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Fantastic 4.55rating (15)

Wildlife Refuge Supporter

location
4 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 21 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • Learn about the threats of wild animals in the Amazon
  • Learn about the beauty of wild animals in the Amazon
  • Come and participate in the protection of animals in the Amazon

Highlights

  • Learn about the threats of wild animals in the Amazon
  • Learn about the beauty of wild animals in the Amazon
  • Come and participate in the protection of animals in the Amazon
  • Come and participate in the rehabilitation of animals in the Amazon
  • Come and live a unique adventure in the heart of the Ecuadorian tropical forest

  • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 21+
    Singles
    Couples
    50+

    About the program

    Imagine the Amazon rainforest where wild animals, victims of illegal trafficking and deforestation, find refuge, care and a second chance.

    Why is your program important?
    In Puerto Misahualli, at the gateway to the Amazon in Ecuador, wildlife trafficking is increasing, threatening many species. This situation is partly due to the difficult social context: several of the poorest communities exploit the attraction of exotic wild animals ...

    About the program

    Why is your program important?
    In Puerto Misahualli, at the gateway to the Amazon in Ecuador, wildlife trafficking is increasing, threatening many species. This situation is partly due to the difficult social context: several of the poorest communities exploit the attraction of exotic wild animals to generate tourism and income. Unfortunately, these animals are often kept in deplorable conditions, underfed and mistreated. Most of these animals require specialized care and are taken to suitable facilities. Currently, there are only two wildlife hospitals in Ecuador, one in Quito and the other in Guayaquil, located more than 4 hours by car from Puerto Misahualli. 
    In the Amazon, where trafficking is most intense, our refuge was created to compensate for this lack of facilities

    Our project in the Amazon: The KURI PACHAMAMA refuge :
    In November 2023, we inaugurated our wildlife refuge, approved by the Ecuadorian Ministry of the Environment. This refuge cares for animals that are victims of illegal trafficking and deforestation, and works to rehabilitate them in nature reserves adapted to their specific needs. 

    Our complementary actions:
    We conduct awareness campaigns on economic alternatives to gold mining and animal trafficking. We are also involved in education and environmental preservation in schools and local communities.

    What is your program exactly about?
    Our program consists of helping us with the daily tasks of caring for the animals in the shelter.

    What is your role ?
    - Participate in the operation of the shelter: feeding, caring for (light), washing the animals' cages 
    - Participate in the preparation, collection of food for the animals 
    - Participate in building habitats for the animals 
    - Participate in improving the animal straps 
    - Participate in the rehabilitation process 
    - Be trained on: the characteristics and needs of each animal
    we expect respect, commitment, interest, positivity, kindness from volunteers. 
    You can expect the same from us, teamwork in a good atmosphere. We are a young team, we are passionate about our activity.

    *How can you contribute?* 
    Your contribution to pay for your volunteering helps us pay the veterinarian's salaries ($800/month), food ($450 per month) 

    *Why is your support important?* 
    We are not a zoo, and the entrance to visitors is not open, because the animals must have as little contact with humans as possible to be rehabilitated. This limits the resources to pay our veterinarian... Your support allows us to gain autonomy in our long-term initiatives.

    Surroundings and the locations where the volunteers will be working and living at :
    To come to the shelter and the reception house of the foundation, there are different ways, there is a part of tarred road of 2.4km and a part of stone/sand road of 2.4km, for a total of 4.8km: 
    - On foot: it will take you 1h15mn 
    - By taxi: it will take you 11mn, you will pay $4, we advise you to group together to take the taxi and thus reduce the costs 

    You will work in a shelter which is 3 minutes walk from the reception house. The shelter is in the forest, isolated.
    The shelter is 36 m2 the total surface used for the animals is 2 hectares there is a 35x35m ring where there is currently a tapir + 2 other small 10x10m rings where the agoutis are Two ponds of 50 m x 12m welcome a small caiman and several turtles A workshop to raise the crickets that the monkeys eat.

    You will live in the 200m2 host house in the middle of the forest with a shared bedroom, two large terraces, one downstairs and one upstairs, a large shared kitchen, luxury dry toilets, two showers including a hot one. The house is comfortable with wifi, electricity, and water

    SHELTER ETHICS – ANIMAL WELFARE

    • Accept new animals only when appropriate space is available

    • Prioritize the rehabilitation and release of animals arriving at the shelter

    • Promote natural behavior by avoiding unnecessary contact and providing enrichment suited to the ecological needs of each species

    • Treat and care for all animals equally, without species-based discrimination (speciesism)

    • Keep animals in a semi-free state only if they are considered harmless to humans, based on their species, level of autonomy, behavior, and safety category

    • Consider euthanasia a humane solution to relieve suffering, rather than resorting to excessive medical intervention

    • Apply holistic approaches for wild animals that cannot adapt mentally or socially to captivity

    • Foster collaboration with other rescue centers and zoos to promote animal welfare

