• Life On Land

Amazon Wildlife Rescue

location
2 - 4 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
rating  Perfect 4.6  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Below average response rate

Highlights

  • Get up close and personal with a vast range of wild animals in their natural habitat – ranging from monkeys, cats, macaws, ocelots, caiman, reptiles, toucans & many more!
  • Volunteer in the jungle – a beautiful and breath-taking setting that you'll never forget.
  • Become a full member of the team, actively helping the animals rehabilitate and recover before hopefully releasing them back into the wild!
  • Take part in a truly rewarding project with the sole aim of protecting animals.
  • Join for a full 4 weeks and care for your very own animal, acting as its designated trainer!

Especially good for

Age 18+
Singles
Couples
Groups

About the program

Passionate about animals? Experience the jungle on this unique volunteering project, caring for rescued wildlife and helping to conserve endangered animals in the Amazon.

Pack your bags and re-locate to Ecuador's stunning Amazonian Rainforest on this unique volunteering placement at an Animal Rescue Centre. Support an experienced team and assist in the care and rehabilitation of injured and rescued exotic wild animals. Set up by an inspired and passionate young local ...

About the program

Pack your bags and re-locate to Ecuador's stunning Amazonian Rainforest on this unique volunteering placement at an Animal Rescue Centre. Support an experienced team and assist in the care and rehabilitation of injured and rescued exotic wild animals. Set up by an inspired and passionate young local more than 10 years ago, his project has developed into a fully functioning rescue centre for hundreds of animals. You'll also be helping to alter the attitude of locals and the wider region to the importance of caring for both their animals and the environment.

Join now and become a fully-fledged member of a wildlife rescue team in Ecuador’s beautiful natural surroundings – there are few places on earth like it!

This program is fantastic for anyone who loves animals and is passionate enough to donate some time toward their rescue and rehabilitation. If you are a responsible person, in general good health and motivated to work in a team, then this program is perfect for you! With the project taking place in a Spanish speaking country it is helpful if you are willing to pick up some Spanish words along the way, but you can join without speaking it. The accommodation and rescue centre are surrounded by rainforest so be prepared for a basic set up with no big luxuries. It’s all about going “back to basics” and being one with nature! 

Typical day

Typically, you will be volunteering from Mondays to Fridays, and you can expect your routine to look something like this:

  • 07:30 – 08:00                    Breakfast
  • 08:00 – 12:00                    Volunteering
  • 12:00 – ...

Typical day

Typically, you will be volunteering from Mondays to Fridays, and you can expect your routine to look something like this:

  • 07:30 – 08:00                    Breakfast
  • 08:00 – 12:00                    Volunteering
  • 12:00 – 14:30                    Break, including lunch at 13:00
  • 14:30 – 17:00                    Volunteering
  •  From 17:00                       Free-time
  •  At 18:00                             Dinner

The team will always adapt to the special needs of the animals living on site, meaning the schedule might change a bit from time to time but, overall, this is how it will look.

Depending on your availability, you can spend either two or four weeks at this project. Once you arrive in Quito, you will take a private transfer to the Animal Rescue Centre where you will be welcomed to the site by the local team. One of the local biologists will give you a comprehensive tour of the centre; the facilities; the animals; the working routines and all the equipment you will need to start your placement. The main tasks you can look forward to doing as a volunteer are:

  • Preparing food for the animals and feeding them
  • Observing the animals, their behaviour and overall well-being
  • Supporting animal welfare in various ways, e.g. via enrichment activities
  • Clean and maintain the enclosures and general maintenance work
  • Taking part in larger projects, depending on current needs, e. g. enclosure building
  • Supporting the various needs of the centre that may be present when you join
  • As soon as you are confident enough to instruct and guide new volunteers in their daily routines you might be asked to do so (optional)
  • Opportunities to assist a bird trainer in the training of birds of prey
  • If you join for a full 4 weeks you will be given one animal who you are responsible for. You will take care of it during your time at the project and function as its personal patron.

