Animal Rescue Center
Animal Rescue Center – Volunteer with Wildlife Conservation in Ecuador
Ecuador is one of the most biodiverse countries on Earth, home to an incredible variety of wildlife. However, the country faces a serious wildlife trafficking crisis, driven by illegal hunting, the pet trade, and the commercialization of animal skins. Many endangered species, including jaguars, pumas, margays, and monkeys, are captured, injured, or displaced due to human activity.
At Los Jaguares Rescue Center, our mission is to provide a safe haven for these animals, rehabilitate them, and, whenever possible, release them back into the wild. Located in Macas, Morona-Santiago, deep in the Amazon rainforest, this animal sanctuary was founded by Enrique, a dedicated veterinarian committed to wildlife conservation.
Why Are These Animals Rescued?
The Amazon rainforest is home to many top predators, such as jaguars and pumas. Unfortunately, these animals are often hunted by locals who fear attacks on their communities or livestock. In reality, wild cats rarely attack unless provoked. Other species, such as monkeys, coatis, and exotic birds, are captured for the illegal pet trade or hunted for their meat and fur. Many of these rescued animals arrive at the center injured, malnourished, or traumatized.
Why Volunteer at an Animal Rescue Center in Ecuador?
Volunteering at Los Jaguares Rescue Center is a life-changing experience that allows you to make a real impact on Amazon wildlife conservation. Here’s how your contribution helps:
✅ Rehabilitation & Care – Assist in feeding, monitoring, and rehabilitating rescued animals.
✅ Veterinary Support – Help with medical treatments, wound care, and animal well-being.
✅ Habitat Restoration – Participate in reforestation projects and improve enclosures.
✅ Education & Awareness – Engage with local communities to promote sustainable coexistence with wildlife.
By volunteering, you not only help protect endangered Amazonian species, but you also gain hands-on experience in wildlife rescue, veterinary care, and conservation efforts. This is an incredible opportunity to work alongside professionals, immerse yourself in Amazonian culture, and contribute to a cause that truly matters.
Join Our Wildlife Conservation Efforts!
Since 1999, the Los Jaguares Rescue Center has been dedicated to saving Ecuador’s wildlife. We welcome passionate volunteers who want to be part of a real conservation project and make a difference in the Amazon rainforest.
Interested? Learn more about how you can volunteer in Ecuador and help protect endangered species!
📍 Location: Macas, Morona-Santiago, Ecuador
🌿 Program Type: Wildlife Rescue & Conservation
📅 Availability: Year-round
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The following is a detail of day activities related to jaguars and other felines care and management, although depending on the volunteer time and the participant’s stay, the activities can be diversified or extended with complementary activities.
Preparation of feline diets.
Schedule: 6:30 to 7:30 am.
This is a vital part; every morning it’s necessary to go ar the local
market for freshly butchered meat for the felines
Breakfast.
Schedule: 8:00 to 8:30 am
Feeding of felines:
Schedule: 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.
Meat is cut and weighed, to proceed to feed all the felines between
1kg and 1 1/2 Kg.
Once a week veterinary monitoring and feeding with live prey.
Schedule: 10:30 to 11:00 a.m.
A careful observation of the stress and mood of all felines is carried
out, in addition to feeding them with live prey.
Once-month maintenance of enclosures and environmental
enrichment.
Schedule: 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Intense cleaning is carried out to collect animal remains and repair
the enclosures, due to humidity conditions the structures
deteriorate rapidly.
Volunteer Expectations
We welcome dedicated individuals who are enthusiastic about wildlife conservation and community engagement. As a volunteer, you should:
✅ Be passionate about the environment and animal welfare, demonstrating a strong commitment to conservation efforts.
✅ Maintain a positive attitude and an open mind, embracing new experiences and challenges.
✅ Be self-sufficient and proactive, taking initiative in daily tasks while working as part of a team.
✅ Communicate openly, ensuring smooth collaboration with staff and fellow volunteers.
✅ Inform the program director of any allergies or medical conditions to ensure a safe and comfortable experience.
Your time at Los Jaguares Rescue Center will be both rewarding and transformative, allowing you to make a real impact on Ecuador’s wildlife and communities. 💚🌿
THE PROGRAM INCLUDES
- ALIMENTATION
- INTERNET
- PRIVATE BATHROOM
- LODGING
- LAUNDRY
- LUNCH
- SOCIAL AREAS
**NO ALCOHOLIC DRINKS
The volunteer contribution directly supports both the sustainability of the program and the community. It covers essential living expenses for volunteers and funds the materials needed to carry out impactful project activities, ensuring long-term benefits for local initiatives.
COST:
- 1 PAX/ 2 WEEKS $450
- 1 PAX/ 3 WEEKS $520
- 1 P A X / M O N T H : $580
Volunteer placement deposit
A deposit will be made to EEV in advanced so we can confirm your volunteer placement, remaining fees are paid upon arrival to Ecuador.
Includes
-
- Airport pick up in Quito
- 3 nights accommodation in Quito prior to starting the program
- Accommodation in the rescue center
- Meals while volunteering
- 24/7 emergency contact and support from EEV staff, administration costs, communication costs with volunteers and travel costs for program inspection
- Work Reference / Volunteer Certificate
Price Does Not Include
- Transportation
- Travel insurance.
Contact
For any questions or interest in volunteerig, please fill out the contact form with your information!
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Included
AccommodationGuideMeals -
Not Included
Transport
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