pm to 5.00 pm, Monday to Friday. On Saturdays and Sundays, volunteers work for a few hours in the morning as the animals still need feeding and looking after but once all the tasks are completed you are free for the weekend.


Free-time activities

There is a lot to do in Quito and not all can be covered in a day. You will have free time during evening and during the weekends which you can divide between things to do and places to visit in Quito. You can start with the Old Town, Iglesia de San Francisco, La Compañía de Jesús, and Casa Museo ...

Free-time activities

There is a lot to do in Quito and not all can be covered in a day. You will have free time during evening and during the weekends which you can divide between things to do and places to visit in Quito. You can start with the Old Town, Iglesia de San Francisco, La Compañía de Jesús, and Casa Museo María Augusta Urrutia. 

Keep in mind that a lot of public attractions remain closed during lunch, you can rest in the afternoon or head to to El Panecillo for panoramic views of the city and have a hearty meal there, take a break and start again. How you want to end your day, depends on you. You can explore the nightlife or just settle for a light dinner.

Volunteers typically work for around 5-6 hours in a day. Depending on the workload every day, working hours can vary. Evenings are free for the volunteers and volunteers usually get together and go out for social gatherings, eat out or just relax at the volunteer house. Quito offers a number of activities and attractions for the discerning travelers. 

Quito is surrounded by Cotopaxi volcano and Pichincha, Antizana, Cayambe volcanoes that make the Andean contour. Full of churches and majestic architecture and exquisite fine dining experiences, walking tour in this beautiful city is not enough. Galapagos is at a distance of half an hour from the mainland Quito by air and you can go crazy looking and experience the untouched wilderness there. Island hopping, swimming, and snorkeling are just a few of the perks!


Requirements

Requirements

Minimum Age: 18 years

In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

Language Skills

You need to speak English (basic level)

Required Documents

CV, Insurance and Passport

Nationality Restrictions

No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

Time Commitment

Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 08:00 - 17:00

What's Included

What's Included

Services by Volunteering Solutions

The total cost for the program includes;

  • Airport Pickup from Quito
  • One night accommodation in volunteer house in Quito
  • Accommodation at the Project in Puyo
  • Pre Departure Information Guide
  • Orientation 
  • Local Staff Support
  • All meals on weekdays

Airport Pickup at Mariscal Sucre International Airport

Volunteers would be picked up from the Mariscal Sucre International Airport by a local assigned representative. Volunteers who are already present in Quito, would be picked up from their locations. Inform your coordinator about your plans before hand.

Accommodation

On arrival to the project, on the first night, all volunteer will stay in a hostel accommodation/

While in Puyo, There are volunteer cabañas with dorm rooms offering space for up to 14 people in total. There is a shared kitchen, bathroom and social area with TV and DVD player, hammocks and books. You will be provided with bedding and will even have access to a swimming pool and wi-fi. Accommodation is basic and it is your duty to keep your living area clean. 

Food & Beverages

Volunteers are provided with three meals per day from Monday morning to Saturday lunch. Outside these times volunteers can enjoy a meal out in nearby Puyo or prepare food in the communal kitchen. Volunteers are expected to help and contribute in the cooking and cleaning activities as well.  Volunteers are able to make trips to the local town to purchase any additional food items/snacks as well.

Internet Access

Limited access at the project site

What's NOT included?

What's NOT included?

Flight Tickets

The nearest airport is Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) in Quito. We assist you to find cheap flights to Ecuador. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

Travel Insurance

Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Ecuador provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

Vaccines

If you are intending to volunteer in Ecuador you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Ecuador. VACCINE CHECKER

Details on arrival

Since the arrival date is the same as the program start date, you need to be in Quito on the same day as the start date that you have selected for your program. For example, if you have selected 14th October as your program start date, then you have to be in Quito on the 14th of October. 

Arrivals in 2023 are planned at the following dates:

  • May - 20,27
  • June - 03,10,17,24
  • July -01,08,15,22,29
  • Aug - 05,12,19,26
  • Sept - 02,09,16,23,30
  • Oct - 07,14,21,28
  • Nov - 04,11,18,25
  • Dec - 02,09

Availability
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Program fees

2 weeks (min. stay) 924€
3 weeks 1,119€
4 weeks 1,314€
5 weeks 1,509€
6 weeks 1,704€
7 weeks 1,899€
8 weeks 2,094€
24 weeks (max. stay) 5,213€
Average fees 339€/week

Program fees

339€ per week 2 - 24 weeks Age 18 - 50+

Payment methods

Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

NO CREDIT CARD FEES


Duration

2 - 24 weeks

Deposit

The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.