Free-time activities

Weekends will be non-directed time with plenty of opportunities to explore Ecuador’s beautiful landscape and culture. Join your fellow volunteers on trips to Puyo, Banos or Quito to name just a few. Puyo is a small village a short distance away from the centre with plenty of shops and restaurants ...

Free-time activities

Weekends will be non-directed time with plenty of opportunities to explore Ecuador’s beautiful landscape and culture. Join your fellow volunteers on trips to Puyo, Banos or Quito to name just a few. Puyo is a small village a short distance away from the centre with plenty of shops and restaurants if you fancy a drink, food, or a little shopping.

 Banos is slightly further away and as such is great for weekend visits and has plenty of optional activities on offer - from bungee jumping, white water rafting, bars, restaurants etc. Of course, you can always stay at the Rescue Centre, relax in your hammock, and enjoy the peace of the jungle. It’s completely up to you!

Requirements

Requirements

Minimum Age: 18 years

In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

Language Skills

You need to speak English (basic level)

Nationality Restrictions

No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

Other Skills

There is no prior experience required although the minimum age is 18 and you must also have your doctor sign our medical form confirming you are medically fit to participate.

Time Commitment

Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 08:00 - 17:00

What's Included

What's Included

Services by Gapforce

  • Pre-departure support 
  • Accommodation 
  • Meals from Monday breakfast to Saturday breakfast 
  • Onsite staff support • Orientation and safety briefings 
  • Airport transfers 
  • Project Equipment 
  • Project Donation 
  • Financial Failure Protection (your money is protected)

Airport Pickup at Mariscal Sucre International Airport

Once you have arrived in Quito we will transfer you to the Animal Rescue Centre. All transportation during the volunteering placement is included.

Accommodation

You will be sleeping on site in basic wooden huts which are shared by 4 – 6 volunteers (single sex rooms). The bathroom facilities are shared as well and in short walking distance. Given the project site is in the jungle there will be specific times during the day for hot water supply (mornings and evenings). The team will let you know so you can plan your routine. Life with other volunteers and staff is like a big community, everyone is responsible for maintaining standards meaning everyone helps clean the huts and facilities together. 

Food & Beverages

You will be provided with breakfast, lunch and dinner from Monday to Friday on the project site. 

Breakfast is very basic and mainly consists of bread, margarine, porridge, coffee and tea. If you want to upgrade your breakfast a bit you can buy and store some items from the supermarket in your personal locker (or the fridge if there is enough space). 

Lunch and dinner are more varied, comprising of either local or international cuisine. You can look forward to eggs, rice, potatoes, chicken, salads, burgers, pasta, etc. Only one meal option is provided but special dietary requirements can be catered for. 

Additionally, juices are offered during meals and you will always have access to filtered water during the day (tap water is not drinkable). All volunteers help with the cooking and cleaning of meals. From Saturday noon until Sunday evening you need to supply your own food. Feel free to use the facilities within the centre to cook if you want to.

Internet Access

Limited access at the project site

What's NOT included?

What's NOT included?

Flight Tickets

The nearest airport is Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) in Quito. We assist you to find cheap flights to Ecuador. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

Travel Insurance

Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Ecuador provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

Vaccines

If you are intending to volunteer in Ecuador you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Ecuador. VACCINE CHECKER

Details on arrival

We are able to offer this program on a rolling basis, meaning you can start on any Monday throughout the month from January 2021. If the dates below don't quite work for you, please contact us and we will then arrange a suitable starting date for your adventure!
Availability
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Program fees

2 weeks (min. stay) 1,342€
4 weeks (max. stay) 1,839€
Average fees 565€/week

Program fees

565€ per week 2 - 4 weeks Age 18 - 50+

Payment methods

Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

NO CREDIT CARD FEES

Duration

2 - 4 weeks

Deposit

The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.

Final Payment

Your final payment will be agreed with Gapforce during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.

