{"id":8329,"date":"2023-01-06T15:44:23","date_gmt":"2023-01-06T14:44:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/jupetteetsalopette.fr\/non-classe\/ecuador-our-ecovolunteering-experience-with-merazonia\/"},"modified":"2023-01-06T15:44:23","modified_gmt":"2023-01-06T14:44:23","slug":"ecuador-our-ecovolunteering-experience-with-merazonia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/jupetteetsalopette.fr\/en\/globe-trotter\/ecuador-our-ecovolunteering-experience-with-merazonia\/","title":{"rendered":"Ecuador: our ecovolunteering experience with Merazonia"},"content":{"rendered":"

We had set ourselves two objectives for our round-the-world trip: to take part in solidarity experiences and to live the dreams we had in mind. One of my son-in-law Morgan’s dreams was to work as an ecovolunteer in an animal sanctuary in the Amazon. A commitment that also allowed us to experience solidarity. Two birds with one stone! <\/p>\n

So, to introduce you to our two weeks (three weeks for Morgan) in Merazonia<\/a>, who better than Morgan himself to present this unique experience. I’ll leave the keyboard to him for the rest of this article. The illustrative photos are mainly his. <\/p>\n

What is ecovolunteering and why did you choose it?<\/h2>\n

The aim of ecovolunteering is to get involved in an organization as a volunteer to work on environmental issues, such as wildlife conservation in our case. It may come as a surprise to some, but you have to “pay” to do ecovolunteering. The amounts charged by associations vary enormously and include different things. That’s why it’s important to be well informed before making your choice. For Merazonia<\/a>, for example, it was 160 euros per week, for a minimum of 2 weeks. This is a very reasonable price, which includes accommodation, meals and the loan of equipment for working (boots, clothes…). <\/p>\n

I wanted to do this because ever since I was little I’ve loved taking care of animals, going for walks and having fun in nature. I therefore followed studies related to these passions (BAC Pro agricole, option soigneur animalier). After my round-the-world trip, I’ll be starting a BTS in Nature Management and Protection. After many internships in contact with animals in zoos, I always wanted to do this job, but IN the natural environment of endangered animals. <\/p>\n

Knowing that we’d be passing close to the Ecuadorian Amazon, the best preserved rainforest in South America, I saw an opportunity for an extraordinary experience. So I went in search of an organization that could take us on as volunteers. <\/p>\n

How did I find Merazonia?<\/h2>\n

Despite the many ecovolunteering websites out there, it’s not that easy to find a good structure. Between the exorbitant prices, the associations that never reply or those that require you to stay for a minimum of 6 months, don’t be discouraged… For me, it all started with a contact at a zoo who recommended various centers. However, I received no positive response, only other addresses to contact. One thing led to another, and after many e-mails, I discovered Merazonia<\/a>. I was immediately convinced by their presentation of the refuge, their objectives, their website and their professionalism in their dealings with me. It was there that my dream was to come true! <\/p>\n

What is Merazonia and what is the purpose of this refuge?<\/h2>\n

Merazonia is a wildlife rescue and rehabilitation center set in 100 hectares of tropical jungle. The refuge is located near Mera, a small town at the gateway to the Amazon. From Mera, it’s a 15-minute 4X4 drive into the forest to Merazonia. <\/p>\n

\"Merazonia<\/p>\n

Since its opening in 2009, over 1,700 volunteers have helped to care for the center’s 100 or so animals. All the animals at Merazonia are survivors of animal trafficking. Many arrive injured or completely traumatized by their experience alongside humans. <\/p>\n

Merazonia’s mission<\/a> is to care for them and, above all, to teach them to live like wild animals again. Yes, many animals have been captured as babies and have little natural behavior. Once the animal or group of animals is ready, they are released back into their natural environment. For example, in 2021, 24 animals were released and are now living in the middle of the forest. <\/p>\n

\"Petit<\/p>\n

Since Merazonia is really focused on rehabilitating the animals at the shelter, they have a strict no-human-contact policy for most of their animals. So we try as much as possible not to talk loudly or interact with them. It’s important to know this before you commit. <\/p>\n

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What’s the daily rhythm at Merazonia?<\/h2>\n

At Merazonia, we work 6 days a week with one day off. Working hours are 7 hours a day (except Thursdays and Sundays, when we only work mornings). These days are divided into three “rounds”: <\/p>\n