Here at Santa Martha, volunteers are responsible for the well-being and daily upkeep of all the animals in the center. Together we feed the animals and clean the enclosures daily while also trying to improve their living conditions.

The work

Our most important role is the feeding and cleaning, this takes up most of our time. Twice a day we work very closely with the animals ensuring they are all provided for.

We are, also, constantly looking for ways to improve existing facilities, hence providing a more natural environment for the animals in which wild instincts can be reinforced and nurtured. Therefore, when we can we get involved to try and help improve living conditions. These projects are always different and usually involve more labour intensive work like building cages and improving the landscape in which our animals live. This is where we get to really see what kind of a difference we can make improving facilities for all of our animals.

For volunteers this is a unique opportunity to work extremely closely with, and to directly influence, a large variety of wild animals that really need help.

Our hours

Between Monday and Friday our day begins at 8am when animals are fed and enclosures cleaned. After this we work on any number of projects within the center. We lunch at about 1pm after which time volunteers are free until 4pm when work commences again. In this afternoon free-time volunteers can retreat to the volunteer houses to relax - siesta in the sun, read, watch DVDs, just hang out, or wander around the center and observe the animals at their own leisure. Alternatively, Tambillo, the local town, is only a short 30 minute walk, or $3 taxi ride, away. Volunteers can browse the local stores, use the internet or make phone calls home. At 4pm the animals are fed and enclosures cleaned for the second time and at around 6pm volunteers stop work for the day and cook dinner together.

On Saturdays we usually only work until about 10am, and do not work on any other projects until Monday. This is a great opportunity to explore and see a bit of Ecuador while you are here. We ask that you help give the family here a break by spending Saturday night enjoying some of the exciting places close by. Volunteers usually join up together to make plans for the weekend with some of the popular destinations being: Quito (1 hour away), Baños (3 hrs), Cotapaxi (2 hrs), Otavalo (3 hrs), Mindo (3 hrs). With buses for these and all destinations passing by the town of Tambillo every few minutes, travelling anywhere is very easy.

Living here

Volunteers live in comfortable detached houses with all of the desired facilities - hot showers, TV, stereo, DVD player, and fully equipped kitchen. Each house will have up to 6 volunteers living together. It is dormitory style accommodation with everyone helping together, similar to a shared flatting situation. This creates a real homely atmosphere and a great communal living experience.

We provide sheets and blankets for all of our volunteers but a sleeping bag is not a bad extra to bring if you like. We always have filtered water for drinking and there are laundry facilities here. There is, also, a payphone here on the premises for our volunteers to make or receive calls home.

From the property, volunteers can enjoy spectacular views of volcanoes and Andean mountains. We have plenty of space to organise sporting activities or to relax in the sun. At night it is simple to sit peacefully on the terrace under the star filled skies taking in the fresh mountain air or if you prefer, to set yourself up to catch the latest DVD.

Because we are situated in the Andes at 3,000 meters the climate is fairly constant all year round. We usually have fine and sunny days with mild temperatures in the 20´s. Most nights are fresh and cold with the temperatures down to about 5 degrees Celsius. There are rainy seasons, and this usually means warmer nights but more cloud and rain for an hour or so in the day.

We are living at a much higher altitude than most people are used to but generally the only problem people have is getting short of breath walking around. Altitude sickness is not a great concern at this height. Because we have a lot of small hills and the property is large, the altitude can mean you may need to go slower and we recommend that our volunteers have at least a reasonable level of fitness to be prepared for this.

Language

As all of our volunteers are internationally based, all of our work here is done using English as the main language. It is always great if you have some Spanish, and we encourage people to try and learn while they are here, but it is not necessary while you are working here with us.

Costs

All fees go towards the care of the animals which includes food, veterinary care, and materials for enclosures. Both centers have a 2 week minimum stay requirement where the cost is $85 per person per week to stay at each center. Food is not included and the volunteers contribute $10-15 each a week to shop at the local market and cook together as a flat.

How to apply

There are no special qualifications required for volunteers to participate in these projects. (We do require volunteers to be over the age of 18). However, it is integral that volunteers are enthusiastic, hardworking, and have a genuine love for animals and a desire and passion to see them back in their natural environments.

If you are interested you will need to confirm your place in advance. Please contact us and let us know a bit about yourself (such as age, nationality, interests, experience, qualifications, goals, etc) and the dates you would like to volunteer with us.

What to bring

You will need to bring work clothes, a rain jacket, work gloves, and rubber boots (if you can't we may have some spare). It is also a good idea to bring a sleeping bag, if you have one and plenty of warm clothes because it gets cold here at night. If you forget something don't worry too much, you can find most things in Quito.

If it is at all possible we would gratefully appreciate any help in obtaining work tools. We are doing a lot of construction and maintainence work and we always have a shortage of the needed tools. If someone is interested it may be possible to raise some small donations from home before arriving that we could put to use to help purchase these some of these materials.

While we understand that it is difficult for most people, if you are at all able to bring any veterinary supplies it would help us enormously. We have a shortage of all materials especially medicines, as they are too expensive or difficult to get here in Ecuador. We are often without basic necessities and we would greatly appreciate anything to help. Items to assist with minor surgeries - bandages, tapes, scissors, syringes etc or especially any medicines would be put to great use here.

It is also great when volunteers bring somes games with them. We always appreciate any new additions and whether it be outdoor games or board games for inside we love to get together and have a laugh.

Vaccinations

We recommend getting all of the advised vaccines for a lengthy trip to South America. Bear in mind that the Santa Martha Centre is located in the Andes at 3,000m. Therefore, for your stay here you do not need to worry about Malaria. If you are planning to also volunteer at Santa Martha Flor de la Amazonía (or to travel afterwards) then you may wish to consider protection. Malaria is not a reported problem in this area but should always be considered a possibility in the Amazon.

Rabies is not a problem for us here at the center, all of our animals are usually inspected by the vet prior to arrival. However, it is definitely not a bad thing to have. It is totally up to you whether you get vaccinated or not - it can be expensive and it is worth weighing up the pros and cons.

Safety

South America does have a poor reputation for traveler's safety and Ecuador a reputation for petty crime. However, if people are aware of their surroundings and are responsible you should have no problems. We recommend people are careful and sensible, without getting too worried. Be especially careful at night, try to use taxis at night. Buses are generally very safe, even for lone travelers, but always keep hold of your small bags and valuables.

How to get here

To get to Santa Martha you will need to get a bus from the main bus station "Terminal Terrestre de Cumanda" in Quito. Get any bus going south (Machachi, Latacunga or Ambato, etc) and ask for Tambillo (about 50cents). Get off at Tambillo (about 45 mins from Quito). Here you will need to get a taxi ($3), simply a white pick up truck to the center. Ask for "Hacienda Santa Martha" (they will know it) and enjoy the 15 minute drive up the hill.

If you prefer, it is also possible to arrange a taxi all the way from Quito for about $25. You will need to ask them to take you to Tambillo, where they will probably need to ask the local taxi drivers for directions to "Hacienda Santa Martha".

For volunteers this is a unique opportunity, a once in a lifetime animal experience, working extremely closely with, and having a direct influence on the well being, of a large variety of wild animals that need help. See you soon!