Mathilde Rémy would like to share with us her experience as an ecovolunteer at the Zoorefugio Tarqui in Ecuador, near Puyo. An enriching experience in the heart of the Amazon rainforest.
Laurence Dupont: What motivated you in this experience?
Mathilde Rémy: I'd already had experience of volunteering with children in Senegal. I wanted to have a different experience with animals this time. I don't think I like animals any more than humans! But I really enjoy their company and I'm not afraid of them. I went to Ecuador for two months and wanted to make myself useful.
> What is the refuge's project?
The refuge was created in 2008 by William Lopez and his wife Fanny Bonilla. Fanny is an English teacher, and William an electrician. Neither of them had any experience with animals. They are both originally from the Amazon region of Ecuador. William has loved animals ever since he was a child. At the age of 15, he had the idea of setting up a shelter. William and Fanny saved for a few years before taking the plunge. Zoorefugio Tarqui has a restaurant with swimming pool (to earn money and improve the shelter), and right next door is the shelter which is open to the public for visits.
Only abandoned, illegally trafficked or sick animals live here. All live a normal life in the Amazon rainforest.
> What work do the ecovolunteers do at the refuge?
Every morning we have to prepare the food, clean all the cages (just under 30), then put the food down. When there aren't many volunteers, this takes about 2h30. In the afternoon, we do it again, but without cleaning. William also relies heavily on us to make sure everything is spotless. We can also act as guides for visitors if we wish.
> How long can ecovolunteers stay?
The minimum stay is 10 days, and the maximum three months (legal length of stay in Ecuador).
> Is there a financial contribution?
Yes, it's $150/week. But believe me, it's a steal!
> Is the ecovolunteer provided with accommodation? Are they fed?
Volunteers are housed in the volunteer house, right in the middle of the refuge. I'll let you imagine what it's like to get up there 🙂
We also have the three daily meals included in our participation. We eat practically the same food as the restaurant's customers, a delight!
> What did you like about this mission?
Everything, everything and everything! Fanny and William are probably the most impressive people I've ever met in my life. As well as being ultra courageous (they work 7 days a week and almost 24 hours a day, as William sleeps at the refuge to stand guard), they're just adorable. They really want us to learn a lot and see everything about their country. The workers at the refuge are also really nice. William also wants to show the volunteers all the facets of his work. He also likes to put us in direct contact with the animals he knows well (and there are a lot of them!). Everyone trusted me very quickly and I had responsibilities from day 3.