Meet your organization

Gapforce

Perfect 4.6 rating (17 reviews)

Non-profit - founded in 1989

Verified by Volunteer World

  Below average response rate

Coordinated by

Gapforce

Spoken languages: English

About the project

Gapforce runs volunteering projects in many areas, such as marine & wildlife conservation, child care, community development & animal welfare.

Meet your organization

At Gapforce, we are proud to offer unrivalled experience in structured gap year programs, volunteer projects and extreme expeditions. Founded in 1989, the Gapforce family takes great pride in organising unique, exciting gap year and overseas volunteer projects that enable young people to become global citizens and make a real impact on the world.

What Makes Us Different

There are a number of organisations that offer programs abroad, and here’s what sets us apart. We feel these are important to consider when making such an important decision and starting your adventure.

  • Our overseas gap year projects are run by UK-trained leaders. Trained from the top down, our leaders are prepared and knowledgeable on our destinations.
  • Our UK-trained leaders are well-researched and our local programs are vetted for sustainability and longevity.
  • Supported and safe.

Credibility

Some of the biggest adventure names have been involved in our programs.

  • Bruce Parry (BBC TV "The Tribe" & "Amazon") was a Gapforce Expedition Leader for over 6 years.
  • Ben Fogle (TV Presenter) filmed "Extreme Dreams" reality TV series on our projects.
  • Jack Osborne (MTV "The Osborne’s") filmed "Adrenalin Junkie" on our programs. In addition we have had the BritishRoyal Family member and over 15,000 student participants.
Safety

Safety is the number 1 priority on all Gapforce programs. Our programs are basic, potentially hazardous and should not be considered a conventional holiday, however with over twenty years’ experience we aim to reduce your level of risk compared to independent travel.

To guide us, we have been independently inspected to BSI8848 “Specifications for visits, fieldwork, expeditions and adventurous activities outside the UK and now self regulate. We are also members of YearOut Group, who set guidelines and policy for UK Gap providers, Marcus was Chair for 7 years of the Membership and Safety Committee overseeing members safety.We are a Professional Association of Dive Instructors Education Centre and aDuke of Edinburgh Award Centre.

17 reviews · rating4.6

Sarah rating5

2020 at South American Experience

I was really scared going into it because I’ve never traveled alone before but I had nothing to worry about. Everyone I met was fantastic. They were down to earth, nice, and so much fun. I can not describe how beautiful Peru and Ecuador are, I’ve never been anywhere like it. There are definitely ...
Christian rating5

2020 at South American Experience

I had a great time on the South American Experience program. I only did the 4-weeks, but I really enjoyed everything in the program. I’d have to say my favorite activity was the Salkantay trek to Macchu Pichu, despite it getting hard at times, it was a great experience and very rewarding once you ...
Alexander Lorenz rating4.8

2020 at South American Experience

It was a lot of fun, great combination of travelling and volunteering. Very nice atmosphere in the travel group and great leader. A lot of fun activities. You see a lot of each country and get a great feeling for every place. Definitely ...
Zara rating4.8

2020 at South American Experience

I did this trip just before everything locked down and I can safely say this was the best trip of my life. The treks have amazing views and are hard enough to make seeing machu picchu rewarding but not too tough for those who want an easier walk! The itinerary for this trip is completely action ...
As a bit of a nature freak who dreamed of traveling to Costa Rica since I was about 5 years old, this program seemed too good to be true. Based in Quepos, not 15 minutes from the world famous Manuel Antonio national park, prepare to be surrounded by a cornucopia of exotic animals ranging from ...
Katie rating4.8

2017 at Orang-Utan Protection

I felt it was a life-changing experience. I had a great 6 weeks living in the jungle, learning many useful skills. I met some great people and made life-long friends. The local people were also amazing as they were so hospitable and ...

Location

Americas > South America > Ecuador > Puyo

You might also be interested in

Volunteer Abroad  >  Animals  >  Wildlife Conservation in Ecuador
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