Final Payment

Your final payment will be agreed with Volunteering Solutions during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


Meet your organization

Volunteering Solutions

Perfect 4.6 rating (43 reviews)

Agency - founded in 2007

Verified by Volunteer World

  Good response rate

Coordinated by

Sahil

About the project

Providing placements to overseas travelers under several different volunteer projects in 25 different destinations across Asia, Africa, South America and Europe.

Meet your organization

Who we are?

Volunteering Solutions was established in 2006 with the aim of changing the face of volunteer traveling, and in the last 10 years, we have had more than 15,000 volunteers who completed their journeys with life changing experiences. Nicknamed as VolSol, we provide the best volunteer and intern opportunities to interested candidates from different parts of the world, and we ensure that each of them gets the maximum out of the program they choose.

As an organization, we have a cross-cultural set up in all our offices across the world. We have people from different countries, cultures and ethnicities working for us in order to make the process of volunteer traveling smoother and more flexible.

We have dedicated coordinators at each volunteer destination, coming from different countries.We take care of the volunteer’s placement, traveling, accommodation, meals and security. 

What we do?

Currently, Volunteering Solutions operates in more than 25 countries, providing more than 100 volunteering and interning options ranging from Child Care, Teaching, Medical and Healthcare, Community Development, Marine Conservation and much more. Most of our volunteers are high school students, couples, corporate groups and individuals on their summer break or gap year.

We are in collaboration with NGOs, schools, hospitals, orphanages, HIV/AIDS clinics, women groups and other social welfare organizations all across the globe. Each of these organizations have been working at the grassroot level for years, and successfully contributed towards the development of the concerned people. VolSol has ensured that the contribution of every volunteer is counted, and there’s sustainable growth.

Our mission/vision

Our mission is to offer the most comprehensive volunteer abroad experience to travelers from all walks of life, with a vision to promote ethical and sustainable travelling. We aim to make a difference in the lives of the unprivileged people in different parts of the world and to bridge the gap between the volunteers and the host communities to establish a 'Win-Win' situation for both.

Who are we looking for?

Travelers who are flexible in their approach, dedicated to provide their time and effort, and determined to make a difference in the society. Our volunteers come from all walks of life; be it a high school student or a retired professor. Any and everyone can join our projects, as long as they have the determination to be the part of volunteering brigade. The minimum age requirement to join our programs is 17 years, while, there's no maximum age limit. One need not have any particular degree or qualification to join our programs, and all we look for is the dedication and flexibility in the volunteer. 

Please Note: For our medical programs, volunteers need to be pre-med/medical/or certified doctors.

Why choose us?

Not only our placements are the safest, but also are one of the most affordable all over the world. Our credibility reflects from not only as a registered member of WYSE Travel Confederation, but also from the 11k+ satisfied volunteers whom we have placed in the last over a decade of our operations. 

For the internship programs, participants opting for Medical and Healthcare projects get to work with professionals and learn how to deal in emergency situations. Our internship programs are crafted and designed in a way that every participant gets to know about the medical scenario of the particular country. It is both an inward and outward journey - inward, as you’ll get to learn a lot through first hand experience, and outward, as the society will be benefitted by your contribution.

43 reviews · rating4.6

Valeria Carcaiso rating4.8

2024 at Teach English to Young Monks

I stayed in Chiang Mai, Thailand, for two weeks. I really wish I could stay there more, because I had a wonderful experience and a longer program would have made it even greater. I supported a Thai teacher at Chetupon Suksa School, helping novice Buddhist monks to learn English. The kids were ...
Lea Haller rating4.8

2023 at Support the Sea Turtle Ecosystem

It was different then excepted, but amazing. I loved the turtles and already miss them soo much. Even tho the turtles were amazing, they were not the best part of my trip. The people in the Aasha House made it so Spezial and every single day to an amazing day which I will never forget. It was the ...
Uzma Ijaz rating3

2023 at Medical & Healthcare Assistant

Cusco is a beautiful city and I felt so thankful being able to be there. After work I had plenty of free time to explore the city and do excursions during the weekends. Note: only partake in this program if you are fluent in Spanish! No one at the clinic spoke any English nor did my host family. I ...
Mari Den rating2.8

2023 at Childcare & Social Welfare Work

It was a amazing expierience and there is so much to do in capetown, however it would have been amazing To spend more time with the children in the townships instead of the privat kindergarten :) ...
I had the most amazing experience in Sri Lanka! Thanks to Tatiane and the team for wonderful support and trip. Highly recommend Volunteering Solutions! The airport pickup was a bit delayed due to local conditions, but I was in constant contact with the coordinator and Tati on WhatsApp. The house ...
I had an excellent time in Sri Lanka. The turtle project was amazing and the staff made us feel welcome. The house is great and the location is excellent. I am already looking to do more programs later in summer! The booking process was simple and fast, I had good support from Sahil and the team at ...

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