Coastal Animal Rescue Volunteer Program

Ecuador is considered one of the seventeen "megadiverse" countries in the world. From the cloud forests to the coast to the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador is home to 1,600 bird species, over 16, 000 species of plants, 106 endemic reptiles, 138 endemic amphibians, and 6,000 species of butterfly. Unfortunately, this biodiversity has given rise to the illegal trade of exotic animals as a popular activity. Not only does this cause suffering for the animals that are captured; it is also highly detrimental to Ecuador's fragile and valuable ecosystem. Captive animals are also at risk for escaping to locations outside of their habitats, which is dangerous for them and for other species.

At centers like the Coastal Animal Rescue Center, animals that have been illegally kept in captivity can be rehabilitated and later be released into their natural habitats.  There are approximately 300 wild animals from different species are rehabilitated and receive professional care at the center.

Through its foundation, the center also participates in conservation campaigns and has been fundamental in the development of regulations for wildlife centers across the country.

To complement your work in the community, you can take Spanish lessons in Quito prior to your volunteer program. Accommodations with a local Ecuadorian host family are included.  The cost per week is $300 USD. You will be placed according to your language level in a group of 12 or fewer students to practice conversational Spanish for 4 hours per day.