General overview
Welcome to our wildlife protection center in the heart of the Amazon! Established in 2006, our mission is to safeguard the rich biodiversity of this region by rescuing and rehabilitating native flora and fauna. Our residents, all victims of abuse, neglect, or abandonment, include orphaned animals whose parents fell prey to hunters, victims of illegal wildlife trade, and those rescued from improper captivity.
Many of our inhabitants were entrusted to us by government authorities, while others found refuge here through voluntary surrender by families who realized the importance of wild animals remaining in their natural habitats.
Currently, we care for over 40 species, including Ocelots, Tayras, Capybaras, Parrots, Red and Yellow Macaws, Red Titi Monkeys, White-bellied Spider Monkeys, Tortoises, and Caimans, among others. Our center also welcomes tourists, with a nominal entrance fee serving as our sole source of income.
Volunteering with us provides a unique chance to make a difference in the lives of these wild animals, all within the breathtaking beauty of the Amazon rainforest.
Ecuador
2 Weeks
Spanish Needed
Volunteer Activities
- In addition to animal care, you may participate in construction work, such as repairing and building new enclosures, and cage and enclosure enrichment to enhance the animals' living spaces.
- Assisting the vet when necessary, gardening, improving trails, and making signs for visitors are other activities where your help will be invaluable. These diverse tasks ensure that each day as a volunteer is rewarding and impactful.
- As a volunteer, your primary responsibility will be the day-to-day care of the animals. This includes ensuring they are well-fed, healthy, and comfortable in their environment. You'll play a crucial role in maintaining their well-being and helping them thrive in their new surroundings.
- Volunteers also assist new arrivals in adjusting to the center. This may involve helping them acclimate to their new environment, monitoring their behavior, and providing the necessary support to ease their transition. Your attention and care can make a significant difference in their rehabilitation process.
- General maintenance and cleaning are essential tasks to keep the center running smoothly. This includes cleaning enclosures, maintaining common areas, and ensuring that all facilities are in good condition. Your work will help create a safe and hygienic environment for the animals and visitors.
About Puyo
Puyo is a laid-back jungle town in Ecuador's Amazon region, making it a perfect starting point for exciting jungle trips. Located in the Pastaza province, Puyo is easily accessible from Baños and holds strategic importance due to its location. It marks the beginning of Route E30, which connects the Amazon with the highlands, facilitating the trade of products like cacao beans and yucca to other regions, including the Pacific Coast. The town is rich in cultural diversity, being home to indigenous tribes such as the Waorani, Kichwa, Zapara, and Shuar. The Zapara tribe, spanning both Ecuador and Peru, has been honored by UNESCO for its cultural heritage and oral traditions, recognized as a masterpiece of the “Intangible Heritage of Humanity.” Puyo offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience the vibrant culture of these native tribes while exploring the breathtaking beauty of the Amazon rainforest.