What to Expect from a Conservation Internship in the Galapagos
“I wanted to work with an NGO where I could actually make an impact and help preserve one of the most amazing ecosystems in the world. I love being outdoors…
Amazon Wildlife Rehabilitation Internship in Ecuador
Home » Internships »
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Support the rehabilitation of rescued wildlife in Ecuador’s Amazon rainforest
Get hands-on experience in wildlife conservation through this internship with an Amazonian rescue and rehabilitation center in Ecuador. You’ll help care for animals rescued from illegal trafficking and support efforts to return them to the wild. The center houses over 40 species and plays a vital role in preserving Ecuador’s unique biodiversity.
This is a unique opportunity to actively contribute to animal welfare, environmental education, and conservation. From assisting in veterinary tasks to preparing food and maintaining enclosures, you’ll gain practical experience while living in the heart of the Amazon. It’s an ideal placement for students of biology, veterinary science, or environmental science.
Learning Objectives
- Develop practical skills in wildlife care, handling, and rehabilitation
- Gain insight into illegal wildlife trade and conservation strategies
- Understand veterinary protocols for rescued animals
- Learn about tropical ecosystems and environmental education
ORGANIZATION
Based in Ecuador, this organization offers immersive internships around the country that blend academic learning with hands-on experience. Through partnerships with local businesses and industry experts, interns gain practical skills in their chosen focus area. These programs provide a structured yet dynamic environment where participants can work on real-world projects while expanding their global perspective. Beyond professional growth, interns have the opportunity to engage with Ecuadorian culture, creating a well-rounded and enriching experience.
During this Animal Welfare Internship, you’ll specifically join a wildlife rescue center in the Ecuadorian Amazon that is dedicated to rehabilitating animals affected by hunting and illegal trafficking, with the ultimate goal of releasing them back into protected natural habitats. Through hands-on care, habitat maintenance, and conservation work, the organization plays a vital role in safeguarding Ecuador’s rich biodiversity.
TASKS & REQUIreMENTS
This is a tailored animal welfare internship that adapts to your skills, interests, and academic background. Interns will be integrated into the day-to-day operations of the center and may take on tasks aligned with research, veterinary work, or animal care.
Responsibilities
- Clean and maintain animal enclosures
- Prepare and distribute food to various species
- Assist with cognitive enrichment activities
- Support veterinary staff in animal care
- Monitor animal behavior and health
- Help with environmental education programs
- Maintain trails and help with basic construction
- Assist with ecological reserve activities, including releases
Requirements
- Studying or interested in biology, veterinary science, conservation, or a related field
- Comfortable working with animals in a rural, outdoor setting
- Flexible and open to variable daily routines
- Willingness to get hands-on and sometimes dirty
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Basic level of Spanish (A1) is helpful and encouraged, but not required
WHERE YOU’LL STAY
Upon arrival on Friday, you will explore Quito for the weekend with accommodation in a hostel including breakfast. On Sunday, you’ll travel with the team to the project site in the Amazon region of Ecuador. Intern stay in shared cabins with up to 8 people (single gender) with shared bathrooms, managed by the organization. The project site has a variety of cabins and serves as a central hub, where interns and volunteers gather for meals, presentations, and shared activities, creating a social and collaborative environment.
Safety & Support
Safety & Support
Being based on a rural project site, you will have 24/7 support from the team on the ground in case of any emergency. The team will inform you of any safety guidelines regarding the area and any wildlife/insects to be mindful of. As a foreigner, it’s important to be respectful of all cultures and local customs, avoid weary flashy clothing or jewelry, and never walk alone at night.
Communication
Communication
Internet is available in the main house at the project, though it may be limited. Mobile service is spotty in the reserve. We recommend ensuring your phone is unlocked and purchasing a local SIM or international eSIM upon arrival for better connectivity.
