Animal rescue program at Morona Santiago Zoo, Ecuador

In this project, volunteers will support a little zoo, located near Macas in Morona Santiago in the Amazon region. The zoo started in early 2006 as a "rescue center" for wild species to respond to the inadequate treatment of these animals who were hunted and sold to citizens as pets, were hold captive in confined spaces with inadequate diet, hygiene, etc. That was the reason to create the center to rescue mammals, reptiles, birds, etc. We started with the rescue of a tapir (Tapirus terrestris). In April of 2006 a 7-month old male jaguar (Panthera onca) was brought from San José de Morona. Other animals were brought to the Center by the Ministry of Environment or individuals. This led to the need of a larger area where to build dens for each animal and provide the right habitat.We need volunteers to ameliorate the difficult economic situation of the zoo due to the lack of involvement of local institutions and the government. If you want to help us feed the animals, care for them and learn about them, you are welcome to this project.

The activities carried out at the zoo are: Preparation of food for the animals; Washing and chopping fruit; Placing containers for animal feed; Cleaning dens; Weeding and maintaining the dens; Composting organic wastes; Fertilizing ornamental, medicinal and fruit plants that are part of the recreational area; Placing signs and maintaining the ecological trail; Guidance for visitors and tourists.

Duration of the project: The project is running all year round. Minimum commitment required is 4 weeks, up to 12 months.

Accommodation: Accommodation is provided in the project house.

Location: The project takes place in the head of the Amazon Basin, in the Province of Morona Santiago, near Macas, the capital of the province.

Please, find the full description of this project at: https://cadip.org/volunteering-in-ecuador

To learn more about CADIP international volunteer program: https://cadip.org