Eco-tourism project: Work at an Eco-Lodge in the Cloud Forest and help maintaining trails, planting trees, working in the organic or orchid garden etc.
Programs Abroad
ECUADOR - Work in Zoological Management in Baños 
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Booking Nº: EC141 Country: Ecuador + Location: Baños Minimum Stay: 4 weeks Start dates: All year round Price: from 4 weeks, 860 USD |
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Task
Ecuador has a very rich variety of flora and fauna, especially in remote areas of the Amazon Rain Forest. Unfortunately, many exotic and beautiful animals live in danger of poaching and being illegally sold or traded.By working in this project, you can help protect and maintain endangered animal species in Ecuador. You will work in a zoo that cares for and rehabilitates maltreated or sick animals. You will take part in some or all of the following activities:
- Sanitation and hygiene - Observe and participate in cleaning the cages of the zoo's animals.
- Alimentation - Prepare and distribute food for the strict diets of the animals.
- Environmental Management - Participate in educating about environmental enrichment and environmental management related to wildlife in captivity.
- Veterinary Care - Help with both prophylaxis and treatment of animals.
- Guiding Visitors - Share information about endangered animals with visitors conducting tours of the zoo.
Another zoo facility is located close to the small town of Tena. This will act as an active exhibition center, as well as an emergency holding facility for the animals in the event the zoo should ever need to evacuate.
You will work Monday through Friday from 8 am until 5 pm with lunch and tea breaks throughout the day.
Please be aware that this project involves a certain level of physical labor. You will not be asked to work beyond your personal capabilities but you should be in good physical shape and willing to carry out physical labor.
Accommodation
The zoo has its own lodging facilities with comfortable beds and hot showers. You will share a room and the communal areas with other volunteers. You will be provided three meals per day to eat amongst the other volunteers. The meals can also be made to accommodate vegetarians, so don't let your diet hold you back! In the lodge you will have access to a small library and computers.Past volunteers have been amazed by the close friendships they created with other volunteers and the locals. This is a great way to learn about new cultures and nationalities!
Volunteers will take turns cleaning the accommodations but rotations and teamwork are very effective to get these chores done.
Requirements
Language:English and/or Spanish skills required (you can book your Spanish course in Ecuador with us!)
Skills:
No professional skills or experiences required.
Age:
18+ years
Vaccination:
Not required. Please consult us and your doctor for specific recommendations.
Insurance:
Full travel and medical insurance is required. You can purchase a full coverage, no deductible health and travel insurance at a special rate for our participants by contacting your South America Inside representative.
Visa:
Tourist visa valid for 90 days. For further information regarding visa requirements please contact us and the corresponding embassy or consulate in your home country.
Details
The zoo is home to a variety of species of animals. Currently there are around 60 different birds, mammals, reptiles, fish and amphibian species being cared for. The aim of the zoo is to conserve and rehabilitate animals, and when possible, release them into the wild. The zoo cares for sick animals and provides shelter for endangered species that are rescued from being illegally sold.The founders and staff of the zoo are dedicated to the environment's and animals' rights and protection. Ecuador has an amazing biodiversity; however, many of the exotic species are in danger of extinction because of their high value to poachers or for sale on the black market.
The zoo provides the appropriate environmental conditions and enrichment for each rescued animal, which includes proper veterinary care. Animals that have been completely rehabilitated will be released in wildlife. The zoo is also focused on preserving biodiversity, and educating local people and visitors about ecology and the destruction of hunting or deforestation. Creating consciousness is the best way to improve a situation!
The zoo is located just outside of Baños, approximately four hours from Quito. Baños is a really great place to be based especially for "adventure travelers". It is the perfect starting point to explore the surrounding landscape. This popular destination offers a great combination of outstanding nature, adventure and a vibrant night life. Different activities include renting ATVs, mountain bikes or buggies to explore the nearby waterfalls, relaxing in the thermal baths, white water rafting or taking a weekend trip to the nearby jungle!
Source: Google Maps
Prices
| Program duration | in USD |
|---|---|
| 4 weeks |
860.- |
| each additional week |
165.- |
One time registration fee 75 USD.
What’s included:
- Accommodation
- 3 meals / day (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Orientation kit
- Local support
- 24h-Emergency Number
- Volunteer Work Placement
- Certificate of participation
What’s not included:
- Flight
- Airport pick-up
- Medical Insurance
- Visa (if necesary)
- Local Travels
Country
Country Information Ecuador |
 Ecuador, appropriately named after the equator, holds a massive imaginary line running directly through its middle. Ecuador is one of the smallest countries in South America with an area of only 100,000 square miles. Ecuador borders Peru in the southeast, Colombia in the northeast and the Pacific Ocean splashing along the entire west side. The population of Ecuador is 14 million with the capital city of Quito holding 2 million residents.
Though Ecuador lacks bragging rights in its size, the country surely stands proud of its breathtaking landscapes, lush vegetation zones and varieties of climate. The climate, mainly determined by altitude, changes from tropical sun and heavy rain in the Pacific coastal area, to temperate dry climate regions in the Andean highlands. Further, the Amazon basin on the eastern side of the mountains shares the climate of other rain forest zones. Ecuador is one of eighteen mega diverse countries in the world with thousands of different animal and bird species. The famous Galapagos Islands, a very special spot on earth, is located about 620 miles away from the mainland and is home to unique flora and fauna such as the giant tortoises. The islands are also historic for being the birthplace of Darwin’s Theory of Evolution. When exploring deeper into the 100,000 square mile piece of land, you will find diverse attractions for tourists and volunteers alike. Some highly recommended areas of exploration are the Amazon jungles, the Amazon basin, Andean Mountains, volcanoes (active and dormant), tropical forests and a variety of beautiful beaches. The Pacific coast is a perfect place for ocean diving, relaxing on the beach and enjoying hours in the sun. For those backcountry lovers and nature fans, rest assured the terrain of Ecuador offers much in both silent and adrenaline driven activities. Due to Ecuador’s geographical diversity of ocean, mountains and island chains, whenever you choose to travel, one section of country will be in peak season. June through September are typically the drier months. The general high peak season for festivals, fiestas and crowds lie between mid-December through January and then again from June through August. When traveling to Ecuador you will be absolutely amazed by the unique and natural beauty of this country. Keeping in mind that this country is one of poorest regions in South America, you will be surprised by their friendliness, efforts to help you and elements of preserved culture. UNESCO declared Quito, the capital city, a World Heritage Site in the 1970’s for having the best preserved and least altered historic center in Latin America! No doubt, you will feel comfortable and at ease while enjoying this open-minded and hospitable society.
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