Amazon of Ecuador

For a long time I had wanted to volunteer. When I finally took a semester off from my studies, I decided to search for volunteering opportunities. It was by coincidence I came by Ecuador Volunteer Foundation. I found their organization to be very interesting because of their programs with animals in the Amazon of Ecuador. I was so excited!

I maintaned contact with Ecuador Volunteer before I arrived the country. At the airport I was welcomed, and I got to stay with the beautiful family of Francisco, who is the founder and president of the Ecuador Volunteer foundation. They were so friendly, and very helpful with everything. I must admit that I grew very fond of them!

After about a week in Quito, I headed for the project site in the Amazon. I had decided to volunteer for an Animal Rescue Center there for three months. The center was located about 2 hours by bus from the town Tena, and then a 15 minutes canoe ride in the river. It is such a beautiful place, and the volunteer house - although it might look primitive - was right by the riverside. After some weeks, I was lucky to get the top room with a beautiful view of the river. It's so nice to sleep to the sound of the river, and wake up to squirrel monkies jumping on the roof and in the trees!

In the project, I worked ten hours, five days a week. I'll have to admit that it was very hard physical work at times, and also long hours. The daily activities consisted of feeding animals, washing and maintaining their cages and the center, and also providing guided tours throughout the center for tourists who arrived. The animals that were presented during the tour were those which would most possibly stay there for the rest of their lives, due to various causes. The center's main goal however, was to rescue animals who were ill, and get them well again in order to release them. These animals were not a part of the tour. This is what I liked most about the project, as I am very fond of animals and their well-being.

One of the highlights were watching the animals day after day, getting to know their different personalities - espacially the monkies! Furthermore, I gained many new friends there, and I will never forget the amazing moments that we have shared. In sum, the overall experience was and still is of great value to me. I learned a lot about myself, and others that has helped me broaden my perspective and understanding of life and others. I truly encourage everyone to volunteer!