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Updated on: 26/Mar/09

VOLUNTEER PROGRAM DESCRIPTION ANDES ANIMAL RESCUE CENTER

ECUADOR BRIEF PROGRAM DESCRIPTION The Andes Animal Rescue Center is a sanctuary for wild animals that have been victims of animal trafficking, which intended to enslave them and turn them into pets. The Center is located in an area of the Andes called “The Avenue of Volcanoes” in Ecuador. Situated one hour south of Quito, it is a unique and unforgettable place that is surrounded by magnificent countryside. The climate is pleasant all year round with an average temperature of 18°C during the day and 10°C during the night. Our volunteers are offered the unique opportunity to protect and care for a great range of wild animals that includes monkeys, cats, bears, reptiles, parrots, and many more. During your stay at the center, you will gain invaluable experience working with animals that need so much help, dedication and above all love, which they can only receive from our volunteers, while spending your days in a friendly and cosy environment in our beautiful Ecuador.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS At an extra cost you could experience exciting and new activities in the Andes such as: *Horseback riding is a unique way to experience the atmosphere of the Andes and gain views of the surrounding volcanoes. Ride towards volcan Ruminahui and enjoy the fantastic landscapes the mountain range of the Andes has to offer. *Hike the Cotopaxi volcano. The Cotopaxi National Park is located in the “Avenue of the Volcanoes” a breathtaking place. Hike to the glaciers and enjoy the view! *The georgraphic diversity that Ecuador offers makes of it a great spot for mountain bike enthusiasts. The Nono-Mindo Trail is popular for bird lovers and adventurous travelers. Descend from the cloud forest and see the beautiful Pichincha. Along your ride you will pass Tandayapa, Bellavista and more!

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A DAY AT THE PROGRAM HOURS ACTIVITIES

7am-8am Breakfast 8am-1pm Work at the center on a number of projects alongside the local staff 1pm-2pm Lunch 2pm-4pm Free time to relax, lay in the hammocks 4pm-6pm Animals are fed for a second time and enclosures are cleaned

6pm-7: 30pm Dinner, volunteers cook together 7:30pm and on Free time to relax or to take a ride to Tambillo

*This is just an exemplary daily itinerary. All activities scheduled above are subject to change.

PROGRAM FOCUS LOCATION (Province and Town) Animal Rescue Center Animal Care Pichincha, Tambillo Social ______________ ______________ Adventure ______________ ______________ Environmental ______________ ______________ Construction/Building ______________ ______________ Sports ______________ ______________

PROJECT/ORGANIZATION/INSTITUTION DESCRIPTION Organization Andes Animal Rescue Center Location of the Organization Andes: Pichincha Province Non-profit/private/public organization Non-profit Number of employees 8 Approx. 1. DESCRIBE THE POPULATION/COMMUNITY THAT THE INSTITUTION PROVIDES ITS

SERVICES TO. IN CASE OF RESCUE CENTERS OR ENVIRONMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS INCLUDE THE TYPE OF ANIMALS AND ENVIRONMENT IT WORKS WITH.

The rescue center provides its services to animals who have been kept in terrible conditions; hurt, sick and starving. Since its opening in 2001, step by step more and more animals arrived and the center’s founders, volunteers and employees are always keen to receive and look after animals that are innocent victims of mankind. Most of their wild animals come from illegal situations: from houses, hostels or are confiscated from markets. In order to rescue these animals, the center works closely with the local police and also with the Environmental Department of Ecuador. After these animals are taken from the wild they are sold, killed for their skin or kept as prisoners for the rest of their lives in tiny cages where they suffer from hunger and thirst; all which results in losing their plumage, becoming ill and eventually, if they are not rescued soon, dying a pitiful death. The most frequent victims of animal trafficking are primates, aquatic as well as terrestrial birds and reptiles. Animals arrive at the center all the time, and thus a wide variety of species are represented at the rescue center. The center does its best to help return to the wild all animals that are fit to be released. At the rescue center you can find all kinds of animals either as

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temporary or permanent residents. These include: pumas, ocelots, lions, jaguars, spectacled bears and new world monkeys; various species of birds like parrots, eagles and toucans; as well as reptiles like Galapagos tortoises, aquatic turtles, boas etc. 2. SERVICES THAT THE ORGANIZATION/INSTITUTION PROVIDES (DESCRIPTION) The services that the station provides are: • Provide an environment that offers all animals that have been rescue a place to

rehabilitate. • Educate the community on the environment. • Raise awareness and stop animal trafficking. • Raise awareness and stop animal abuse. • Work with national entities such as the Police and the Department of Environment to

enforce animal laws. • Rehabilitate animals and release them to the proper environment.

