Volunteer information
The Coca-Cushi Primate Forest is located in the Ecuadorian Amazon, only half an hour from the town of Coca, by bus or boat. It is a small new facility with a collection of exotic birds and several endangered species of monkeys, most confiscated by the police from wildlife traffickers and brought to Coca-Cushi for care until such time as they are able to return to the wild. Birds have always had their wings clipped and require at least six months to grow out. Monkeys, which are usually just babies, may require care for several years. Rosa Trelles, who lives in Coca, manages the facility and provides some minimal amount of training for volunteers upon arrival. A caretaker handles routine cleaning, feeding, and watering, but volunteers are an important part of the caretaking team. Their main responsiblities are to provide enrichment activities for the animals, and to spend time observing and recording the condition and progress of each animal, to enable us to provide better care.
|
|
There are three requirements for volunteers: (1) that they want to work hands-on with animals and can do so independently, with minimal instructions and supervision; (2)that they are willing to pay US $450/month for their lodging at the rescue center; and (3)that they have taken all the required shots--tetnus, rabies, and Hepatitis B.
|
Volunteers live in a newly-built cabin adjacent to the animal enclosures, on a knoll overlooking Rio Napo. The house has two bedrooms, two bathrooms (with flush toilets and cold-water showers), and a living/dining/kitchen area where volunteers can prepare their own meals. There is running water and a propane stove, but no electricity. Cost for staying at the volunteer house is $450/month. This is the only charge for volunteering at Coca-Cushi. It is used 100% to care for the animals.
|
Things a volunteer will need to bring:
-
Basic first-aid kit which includes topical antibiotic cream, anti-diarrhea medication, bandaging materials for small and large cuts, hydrogen peroxide, antiseptic wipes, iodine (for animal bites), and personal prescription medications. (Note: there are pharmacies in Quito and in Coca, but what you need may not be available there).
-
Sunblock and insect repellant.
-
Flashlight and battery-powered reading light (for reading in bed after you've tucked in under the mosquito net), with batteries. (Batteries can be purchased in Quito and Coca).
-
Rubber boots (what the British call "wellies"), and at least six pairs of socks. (Cotton socks, like cotton underwear, is the best protection against fungus infections. However, they tend to dry slowly in the rainforest, so several pairs are needed.)
-
Sandals for wearing when not at work or walking in the forest.
-
Reading and writing materials.
-
If you want to have music, a battery-powered CD or an easily-transportable musical instrument you can play, like a flute or acoustic guitar.
|
|
Anyone wishing to volunteer should first read the
Health and Safety for Volunteers section and, if still interested, should contact Rosa Jordan