    • Use live prey (rats, mice) bred in a licensed biotherium


    Volunteer Charter

    • Remain quiet near and inside the shelter

    • Keep your voice low around the animals

    • Maintain a respectful noise level in the house, for both people and animals

    • Respect all house rules

    • Only enter the shelter or nearby areas with permission from the team in charge

    • Smoking is strictly prohibited inside and near the shelter

    • Avoid using perfume, strong deodorants, or toxic repellents

    • Do not enter the veterinary room without the staff’s permission

    • Do not touch or handle animals unless absolutely necessary

    • Avoid talking to or interacting with the animals

    • Do not encourage mascot-like behavior

    • Do not feed the animals by hand or inappropriately

    • Always follow biosecurity protocols

    • Disinfect your feet in the footbaths before entering any room

    • Wash your hands before entering any animal area

    • Respect the time and availability of the animal care team

    • Do not bring your phone inside the shelter

    • Taking photos inside the shelter is not allowed


    USE OF INFORMATION

    To protect the animals and ensure a calm environment, taking photos or videos of the shelter animals is strictly prohibited. Please leave your phone in your room while at the shelter.

    Typical day

    You will work with: - Victoria Viteri Cuenca, veterinary employee, is responsible for the care of the animals in the shelter. She supervises their feeding and ensures their habitat and general well-being. - Renata Rodriguez, employee and manager of the shelter, is responsible for managing the ...

    Typical day

    You will work with: - Victoria Viteri Cuenca, veterinary employee, is responsible for the care of the animals in the shelter. She supervises their feeding and ensures their habitat and general well-being. - Renata Rodriguez, employee and manager of the shelter, is responsible for managing the documents for the entry, exit and rehabilitation of the animals. She also ensures the link with all our partners and the formalization of our protected area.

    Typical day description
    Monday to Friday: 5H per day 
    Or Wednesday to Sunday: 5H per day 
    Animals need to eat on Saturday and Sunday too! 

    7:30am: feed and check the animals' health 
    9:00am: wash, tidy up, store food 
    10:00am: clean the cages 
    11:00am: prepare the meal 
    12:00pm: lunch 
    4:00pm: feed and check the animals' health 
    5:00pm: Tidy up and clean the shelter 
    5:30pm: END OF SHELTER

    you must bring your sleeping bag.
    You MUST respect the hygiene and safety rules written in the kitchen, dry toilets. 
    Hygiene is very important in the house. 
    Smoking is FORBIDDEN in and around the animal shelter It is strictly FORBIDDEN to consume marijuana and any other illicit drugs, it is prohibited in the country

    Free-time activities

    1 p.m. to 4 p.m.:
     reading, rest, exploring the area 


    2 days of rest: 
    kayaking, rafting, 
    Pusuno and Latas waterfalls, 
    Trekking volcanoes, mountains…

    Free-time activities

    1 p.m. to 4 p.m.:
     reading, rest, exploring the area 


    2 days of rest: 
    kayaking, rafting, 
    Pusuno and Latas waterfalls, 
    Trekking volcanoes, mountains…

    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 21 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 21 years old on the program start date.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak Spanish (intermediate level) or English (intermediate level)

    Nationality Restrictions

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

    Other Skills

    - Veterinarian: animal care - Animal handling - Carpenter to make wooden constructions to achieve all sorts of resemblance to animal habitats, or build furniture in our shelter - Construction of animal habitat - Production of animal strapping

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 07:30 - 17:30

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    your accommodation and your training which is essential to be at the shelter. 

    - Training in handling 
    - training in the operation of the shelter 
    - Training in feeding and caring for animals
    - household expenses (4 times per month)

    Accommodation

    You are staying in a large house of 200 m2 which has 4 bedrooms (two with two beds including one for a couple and a bedroom with four single beds. 

    There are two terraces, one upstairs and the other on the ground floor 

    There is a large shared kitchen which must be kept clean 

    There are quality dry toilets There are two showers including one with hot water

     There is a "CHOSA" to rest, make fires, music


    Internet Access

    Good access at the project site
    You don't have to pay anything yet

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Airport Pickup at Mariscal Sucre International Airport

    An airport pickup isn't included within the program fees either.

    Food & Beverages

    Food, snacks or beverages are at extra costs.

    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

    Start Dates :
    You can start whenever you want
    The animal shelter is open every day

     Details on Arrival:
    your arrival can be done in different ways, there is a 2.4km part of tarmac road and a 2.4km part of stone/sand road, for a total of 4.8km: 
    - On foot: it will take you 1h15mn 
    - By taxi: it will take you 11mn, you will pay $4, we advise you to group together to take the taxi and thus reduce the costs 
    - By bike: it will take you 30mn, there are 3 parts with an ascent
    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program Fees

    $229 per week 4 - 12 weeks Age 21 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    4 - 12 weeks

    Deposit

    Reserve your spot with just a few clicks and a small, secure deposit. You can pay by credit card, PayPal, or other convenient methods.


    Final Payment

    You’ll agree on the final payment method with your local organization during the application process. This final payment is only due closer to the start of your trip.

    You don't have to pay anything yet

    4.55
    15 reviews

    Location

    Americas > South America > Ecuador > Puerto Misahualli

    Meet your project coordinator

    caroline
    15
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    4.55
    Fantastic
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      Below average response rate
    Spoken languages: French, English, Spanish
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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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