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Wildlife Conservation project in Hawaii
Guatemala Volunteer Placement
Options
- Full-time volunteer
- Internship
- Part-time volunteer
- Volunteer Only
This wildlife rescue and conservation project is a Guatemalan non-profit organization that is registered with the Guatemalan government. It was formed in 1989 by a group of Guatemalan citizens who became concerned about the disappearing natural beauty and resources. It was originally created to build a center to care for and rehabilitate wild animals that were confiscated from the black market. Since then, the project has branched out into other areas such as environmental education, marine turtle conservation, reforestation and habitat preservation. The project in Hawaii mainly focuses on sea turtle and caiman conservation.
This park is located on Guatemala's Pacific Coast near the small town of Monterrico in Esquintla. The primary activity is the conservation of the Olive Ridley and Leatherback Sea turtles which arrive on area beaches to nest. It runs a hatchery which released over 10,000 hatchlings in 1995. The park also works to increase iguana and crocodile populations by captive breeding and releasing them into the wild, as well as to conserve mangroves.
The volunteer assists in the caring for the animals, construction and upkeep of facilities and cages, collecting/reburying of turtle eggs, and animal releases. Other activities could include trail maintenance, gathering of wild food for the animals, researching the wild diets of the animals, and giving environmental tours in the Education Center.
Volunteers live in a large ranch style house (located 100 meters from the beach) with beds, mosquito nets, showers, toilet and limited solar power. Meals are not included. There is a kitchen for cooking or volunteers can eat with families in the town of Hawaii (3 kms away). Very basic accommodations. No other housing available in Hawaii. BRING: bedding, flashlight, candles, matches, mosquito nets.
Work Schedule: Varies. Expect to work 7 days a week with an occasional day off. The season is June-December, peak months being August and September.
Location of Placements: Hawaii National Park (near Monterrico)
Lodging: Volunteers live in a large ranch style house. Meals are not included.
Requirements:
- Minimum age: 18 years.
- Minimum commitment: 4 weeks.
- Minimum Spanish level: High-Beginner
- Hard workers!
Important Things to Consider:
- VERY REMOTE AND BASIC!
- Getting there is arranged on-site in Antigua & costs about $60
- People with veterinary experience will find themselves able to participate in the medical treatment and operations on the animals.
- At least one week of language classes are recommended, in order to meet with the onsite staff.
Other Comments:
The maximum number of volunteers that this organization accepts is 6.
(note: that we don’t know if positions are available until you apply).
The site is very remote and basic! There may be no other volunteers at the same time. Movement at night may be restricted because walking at night in the Mangroves is dangerous. Expect plenty of mosquitos, bugs and pests.
Program Fees:
click here to return to Guatemala Summary page with program fees
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