Argentina may not be the first country that springs to mind when you think of South American wildlife havens, but it actually boasts larger natural contrasts than any of its neighbours; the frozen landscapes of Patagonia to the south and tropical northern heat create a perfect recipe for a diverse natural world. El Puma Ecological Park in Argentina's laid back provincial capital brings you face to face with the results as it nurses sick and injured animals back to health before releasing them back in to the wild. The project also runs a breeding programme to increase animal numbers so there's a lot to keep you busy, before you head off to discover the rest of the continent's hottest destination.
*Project details:
El Puma Ecological Park is an animal breeding and rehabilitation center 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 center 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.
Highlights:
* Helping to look after some of Argentina's indigenous wildlife
* Soaking up the culture and lifestyle of this laid back small city
* Sampling Mate - one of Argentina's most popular drinks
El Puma is located in the small town of Candelaria, located on the Rio Parana. Candelaria 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 nearby 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.
Qualifications: What kind of skills you need to go on this type of project:
The biggest requirement for this project is a strong love of all animals, as well as the readiness to be involved with the more basic duties that will be required. Volunteers should be committed and willing to help out wherever needed as the work is hard and can involve long hours. A love of the outdoors is also essential. As the staff at the project do not speak any English and so volunteers should ideally have a basic conversational level of Spanish or take lessons before arriving into the country and be willing to work on this while at the project. It is suggested that you take the add-on lessons offered when arriving into Posadas, ask your desk officer for more details.
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.
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