Project Prices
2 weeks £995
You can extend this project for only £250 a week.
Project Dates
The first and third Sunday of each month.
Animal Rescue, Ecuador
The project is designed to give you an in-depth experience into animal welfare and provide you with valuable insight into treating animals. It is a great way to immerse yourself into the lives of undernourished and abused animals. They need help, dedication and love. The centre provides a friendly and cosy atmosphere to volunteers and animals alike. It acts as a sanctuary for wounded animals to recover and works closely with local communities to raise awareness about the poor treatment of animals.
Project Details
- Highlights
- Travel Info
- What's included?
- Country Info
- Maps
- Itinerary
- Feedback
Highlights
Have you ever had any pets? Does a picture of a puppy bring a smile to your face? Do you still go to bed with a stuffed animal by your side? If the answer to any or all of these questions is yes, say hello to your ideal gap adventure. This rewarding and truly fantastic wildlife programme takes place in a sanctuary for wild animals who have been victims of abuse and animal trafficking. The warmth that flows through your heart when you enter the facility provides the fuel and energy that will motivate you for the duration of your time there. Care for monkeys, bears, reptiles and other species as you tend to their wounds and coax them back to their lively selves. The rescue centre is situated one hour south of Quito which allows a great chance to explore the pristine beauty of Ecuador. Mountain bike along the nearby Nono-Mindo trail, hike the infamous Cotopaxi volcano and ride on horseback through the Andes. How does that sound?
Travel Info
Aims and Objectives
Your role is a combination of important tasks, which includes:
• Feeding and cleaning the animals
• Constant check-ups on the animals to ensure that all is well
• Improving the living conditions of the animals. This involves the construction and maintenance of enclosures.
• Educating people about the need to protect wildlife and exposing bad practices towards animals.
Sights
The animals at the centre will be the sight you remember. Even though Ecuador is famous for its picturesque landscapes, vast wilderness and the Amazon rainforest that creeps across the border, it will be the animals that will imprint themselves in your head. Despite being home to numerous national parks like the Galapagos Islands and to urban centres such as Quito and Guayaquil, the animals you care for will be what you talk about when you begrudgingly return home. Although the Andes Mountains stretch out before you like the wide coastlines you will visit, there will be one vision that will encapsulate you more than any. No prizes for guessing!
Accommodation / Cost of Living
Volunteers live in comfortable houses with all desired facilities. Each house can accommodate up to 6 volunteers and include comfy beds, TV, stereo and a kitchen. Living this way and helping each other creates a more homely atmosphere and adds to a communal living experience.
Food
Food is not provided but there is a local market that serves up delicious culinary delights.
Money
• The currency of Ecuador is the US dollar. The best way to carry money is to split it between forms of payment for example, cash, and credit/debit card.
• You can use your credit card when out there. ATM’S are also available if you need to get cash out during your stay.
• You will have opportunities to exchange money while staying in Quito and Peurto Lopez.
What's included?
• On receipt of deposit payment you will receive a welcome e-mail enabling you access to your personal page including medical form, kit list, country history and project information.
• You will also be invited to your Meet Your Team briefing day and BBQ in Central London. We will fully prepare you before you go.
• Airport collection
• Country Orientation and safety briefings
• Options to snorkel, visit the Equator. rafting. Amazon trek. whale watching. Galapagos.
• On-going accommodation
• Full onsite support and assistance, Emergency back up. Airport drop off.
Country Information
• Population/Area - 12.5 million inhabitants/283,520 sq km
• Climate - tropical along coast, becoming cooler inland at higher elevations; tropical in Amazonian jungle lowlands
• Spanish is Ecuador's official language however the Indian population speak Quichua, an Inca language. Other than Spanish, ten native languages are spoken in Ecuador. English is the most popular spoken foreign language amongst tourist and professionals.
Demographics
• The placement is open to all nationalities. It is always best to double check any visa requirements directly with the countries embassy in your country or on the web before booking to go anywhere.
• The minimum age for this trip is 17 years and there is no maximum.
Maps
The rescue centre is at 3000m altitude. It is located in the Andes region of Pichincha near a town called Tambillo. Quito, the capital is only an hour away on bus.
Sample daily 
Itinerary
7am-8am Breakfast at the volunteer house
8am-1pm Work at the centre on a number of projects alongside the local staff
1pm-2pm Lunch
2pm-4pm Free time to relax
4pm-6pm Continue your morning work. Feed animals and clean enclosures
6pm-7pm Dinner
7pm and on Free time to relax, explore the surroundings
You will be working at the Centre from Monday to Friday. The weekends are free for you to explore the area and the nearby attractions.
Feedback
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