Overview

The program helps wild animals that have been rescued from mistreatment, abuse, traffic, sickness, and saves them from certain death due to horrible conditions. This program is focused on saving an animal’s life, care, helping them to recover and, if possible, let them return to the wild.

All saved animals come from illegal circumstances, and are rescued by the environmental police department. They have become victims of human vanity. They suffer from hunger, stress and illness. Some of them die on the process of being captured; they are kept in small cages, alone and apart from their environment, and are mistreated, living in terrible conditions. It is a sad reality. However, there are always those who want to make a difference – that is why we have this project. It has been established to help rescued animals recover from the above mentioned abuse, to take care of them, and give them the most natural environment possible.

At the moment, the animal rescue center is housing over 110 animals, and of a wide range of species. To name a few, we currently care for:

• Capuchin, Wooly, Spider, and Tamarind monkeys
• Ocelots and Margays
• Kinkajous, Coatis and Tayra
• Ant Eaters and Porcupines
• White-lipped Peccaries
• Macaws and various parrots
• Spectacled Caiman and Boa constrictors

These animals are under constant supervision from staff and volunteers to ensure they are eating and drinking well. They appear to be in good health; their behavior is normal and they do not demonstrate typical stress-related activity. Should anything seem to be wrong with any of the animals, the center’s vet is contacted immediately, arriving as quickly as possible to examine and treat sick animals. Excluding emergencies the vet normally visits the center every week to check up on each animal’s health condition.

It may seem surprising, but it is notjust animals that are illegally trafficked. There is also a large illegal market for plant species, especially orchids. Occasionally, we also receive plants at the center that have been confiscated from traffickers. These plants are returned to the patch of jungle belonging to the center or are planted in the orchid garden.

Location: Puyo (Rainforest), five hours from Quito, approximately and at an altitude of 900 metres above sea level. Because of this, the temperature is very comfortable, and not too hot. The temperature generally ranges between 18 and 24 degrees centigrade. The rainiest months of the year are between December and March. The rain does not cause too much of a problem, as it is quite warm; it is often a welcome respite from the blazing sun.

Accomodation: Volunteers house, shared rooms.
Dates: All year round.
Program duration: Two weeks +
Requirements: Minimum age 17 No Spanish level is required. Willing to help animals and contribute to the conservation of various amazing species of the rainforest and other areas of the country.