VOLUNTEER INFORMATION 3. How many volunteers can the Project employ monthly? The Center can accommodate 12 volunteers at a time. 4. Has the organization received volunteers in the past? Yes. 5. If it has received volunteers in the past, please write since what month and year: The center has received volunteers since the early years of their opening. Their experience working with volunteers is extensive. 6. Are there any special features to which the volunteers hasve to pay attention to when

working at this project? (Religion, illnesses, extra-vaccination, etc) It is not a bad idea to bring a sleeping bag because, although at 3000 m altitude the weather is fairly constant and pleasant all year round, there can be rain and sun all in the same day. For this reason, it is recommended to bring waterproof trousers and jacket as well as rubber boots. 7. Are there any requirements to attend this program? The volunteers who come to the Rescue Center should have the desire to work because they are responsible for the welfare and day-to-day care of animals that are here. This involves not only the daily feeding and cleaning duties but also construction and maintenance work to improve their living conditions. 8. The project receives volunteers all year round? Yes. The station doesn’t close for holidays. 9. Please specify holidays or other dates when the project closes and can not receive

volunteers: None.

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10. Is there a minimum amount of weeks volunteers can work at the project? 2 weeks minimum. 11. Is there a maximum amount of weeks volunteers can work at the project? No, there is no maximum. 12. Please give detailed description of tasks and duties of the volunteer: The most important tasks are the feeding and cleaning of the animals, which takes up the majority of the time. Twice a day volunteers work closely with the animals to make sure that each one of them is provided for. The center is constantly looking for ways to improve, extend and enrich the existing cages and enclosures in order to provide the best possible environment, in which the animals can reinforce and nurture their natural instincts. For this reason, the center puts a great emphasis on improving their living conditions all the time. The work and the projects always vary, but it generally includes hard physical labor, such as the construction and maintenance of enclosures, and the improvement of the animals' environment in which they currently live. There is emphasis on that these rescued animals live a calm and suffer-free life at the center. The center believes that educating people about the environment is the beginning of putting an end to animal trafficking and the destruction of our planet. Thus, it organizes guided school visits, educational talks, radio programs etc. All these help to educate the local community, especially the children. Well-informed communities will tolerate animal trafficking less. Those people who understand the needs and rights of the animals will be less likely to approve of seeing them dead or locked up. 13. Indicate the times and days the volunteer will be working in the week: Monday through Saturday. On Saturdays volunteers work until 11am. After 11am they are free to leave the center and travel for the weekend.

LOCATION OF THE PROJECT

14. PLEASE INDICATE THE CLOSEST CITY OR TOWN TO THE PROJECT. The closest town to the project is Tambillo. It is located 15 minutes by car from the center. The closest city is Quito, only an hour away by bus. 15. INDICATE WHAT TYPES OF TRANSPORTATION THERE IS FROM THE CENTER OF

THIS CITY TO THE PROJECT, ITS COSTS AND APPROXIMATELY TIME THAT WILL TAKE:

TYPE COST TIME IT WILL TAKE Bus (Quito-Tambillo) $0.75 1 HOUR APPROX. Taxi (Tambillo-Center) $3 15 MINUTES

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16. DESCRIBE THE SORROUNDINGS OF THE PROJECT (country side, urban, town) The Rescue Center is at 3000 m altitude. The weather is fairly constant and pleasant all year round, there can be rain and sun all in the same day. It is located in the countryside in the Andes Region in the province of Pichincha.

ACCOMODATIONS AND MEALS 17. Type of Accommodation? The volunteers live in comfortable houses with all desired facilities: comfy beds, hot water, TV, stereo, DVD and a fully equipped kitchen. Each house can accommodate up to 6 volunteers. It is the volunteers' responsibility to take care of and clean their houses. Living this way, helping each other, creates a more homely atmosphere and adds to the communal living experience.

18. Are meals included? Food is not included; volunteers contribute $15-20 per week and buy food at a local market. WHAT IS INCLUDED? • Accommodations throughout your program at the Rescue Center • Bus transportation from Quito to the Project • Orientation upon arrival • Airport transfer on arrival to Quito • Transfer back to the airport at the end of the program • Full on-site support and assistance • On-site 24 hour emergency contact number WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED? • Food (volunteers contribute $15-20 per week and buy food at a local market) • Personal travel insurance • Bus transportation from the project to Quito • All items of personal nature • Any extra activities and excursions not described on the planned itinerary • Alcoholic beverages/extra snacks

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PICTURES OF THE PROJECT

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