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GYC2037 - Animal rehabilitation in Argentina Country: Argentina Cost: £695.00 Please note: £125.00 per week Cost Includes: The price includes accommodation, food, kit and pickup from airport but does not include flight, insurance or visas      Duration: 2 weeks Company Rep Nearby: All the time 0845 344 7592 or

 

	This placement would suit... someone with a real love of animals, as well as a readiness to get involved in a variety of different duties. A love of working in the outdoors is essential as the work is hard and can involve long hours. Staff at the project do not speak any English so volunteers should ideally have a basic conversational level of Spanish or brush up before arriving. It is suggested that you take the Spanish lessons on offer when you arrive as it’s useful for your placement and a great opportunity to learn a new skill. Travel in Argentina and you will experience one of South America’s best-known and most tempting destinations. It's full of surprises, from the old-world sophistication of Buenos Aires to the wild landscapes of the untamed south. El Puma Ecological Park is an animal breeding and rehabilitation centre near Posadas that aims to promote the welfare of wild animals that are native to Argentina and wildlife preservation. Their objectives are to help sick or injured animals that have been captured by forest rangers by nursing them back to health and to raise the numbers of native species by breeding them while in captivity. The animals are rehabilitated at the centre and then once ready released back to their natural habitat, if possible. El Puma works with the Ministry of Ecology of that province and depends on them for funding. Project details: El Puma Ecological Park is an animal breeding and rehabilitation centre near Posadas that aims to promote the welfare of wild animals that are native to Argentina. Their objectives are to help sick or injured animals that have been captured by forest rangers by nursing them back to health and to raise the numbers of native species by breeding them while in captivity. The animals are rehabilitated at the centre and then once ready released back to their natural habitat, if possible. Animals include monkeys, birds, wild swine, jaguars, toucans, and other native animals. El Puma works with the Ministry of Ecology of that province and depends on them for funding. Why the project needs volunteers: Due to the lack of financial resources, the expertise and funding provided by private groups and international conservation agencies is essential to supplement what the Ministry of Ecology provides. This centre needs assistance in taking care of the animals, and volunteers will make up a substantial proportion of the labour force. It is also important to help highlight the importance of protecting Argentina's wildlife, which has long been victim to trafficking. Your role as a volunteer: Current duties may include feeding the animals, cleaning and repairing all animal enclosures, building new enclosures, giving guided tours of the centre to any English speaking visitors, observation and data collection of the animals for research. You may also travel around the province with the staff who look for injured animals. It is strongly recommended that volunteers speak at least basic Spanish for this project. Where the project is based: El Puma is located in the small town of Candelaria which is approximately 12 miles from the city of Posadas. Candelaria, located on the Rio Parana, is known for its mystical Jesuit ruins, eucalyptus and pine plantations, and is the location of a lovely park that has a waterfall, canyon and campsites. You will be staying in a homestays located in Posadas, a lively city of 250,000 and travel to your placement each day. Posadas boasts interesting markets, friendly cafes, cinemas and museums, and there will be plenty to do on the weekends. Volunteers should fly into the airport at Posadas (PSS) on the specified arrival date. If you arrive early it is possible to arrange an early pick up at a small extra cost, please contact i-to-i for more details. What our users say: The monkeys are great! They are like little humans. We play a game where I put stuff in my pockets and they search through them and also lift up my trousers and search my socks. They are ace! Emma: Animal rehabilitation work in Posadas, Argentina 0845 344 7592 i-to-i: We pride ourselves in a high level of service to ensure that all our gap year travellers get the most our of their meaningful travel. With Teaching, Community Development, Conservation, Sports, Media and Health placements in 24 countries, we can offer you the meaningful gap year that you want.