Volunteer with Animal Rescue Center in Ecuador

  Ecuador

• All Other Regions of Ecuador: 
Ibarra

Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks, 3-6 months and 7-12 months
Typical Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Dates: Flexible, year round

Description: The Animal Rescue Center is home to many exotic animals that are endangered or have been rescued from trafficking situations, especially at the borders and in the Amazon. You will find many different species of monkeys, snakes, tortoises, birds, and even a lion! Besides acting as a rescue center and caring for these animals, tourists are encouraged to visit to see the animals and learn about their natural habitats. The staff also tries to educate the community on the dangers of animal trafficking and how that can lead to possible extinction.

This volunteer project an unmatched opportunity to get to know this amazing country, its people and its wildlife on a personal level, and contribute to programs that are making a real difference protecting endangered and rescued animals. You will work side by side with Ecuadorians on this locally designed and run project. You will stay with a carefully screened and welcoming host family, giving you insight into daily life in Ecuador.

Our staff in the US are experienced volunteers themselves who are happy to share their experiences and expertise with prospective volunteers. Our partner staff in Ecuador are friendly, caring and dedicated to ensuring that all volunteers have a rewarding experience.

The Rescue Center is located 15 minutes outside of Ibarra, a large town about 2.5 hours north of Quito. All volunteers will be met at the airport in Quito, given an orientation and overnight stay, and then taken to the bus station the following day to travel to Ibarra.

Highlights:
- Homestay with a carefully screened, welcoming host family
- Three meals daily
- Support of friendly, experienced staff in the US and in Ecuador
- Comprehensive accident and medical insurance
- 24 hour emergency support

Qualifications: Volunteers will be working directly with the animals as well as with the groups of visitors that come each week. Duties include feeding the animals, building and cleaning cages, planting trees and flowers, constructing toys and exhibits, acting as a guide for English speaking tourists that come to tour the Rescue Center, and working with the other staff and volunteers on a variety of projects that are needed.

Experience and/or education in biology or ecology or experience working with animals is helpful, but not required, depending on the duties the volunteer will be expected to perform. Basic Spanish is required. Spanish lessons are available prior to the volunteer project in Quito for an additional fee.

Cost in US$: Starts at $900

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Greenheart Travel volunteers are flexible, caring people who have a genuine interest in experiencing true cultural exchange and have a sincere desire to help.

Age Range: 18 and over

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

Participants Travel to Ecuador Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Written Application

Greenheart Travel's Mission Statement: Greenheart Travel is a division of the Center for Cultural Interchange. Founded in 1985, the Center for Cultural Interchange (CCI) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of cultural understanding, academic development and world peace. Greenheart is CCI's way of promoting the health and welfare of the earth and its people through cultural exchange, ethical travel, responsible consumerism, and community service.

Year Founded: 1985