Volunteer with monkeys in Ecuador

Help to care for over 60 monkeys and other amazing Amazonian creatures in this wildlife haven. The sanctuary is home to a wide variety of rescued monkeys, including capuchin monkeys, spider monkeys, woolly monkeys, tamarins and squirrel monkeys, as well as other creatures such as margays (a South American big cat), coatis (a member of the raccoon family – very cute looking!) and tortoises.

How does the sanctuary work?

Many of these animals were previously held as pets, although others have also come from the illegal pet trade. Sadly, due to their familiarity with humans and the rapid rate of deforestation in the area, these animals cannot be released back to the wild. Instead, this jungle paradise has been created for them so that they can roam free and live a life as close to the wild as possible. Huge tunnels have been created through the trees, so that the monkeys can explore the vegetation as they would do in the wild – look out for them scampering along as you walk past, often looking for some attention!

This project is a genuine grassroots conservation initiative, aiming to give these mistreated animals a natural retirement home. The sanctuary could not exist without the volunteers, and so you will be put to good use and expected to work hard. Prepare to get mucky and stuck in – and to do everything under the watchful eye of your primate friends.

Volunteers coming here are required to come armed with initiative and independence. At least a small amount of Spanish is desirable, as you will be working and living amongst Spanish-speaking people. The project staff between them speak English, French and Spanish, and a colourful mixture of the three is often employed.

How can you help?

No one day is the same here, as caring for wild animals can be unpredictable! You will be put to good use working alongside and under the guidance of local staff, however initiative is required so that you can work well independently. Some of the jobs can include, but are not limited to:

• Food preparation
• Feeding
• Ensuring the animals have water
• Cleaning of enclosures
• Creating enrichments
• Helping to raise orphan babies (if relevant)
• Assisting in quarantine (where necessary)
• Basic maintenance of the centre – raking leaves, chopping back undergrowth, clearing paths
• Building new structures and enclosures for the animals
• Improving the centre eg painting, making signs, making flower beds, planting, weeding

Other tasks that are a daily part of life at the centre are more domestic tasks. These tasks are really important and help you to contribute to your volunteer community as well. The jobs are shared out with the other volunteers, and can include:

• Preparing meals for yourself and the other volunteers
• Cleaning the kitchen, bathrooms and accommodation
• Feeding the fish in the aquarium
• Feeding the pet dogs that also call the sanctuary home

Accommodation and food

The accommodation is located at the heart of the sanctuary – wild monkeys run across the rooftops, you hear the birds calling and the cicadas making a racket. It is a friendly and welcoming place, although the monkeys on the roof can be a surprise on your first night when trying to get to sleep! You will be sharing the volunteer house with other volunteers, living in dorm rooms that can host up to 6 people in each. There are two bathrooms with hot and cold water.

Ingredients for food are provided, however it is up to you and other volunteers to take control of the kitchen. This is a fantastic opportunity to try cuisines from around the world, so come prepared with your favourite recipes! The diet is largely vegetarian and you will be given fruit, vegetables, rice, pasta, bread, dairy products, sauces and spices to work with.

The main living area consists of a kitchen, dining area and living room, where films are often projected up on to the wall at night time. There is a small terrace outside, often shared with an animal or two! Some of the animals who have been so humanised that they are lonely without human contact will come to join the volunteers inside, running along a series of wire tunnels that join their outdoor homes with the volunteer house.

When should I book?

Whilst late-availability is possible, we would advise booking as soon as you can to guarantee your ideal dates. Our projects are very popular and spaces can fill up several months in advance, especially for the months of June to September.