Meals
Meals
Meals are provided from Monday to Saturday morning and are prepared on-site using local ingredients. As the project is in a remote area, food is limited to preserved and seasonal produce. Let us know in advance about any dietary needs or allergies.
Location details
Location details
Located approximately 5 hours from Quito in Ecuador’s Amazon region near the city of Puyo in the province of Pastaza, the Amazon Wildlife Rehabilitation program is set within a humid, lush rainforest environment characterized by year-round rainfall and temperatures ranging from 18–33°C.
Puyo acts as a gateway to the Amazon and offers access to a variety of cultural and natural attractions, including a scenic riverside boardwalk, the municipal museum with insights into indigenous history, and nearby viewpoints such as Indichuris, which provides sweeping views of the surrounding landscape. The area is also known for its waterfalls, including the popular Hola Vida waterfall located about 45 minutes away, as well as community-based experiences like visits to Saquifrancia farm, where participants can learn about local cacao cultivation, observe the chocolate-making process, and purchase locally made products, making the location ideal for combining wildlife conservation work with exploration of the Amazon’s rich culture and biodiversity.
DATES & RATES
FEE BREAKDOWN
Arrivals are typically the first Friday of each month.
Exact arrival date options will be discussed with you upon application. You must arrive on the specified Friday as you will spend the weekend in Quito and travel to the project on Sunday with the team. You will end your internship on a Thursday with transport back to Quito on Friday where you’ll have an exit interview. Flights home or to onward travel can be booked from the Saturday your placement is over.
What you’ll pay (2026 rates)
4 weeks USD 2,507
6 weeks USD 3,054
8 weeks USD 3,601
10 weeks USD 4,179
12 weeks USD 4,758
Internships longer than 12 weeks are possible - please get in touch for rates.
Inclusions
- Careful matchmaking. It takes time to find the right internship for each person, and we take this process very seriously.
- Initial interview with one of our team to gauge your skills, interests, and desired learning outcomes.
- An academic internship eligible for university credit. Check with your university to confirm if this internship qualifies for credit or alternatively we can assist you with purchasing transfer credits.
- Accommodation in a shared cabin (up to 4-8 pax). If you prefer a single room, please contact us for availability and prices.
- Airport transfers upon arrival and departure (to/from Quito – not the project site)
- Friday & Saturday accommodation in Quito upon arrival
- Transport from Quito to project location upon arrival (transfer back to Quito at the end of your placement is not included; the on-site team can help you arrange shared or private transport from the project to Quito for your departure)
- One night accommodation in Quito prior to departure
- Meals from Monday to Saturday morning
- Wifi is available, but the connection can be inconsistent
- Orientation and city tour of Quito
- Guidance with your visa arrangement and other preparations
- Development of an Internship Work Plan to help you reach your learning goals
- Onboarding with your supervisor
- Regular check-ins
- Support from the Roots team remotely
- A certificate of completion at the end of your internship
- A reference letter upon request
Exclusions
- Flights to/from Mariscal Sucre Quito International Airport
- Visa and medical/travel insurance costs for the duration of your placement – must include cover for repatriation
- Certain meals while in Quito
- Transport back to Quito from project location upon departure
- Meals on the weekend
- Drinks, snacks, and items of personal nature (f.e. curios, gifts, clothing)
- Costs for additional excursions or activities
FAQs
Some of our most commonly asked questions for programs in Ecuador.
What can I expect from an internship in Ecuador?
You can expect to work on your Spanish language skills while gaining hands-on experience in your preferred field. From exploring diverse ecosystems to engaging with local communities, your stay in Ecuador will provide you with insights into the country’s rich biodiversity, while the challenges and accomplishments that you experience will foster your adaptability and global perspective.
Will I have time to explore the country during my internship?
Yes! There is always time to explore the surrounding area. Our nonprofit partners are based around the country (and on the Galapagos Islands) and they can offer recommendations about which places are the best to visit! When you are based on the mainland, some of the highlights of Ecuador are, for example, the city of Cuenca or the Cotopaxi National Park. If you are based on the Galapagos Islands, there are great excursion options on the island(s) including fantastic diving. If you are keen to also explore the mainland of Ecuador, you will need to do so before or after your Galapagos internship because of the distance (and costs of the flight).
