| Overview of the Project
With Ecuador 's amazing diversity comes the public's allure of its even more amazing wildlife residing in these rare ecosystems. These volunteer projects in Ecuador require environmentally-minded participants who will help in rescuing animals who have been removed from their original homes. Volunteers will provide much-needed assistance in reintroducing animals into their natural habitats while simultaneously performing routine maintenance on facilities used to house/care for animals which are in the process of being returned to their original homes. Volunteers can also expect to gather food from the wild for the animals in captivity – feeding these delicate animals with sustenance which they are accustomed to.
These animal care projects in Ecuador are located in various locations throughout this spectacular country – both urban and rural locations. Some of these organizations are located in the following locations/regions: the Andes, coastal Ecuador , Amazonia and even the Galapagos Islands . During their stay, volunteers also have the opportunity to explore and learn Spanish (except if participating in the Galapagos Islands ). These volunteer projects in Ecuador are ideal for volunteers interested in biology and veterinary sciences as well as animal-loving individuals who enjoy monitoring the progress of rehabilitated animals – teaching them how to fend and care for themselves once reintroduced into the wild.
Role of the Volunteer
Volunteers in any of the above projects are involved in various activities such as:
- Habitat maintenance
- Animal care education
- Supporting the already existing staff members/animal care specialists
- Consult with and work alongside of biologists
- Educating the general population on topics related to animal care
- Assisting already-existing animal care/wildlife programs
Skills/Qualifications Requirements
There are no specific qualifications required since the project staff will provide any necessary orientation and training to adequately perform volunteer activities. However, beginner to intermediate knowledge of Spanish is preferred as well as individuals who are enthusiastic and/or interested in issues related to the reintegration of animals into the wild in undeveloped countries.
Room/Food/Supervision
Global Crossroad provides living accommodations and three (3) meals a day with an Ecuadorian host family. Host families are carefully selected to ensure that volunteers enjoy their time in Ecuador . Volunteers are provided their own private, comfortable room. Volunteers are essentially welcomed as an additional member of their host family – participating in daily activities and being fully immersed in the Ecuadorian culture AND language. Host families are in quite, safe residential areas and usually within walking distance (or a short bus ride) from assigned projects as well as supermarkets, internet cafés, and other activities/sites of cultural significance. Details pertaining to host families and living accommodations will be provided to volunteers prior to arrival in Ecuador .
Location Descriptions
Ecuador 's volunteer projects are located in both rural and urban areas throughout this amazing country. Projects are located in the cultural city of Quito as well as Puerto Lopez, Santa Elena and the Galapagos Islands, the Amazon Region and many other places throughout Ecuador .
Ecuador itself is a country brimming with such wildlife and varying environments, there is always something to do regardless of location. Furthermore, with projects located all over Ecuador , these uniquely amazing experiences are easily accessible – some in your very backyard. Volunteers have their weekends to themselves to explore all of what Ecuador has to offer: Isla de La Plata (world famous for its whale-watching opportunities), the Amazon Jungle, world-renowned Indian markets, numerous tours, sparkling beaches and (of course) the enigmatic Galapagos Islands and their encyclopedic arrays of plant and animal life.
A Typical Day at the Animal Care Projects in Ecuador :
8:00am – 9:00am: Breakfast and preparation time
9:00am – 10:00am: Arrival at assigned project
10:00am – 12:00pm: Assist local animals care/wildlife organizations
12:00pm – 1:00pm: Lunch time
1:00pm – 5:00pm: Continue in daily activities set forth by assigned organization
5:00pm – 6:00pm: Volunteers return to their host families/accommodations; end of day
NOTE: This daily itinerary provides a proposed schedule which may be altered to accommodate changes in field conditions as well as the requirements of the particular project .
| Ongoing Programs in Quito |
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| Ongoing Programs in Galapagos Island |
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