Becoming a volunteer for Fundacion Fauna de la Amazonia in Ecuador is a fantastic way to get involved in our work right at its core.
As the new centre is currently under construction, a lot of help is needed in building accommodation, enclosures and the necessary facilities. But the hard work won’t stop when the centre is finished – that’s just the beginning. Our volunteers are invaluable as they are responsible for the day-today running of the rescue centre. As a volunteer your tasks might include:
- Feeding animals and cleaning enclosures
- Preparing food for the animals
- Gathering wild fruit for the animals from the surrounding jungle
- Constructing and maintaining enclosures so that they are the most natural and suitable for each animal
- Creating a strong infrastructure for the centre – this could be maintaining pathways or building bridges
- Working with the local community
In addition to this, if you have any botanical, biological or veterinary expertise or experience, your assistance in Ecuador could be especially useful in assisting to study and document the flora and fauna of the Amazon. However, volunteers from all backgrounds are of course welcome and no previous experience is necessary.
“Volunteering in Ecuador meant that I was able to be directly involved in the conservation of the rare and precious wildife of the Amazon. It has definitely been an experience that has had a lasting impact on me – the sights, sounds and smells of the jungle are not easily forgotten. Also, I made so many friends at the centre that I am still in touch with now and through them we have continued our passion in the UK by setting up FDLA.” Lucy, 24, volunteer in 2008
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer in Ecuador, please visit Fundacion Fauna de la Amazonia at http://www.amazoniarescue.org/en/project.php. We are also connected with the following organisations in Ecuador who always need volunteers as well:
- Andean Bear Project http://www.andeanbear.org/
- Merazonia http://www.merazonia.org/
- Jardin Botanico las Orquideas http://www.jardinbotanicolasorquideas.com/
Also, it is worth knowing that by directly contacting the organisations in Ecuador, you can save yourself some cash. A lot of volunteering and gap year organisations act as middle men and charge you for the privilege! Cut out the middle man – the charities will receive more and you will pay less!