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In the green Ecuadorian rainforest lies the Amazon Animal Rescue Center. Animals that have been abused, neglected, or abandoned are given a new home here. Together with volunteers the center rescues, rehabilitates and when possible releases animals back to their natural environment. The center works in partnership with the Ecuadorian Environmental Police (UPMA) and the Ministry of Environment in the fight against the trafficking, abuse, capture and hunting of wild animals. This center is very organized, and as a volunteer you are needed to help care for the animals and maintenance of the center.
This project offers a unique opportunity for volunteers to work for and protect many wild animals whilst living in a beautiful part of the Amazon rainforest.

The center was founded in 2006 with the aim of protecting the wildlife of the Amazon region through the rescue and rehabilitation of local wildlife. Some of the animals at the center 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 others have been removed from families who had kept these animals in captivity. Unfortunately, the majority have suffered some sort of physical or psychological abuse. Some of the animals have been handed over to the care of the center by Government authorities who have rescued or taken custody of the animals; others have arrived at the center by voluntary means from families who realized that wild animals are not to be kept as domestic pets.

There are currently at least 40 different species of animals at the center which include: Ocelot, tayra, capibara, parrots, monkeys, tortoises, and caimans amongst others.

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 there are signs with information about each animal.

Reisroute

Volunteers are needed to help with the following activities:

- 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
- When required, helping with the release of animals into their natural habitat
- Other activities such as gardening, improving trails, making signs for visitors

The more hard work you put into the project, the more reward you get! Show initiative, work independently and don’t be afraid of working hard. They need all the help you can give them.

This project is located 10 minutes from the jungle town of Puyo. Travelling by bus from Quito will take you approximately 4/5 hours to reach. Bus fare is not included, and at your own expense.

If you have the time, we highly recommend starting with an Introduction Week in Quito so you will go well prepared to your project. This first week gives you an idea about life in Ecuador, shows highlights of the city and its surroundings, includes 20 hours of Spanish Group lessons, an in-depth volunteer preparation including language specifics, and other fun elements such as a private salsa lesson, a city tour, and visit to the Equator.

Saturday: Airport transfer and accommodation in Student House in Quito
Sunday: Free day
Monday: 4 hours of Spanish classes. Afternoon homework time. Welcome cocktail in the afternoon.
Tuesday: 4 hours of Spanish classes. Afternoon homework time. 1 hour of private Salsa classes in the afternoon.
Wednesday: 4 hours of Spanish classes. 2 hours of practical volunteer introduction with Spanish terminology according to the project chosen.
Thursday: 4 hours of Spanish classes (eg. market visit, museum visit, etc.) to use the Spanish language in a practical situation. Afternoon homework time.
Friday: 4 hours of Spanish classes. 2-hour city tour through the Old Town of Quito with a Spanish teacher.
Saturday: All-day tour to Cotopaxi
Sunday: Start of volunteer program

Minimum age of 18
All foreigners entering Ecuador are obliged to have a valid health insurance
Basic English
Basic Spanish is an advantage, but not required

Volunteers need to be flexible and keep an open mind concerning their placements as situations can arise beyond our control which could require you to be placed at a different project than the one you have initially chosen. We will of course always do our utmost to fulfill your initial wishes but do remember that where you are going is quite different from where you are coming and as such one should be prepared for things not always going according to plan.

Volunteering and intercultural travel share a common trait: the more you put into it, the more you get out of it. This program is designed for proactive individuals and groups that are prepared to adapt to the local environment and its current needs. Naturally, the scheduling and activities of our program are subject to change. Alterations in activities are mainly due to changes in local conditions, which we believe is part of what makes overseas programs the interesting adventure and incredible learning experience that they are.

Our projects range from 1 week up to approx. 30 weeks. Projects have a specified minimum stay, then it’s up to you how long you can commit. In our experience the longer you stay the more you will gain, as your understanding of the project broadens and you take on more responsibilities. Every volunteer will be given a certificate of appreciation at the end of their stay as a symbol of volunteering stay.

