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.