The animal shelter is dedicated to ensuring animal welfare through proper nutrition and care. Established in 2000, it holds an operational license issued by the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Ecological Transition. The shelter is situated in the Azuay Province, located in the southern highlands of Ecuador.
The shelter provides refuge for a diverse range of wildlife, including margays, penguins, blue-footed boobies, tapirs, buffalo, deer, ostriches, yamalas (dwarf deer), cuchuchos, a wide variety of bird species, alligators, peacocks, turtles, and more. Initially, the shelter began with five deer and a capuchin monkey, but over time, the number of animals has grown due to donations from individuals who previously kept these animals as pets.
The shelter receives animals from various sources, including the National Police, the Ministry of the Environment, environmental organizations, NGOs, and other entities involved in the conservation of wildlife. Many of these animals were once “pets” in private homes or were part of circus acts. Some were found orphaned in the wild by Ecuadorian authorities, such as the Ministry of the Environment or the Environmental Police, who rescue animals from hunters or wildlife traffickers. Injured animals are treated and released, but it’s more challenging to reintroduce baby animals, so they find a permanent home in the shelter.
The shelter welcomes visitors, students, and the general public, providing educational information about each animal residing in the centre. This helps raise awareness about the importance of respecting animals and promotes conservation among the visiting public. In addition to these activities, the centre’s experts visit local schools and high schools to conduct workshops, instilling environmental consciousness in children. They also offer classes on animal care and welfare for university students and refuge interns.
Currently, the shelter is actively involved in establishing a germplasm bank for terrestrial tapirs from the refuge and aims to extend this effort to endangered animals within the centre. Collaboration with deer genetics research is also on the horizon.
The shelter relies on funding sources, and not from government support. The animals are cared for through the entrance fees paid by visitors, weekly sporting events, and fundraisers organised by the shelter’s management, along with contributions from partnering NGOs that provide volunteers.
Location
Azuay is a province located in the southern highlands of Ecuador. It is known for its stunning natural beauty, diverse landscapes, and rich cultural heritage. The province has picturesque valleys, majestic mountains, and fertile agricultural lands, making it an important agricultural region in Ecuador. The provincial capital of Azuay is Cuenca, which is not only the largest city in the province but also a UNESCO World Heritage site. Cuenca is renowned for its well-preserved colonial architecture, charming cobblestone streets, and vibrant arts scene. The program is located in the mountains 30 minutes from Cuenca.
Project Tasks
- Preparation of food for animals.
- Put food in the containers.
- Cleaning of cages
- Weeding and acclimatization of the cages.
- Preparation of organic waste compost
- Care of gardens in the recreational area.
- Signalling and maintenance of the ecological path.
- Guide for visitors and tourists.
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