Animal Wildlife Rescue in Guayaquil, Ecuador

  Ecuador

• All Other Regions of Ecuador: 
Guayaquil

Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: multiple dates year round

Description: Mad about animals?

If you are then this is the perfect project for you in the perfect country. Given the huge amount of wildlife in Ecuador, it's no wonder that a few of them need a helping hand once in a while. This wildlife centre comes to the aid of around 300 wild animals of about 30 different species so its the perfect opportunity to see an array of hopping, bouncing, flying, diving and swinging creatures first hand (if you can get them to sit still long enough.) Duties include feeding, cleaning and of course cuddling as well as getting out and about and assisting with plant identification in the tropical forests and mangroves.

Find out more about i-to-i, watch their short video here: http://video.i-to-i.com/site-videos/video.html

Highlights: What were the highlights of your trip that you couldn't wait to tell your friends about?

"From the moment I arrived in Ecuador, it was all a highlight. The team at i-to-i were superb and a trip to the Middle of the Earth museum was arranged and was well worth a visit. From then on, the experience of Ecuador exceeded my expectations and the project was great with all people involved- being so friendly and helpful and willing to make the trip one to remember. Working closely with the animals at the center will stay with me for years to come." (Teresa Walker)

You will get real-life experience with a huge variety of animal species who all need your help to survive and thrive. This Wildlife Rescue Centre was founded over 20 years ago and is the first of its kind in Ecuador. The centre rehabilitates and provides care for around 300 wild animals of about 30 different species.

In addition, there are 3 captive breeding programmes in operation all involving endangered species: the American crocodile, the spider monkey and the Guayaquil green macaw. All the animals at the centre are either donated by the public or rescued from the illegal pet trade. The centre also farms shrimp, tilapia, banana and cocoa with an emphasis on aquaculture. There are horses on site and you may be able to take horse rides out into the surrounding areas.

Qualifications: The most important requirement for this project is a strong love of all animals, enthusiasm, and flexibility, as well as the readiness to be involved with some of the more basic duties that will be required. Be ready to roll up your sleeves, get dirty and work hard! We recommend that you learn as much Spanish as possible prior to your placement.

Cost in US$: $1195.00 for 2 weeks, $260.00 for every week thereafter

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: If you are interested in immersing yourself in another culture while giving your time to a worthy cause, then you are a typical i-to-i volunteer. We invite you to join the i-to-i community of dedicated volunteers aged 18-80 who are working on community development, building, teaching, and conservation projects across the globe. Together, we make a lasting impact that changes lives and helps preserve the planet through hundreds of worthwhile projects around the world.

Age Range: 18-80

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Ecuador Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network

i-to-i Meaningful Travel's Mission Statement: Founded in 1994, i-to-i is an award-winning organization providing unique opportunities for you to travel, work and live abroad. Thousands of travelers aged 18 to 80 have joined our volunteer vacations and over 50,000 have learned to Teach English as a Foreign Language through our tailor-made TEFL courses. With over 400 projects on 4 continents, you can join the worldwide i-to-i volunteer community on an extended adventure in areas such as teaching, community development, sports coaching, conservation, building or internships in tourism, marketing, journalism, or health.

Year Founded: 1994