Does an internship in Ecuador qualify for university credit?
Yes, but you must ensure with your university that your supervisor approves this. It is also possible to purchase transfer credits that can be added to your internship.
Will I be paid during my internship?
Unfortunately, it is not possible to receive any kind of stipend while interning. As your internship with the nonprofit organization will be unpaid, you can check out ways to fund your internship here. The wealth of knowledge and opportunities for both professional and personal growth throughout your experience are invaluable!
QUICK FACTS
LOCATION: Puyo, Ecuador
PROGRAM FOCUS: Wildlife Conservation
TASK FOCUS: Animal Welfare, Conservation, Wildlife Husbandry
LENGTH: Min. 4 weeks
COST: From USD 2,507
FEATURED REVIEW
I was able to have hands-on interactions with many incredible animals, learn about how to care for them, and feed them. I also had the opportunity to choose one of animals at the center and spend time training it one-on-one. I worked with Yalla, an Andean mountain fox, training her to sit, stay, lay down, paw, and many more tricks. I was able to go in her enclosure and really interact with her, which was incredible; I truly bonded with her. This internship helped me confirm that working with animals is what I want to do in the future, and it provided me with invaluable work experience for my resume.
Della, American – Yale University
Amazon Wildlife Rehabilitation Internship, Ecuador
HIGHLIGHTS
- Rescue and rehabilitate animals impacted by illegal wildlife trade
- Work alongside passionate conservation professionals
- Gain veterinary and animal care experience in the Amazon
- Contribute to biodiversity protection in a unique ecosystem
- Live in a remote rainforest region near an indigenous community
ENQUIREAPPLY NOW
HOW TO APPLY
If you’re ready to apply for this internship, here’s what to do:
APPLY
Fill in the application form and share your CV with us.
CONNECT
We’ll set up a call to get to know a bit more about you and your internship goals.
MATCH
Your placement manager will confirm with the host organization that you are qualified for their current projects.
CONFIRM
When your host site confirms that your application is being given strong consideration, verify your interest with a USD $250 deposit.
ENROLL
Meet with your host organization and move forward with your new role. We’re excited to help you plan your international internship!
NEED TO MAKE AN ENQUIRY FIRST?
If you’d like to ask us some questions about our internships, fill in the contact form below. We’ll be happy to assist!
"*" indicates required fields
RELATED PROGRAMS
Animal Welfare Marketing Internship
- Min. 4 weeks
- Puyo, Ecuador
- Animal Welfare, Marketing & Communications,
Champion animal welfare in the Amazon by applying your marketing skills to raise awareness for rescued wildlife.
Find out more
Wildlife Sanctuary Program
- Min. 2 weeks
- Lilongwe, Malawi
- Animal Husbandry, Orphan Care, Observations, Integrations
Work directly with rescued animals, gain conservation skills, and contribute to meaningful rehabilitation efforts.
Find out more
Veterinary Medicine Internship
- Min. 4 weeks
- Costa Rica, Guatemala, OR Peru
- Clinical Practice, Animal Rehabilitation, Veterinary Observations
Gain hands-on animal care experience while supporting clinics, rescue centers, or zoos in Latin America.
Find out more
RELATED BLOGS
What to Expect From A Grassroots Research Internship in Ecuador
What to Expect From A Grassroots Research Internship in Ecuador
“I wanted to participate in a project that allowed me to think critically about labor in the Latin American context. I was eager to connect academic insights with real-world community…
Lessons Learned on a Wildlife Conservation Internship in Ecuador
When Joslyn arrived in Ecuador for her Wildlife Research Internship, she came with a degree in Environmental Science and a desire to grow–in experience, perspective, and purpose. What she left…
