Equador

Sacha Yacu (in English “Water from the jungle”) is a wild animal rescue and rehabilitation Centre based in the rainforest in Ecuador.

Please write an Email to kendra@sachyaku.org to find out about the options.

The Tangare foundation is an Ecuadorian non-governmental, non-profit organization. Their mission is to promote and strengthen an alternative and innovative model of development in Ecuador, with the main emphasis on sustainability and environmental conservation in the Tropical Andes and the Choco bio-regions.  They aim to help encourage economically viable alternatives to current practices that are environmental friendly. This will be achieved through a combination of research, natural resources management and environmental education. 

The volunteer programs focus on the 3 areas of sustainability of economical, social and environmental development. In addition, it includes concentration on the conservation of tropical forest and conducting research projects. For more information about volunteering possibilities you can fill out a form here.

The Andean Bear Conservation Project is a project of the Andean Bear Foundation, and is based in Ecuador.   They monitor both wild and reintroduced bears, by direct observation and through the use of radio tracking equipment.  Their aim is to improve human understanding of these gentle creatures by collecting data on their environmental requirements, home ranges, preferences and use of habitat. 

Volunteers can help with radio-tracking Andean bears and searching for hair samples for genetic analysis. Biology interns (or those studying ecology, environmental management or similar topics) can gain valuable field experience on a respected research project.  Please find out more about the volunteer possibilities here.

The objective of EcoCiencia is to promote sustainable management of natural resources among local community members through conservation efforts. Monte Saíno offers volunteer opportunities through a range of environmental projects.

The Foundation has two areas of focus; education and supporting scientific research. They are continually working in local schools within this region of Ecuador promoting the harms of pollution, instilling an appreciation of the environment and teaching students basic marine science. The Foundation also supports research associated with humpback whales, manta rays, dolphins, and fishing.

There are several types of internship positions (Educational interns which work with local environmental educators to promote eco-system education within students; Oceanic research interns, and others).  To find out more details please click here.

The Jatun Sacha Foundation is an Ecuadorian non governmental non-profit, private organization. Their mission is to promote the conservation of the Ecuador's biodiversity, through technical training, scientific research, environmental education programs at national and international level, community development, and sustainable management of natural resources and the training of leaders with greater ethnic and gender participation to improve the quality of life of the communities.

Please click here to find out more about the volunteer program.

CRACYP (which stands for Rural Forestation and Progress Network Corporation, in Spanish) is a non-profit organisation facilitating reforestation and sustainable rural development in an agricultural area of extreme poverty including over 200 communities in the foothills of the Western Andes in Ecuador.  Their mission is "Progreso Verde" or "Green Progress" - that is, social and economic development, but in a way which protects the environment.  They build environmental awareness and motivate and assist local communities to take practical conservation action.

For further information about volunteering please click here.

The Charles Darwin Foundation for the Galapagos Islands (CDF) is an international not-for-profit organization that provides scientific research and technical information and assistance to ensure the proper preservation of the Galapagos Islands. CDF carries out its activities in Galapagos under a conservation research and guidance agreement with the Ecuadorian government.

If you would like to volunteer with the Charles Darwin Foundation please click here for more information.

Shiripuno Research Center is the most remote biological station in the Amazon Basin of Ecuador in South America, whose mission is to establish studies on Natural History, and Tropical Ecology. It is situated in of the most pristine tropical rainforest of the Anthropological Huaorani Reserve in the Shiripuno River; it is adjacent to Yasuni National Park, in Orellana Province.

The Shiripuno Research Center offers Volunteers Opportunities in the Amazon for all people that would like to help and support Ecuadorian Biology Students to finish their carrer. The Volunteer Program is run for four weeks with all different learning activities.

Jardin Botanico las Orquideas is a botanical garden specializing in orchids and the restoration of the flora of the Amazon. The reserve is guided by the mission:

• to promote environmental education
• to promote the conservation of the natural resources of the Amazon
• to promote the scientific research of the Amazonian flora as a sustainable means of community development

Please click here for more information or write them a letter of interest detailing your experience and reasons why you want to work and send it to jblorquideas@gmail.com

Merazonia is an up-and-coming rescue center for trafficked and abused Amazonian animals, located on 250 acres of rainforest, in Mera, Ecuador. Animals confiscated by the Ministry of Environment and the police, are brought to the centre where veterinarians give them their first check-up in our clinic. They are caring for monkeys, kinkajous, cats, other mammals and parrots. 

Volunteers help to care for the animals, as well as continue to construct enclosures and trails to improve the centre. They work on both rehabilitating and providing release programs for the animals. Please send an Email to Merazonia@mail.com.

Yana Cocha Rescue Centre is a non-profit organisation founded by the Flores Paredes family in June 2006, who constantly strive for the protection of wildlife and the prevention of the illegal trafficking of Amazonian flora and fauna.

The center performs the functions of rescuing animals that are found in appalling conditions, badly treated by their "owners", without adequate food or water, generally living in inhumane conditions.

When animals are brought to the center, their work begins in providing them enclosures similar to their natural environment, with enrichment tools to enable them to perform their natural behaviors and live in conditions as close as possible to the wild.

Please click here ** to find out more about volunteering at the centre.

Ceiba Foundation for Tropical Conservation is dedicated to conservation of tropical ecosystems, and works with local people to protect natural resources and develop sustainable ways of living. 

Please click here for more information.

Fundacion Zoobreviven is a private Ecuadorian, non-profit organisation. The objective is to conserve the biodiversity of Ecuador through responsible use of natural resources, scientific research, environmental education, wildlife, plant and tree conservation and development of economic alternatives for local communities. They manage three reserves in Northern Ecuador, including the 2500 hectare Alto Choco Reserve and the nearby 7500 hectare Chontal Reserve, both in the Choco Bioregion. In addition to managing the three reserves, they are currently developing management plans for the areas surrounding all three cloud forest reserves, reforesting Alto Choco and conducting environmental education in the surrounding communities.

To volunteer please send them some personal information and a covering letter to: volunteer@zoobreviven.org

Brimming with exciting activities for adventurous travelers, a variety of important volunteer and learning opportunities, and a community grassroots reforestation program, Las Tolas is a trend-setting community, deeply rooted in the traditions of its Yumbo ancestors, in the Ecuadorian Cloud Forest of the Andes Mountains.

Please click here for more information.

Volunteer opportunities are available for a limited number of overseas volunteers at Quito Zoo and on conservation projects with the Fundación Zoológica del Ecuador. 

For further information about volunteer or intern opportunities with Quito Zoo and the Fundación Zoológica del Ecuador, email us at volunteer@quitozoo.orgEsta dirección electrónica esta protegida contra spambots. Es necesario activar Javascript para visualizarla .