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Sea Turtle Conservation project in Hawaii
Guatemala Internship 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. 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 releases over 40,000 hatchlings per year. 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 conducting nightly patrols in search of nesting sea turtles, releasing hatchlings on the beach, collecting data and maintaining environmental education exhibits and, when possible, participating in reforestation, environmental education activities and other community development projects.Volunteers live in a large ranch style house (located 100 meters from the beach) with beds, mosquito nets, showers, toilet and regular 110 electricity. Meals are not included. There is a kitchen for cooking or volunteers can eat with families. For volunteers who want a more authentic Guatemalan experience, homestays with local families can be arranged. BRING: rain gear, flashlight, candles, matches, mosquito nets, sunblock and repellent.
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:
Important Things to Consider:
- Getting there is arranged on-site in Antigua & costs about $60
- At least one week of language classes are recommended, in order to meet with the onsite staff.
Other Comments:
The maximum number of participants that this organization accepts is 14.
(Note: We don't know if positions are available until you apply.)
There may be no other volunteers at the same time. Expect plenty of mosquitos, bugs and pests.
Program Fees:
click here to return to Guatemala Summary page with program fees
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