Overzicht

Work Schedule|
You will work from 08:00 to 12:00 and 14:30 to 17:00, Monday to Friday. On Saturdays OR 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. It is important that you are on time and punctual to work.|

Animals Living in Yanacocha|
As it is a rescue and rehabilitation center, the population of the center is never stable, but fluctuates both in quantities as in species. Most commonly the species that will be in the centre are the following:

A variety of monkeys - capuchin monkeys, chorongos or woolly monkeys, white-bellied spider monkeys and the red titi monkey
Red and Yellow Macaws which are the most common macaws found in the Amazon Rainforest.|

Animals Release|
Animals in danger of extinction, and animals affected by trafficking, often cannot return to their natural habitat, so it is important that whenever possible they are released back into the wild. At the animal rescue center, we care about that, and many of the animals we rescue are released into a region called Tamandua. Volunteers will have the opportunity to help the coordinators prepare, transport and release the animals into their natural habitat,

It is an arduous task and the walk into the release site is long, but it’s certainly is worth it!

* Note: The release of animals is done when possible and necessary. It is not always possible volunteers can help with this activity.|

Other Projects in Yanacocha|
Although the main goal of Yana Cocha is animal wellbeing and restoration of the animals to their natural habitat where possible, they also run other projects, such as conservation and research at its private reserve, and environmental education at schools and communities.|

Specific Volunteer Advice on Working with Animals|
Please remember that not all of the activities are "fun" but they are necessary for the well-being of the animals and the sanctuary. Also, the more involved you get in your work the more responsibility you will be given as a volunteer once you have built a certain level of trust with the animals and workers.
Please check with your local doctor regarding any vaccinations that you may need before travelling to Ecuador; however rabies and tetanus vaccinations are recommended.
This project is for animal lovers who do not mind getting their hands dirty!|

Accommodation in Quito
The first night's (arrival day Saturday) accommodation in Quito is in a shared twin or triple room at the volunteer house unless you are making your own way to the project. Then the arrival day at the project is Sunday.

The volunteer house is located in the lively neighbourhood La Mariscal surrounded by restaurants and bars. The house has a spacious living room with a TV, DVD and a comfy sofa, a big table to eat with all your housemates and a great kitchen that is fully equipped for you to cook your meals. You will also be staying at the volunteer house if you choose to participate in the Intro Week in Quito.

Accommodation in Puyo
There are volunteer cabañas with dorm rooms, offering space for up to 17 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 have access to a swimming pool and wi-fi. Accommodation is basic, and it is your duty to keep your living area clean.

You can choose this project with or without an arrival transfer. This project is available with or without an arrival transfer from Quito Airport to your accommodation. Arrival transfer is included with the Intro Week, if you choose that option.

How to Get to the Project:
By bus from Quito: A coordinator will take you to the bus station and help you to buy a ticket to Puyo. The total journey to Puyo is about 5 hours. If you miss the bus to Puyo, you can also travel to Tena or Banos and catch from there a local bus to Puyo.

Once you are in Puyo you can take a taxi to the Rescue Center. Please ask the cab driver to take you YANA COCHA CENTRO DE RESCATE, Via Puyo-Tena KM 3.
Bus and taxi fare are not included, and are at your own expense.

3 meals a day while at the project are included on weekdays, and on Saturdays only breakfast is included.

Climate
The jungle climate is hot and humid with occasional rain. High rainfall occurs between December and March.

What to Bring
Comfortable and light clothing
Rubber boots
Insect repellent
Sun cream
Long sleeve shirts and t-shirts
Quick drying trousers
A fleece/ jumper for the evenings
Rain jacket
Flashlight

Weekends
Most volunteers go to banos at the weekend after they have finished their work on Saturday morning and return back to the centre on Sunday evening. It takes around 1-1½ hours by bus and costs approximately USD 2. If you want to spend the weekend at the centre you can buy food nearby and cater for yourself.

Aantal personen

Accommodatie

Aantal dagen

Type reiziger

Naam type reiziger

Type verblijf

Naam type verblijf

Type Tour

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Volunteer at Amazon Animal Rescue Center

Volunteer at Amazon Animal Rescue Center