I am competing in a sprint triathlon to try and raise funds for a volunteering programme in Ecuador. During my gap year I would like to participate in a couple of volunteering opportunities, one of which is to help animals, and experience life in a different culture. I would love if you could support me and would be extremely grateful for any donations. I'm not naturally sporty, so training for a triathlon has been tough, but I wanted to challenge myself and make this part of the journey. Even if you can't donate, please feel free to come to the triathlon on the 17th September on Brighton seafront to support everyone in the race. There is also a MoveGB free event happening alongside it so you can try out new sports, just book online.

The wildlife rescue centre is in Ecuador at the edge of the Amazon rainforest around 10 minutes drive from the small jungle town of Puyo in Ecuador. It was set up to rescue animals and birds that have been abandoned or have suffered abuse or neglect. The centre currently houses at least 40 different species of animals including the unique sloth, ocelots (a small wildcat not dissimilar to a jaguar), oncilla, tayra, capybara, parrots, monkeys, tortoises and caimans as well as an exciting variety of bird life.

The centre takes in orphaned animals that have lost their family as a result of hunting as well as rescuing animals from animal dealers engaged in trafficking. Some of the rescued animals and birds at the centre have been removed from families who kept them in captivity as pets. Police and government officials routinely rescue animals, with some even coming from Ecuadorian zoos that are no longer able to look after them properly.

The project’s long-term, future aim is to set up the facility for some of the animals in their care to be released back into the wild. As some of the animals have become too used to human contact, it will not be possible to release all of the wildlife back into its natural habitat, and for these animals the centre will become a permanent home where they can be looked after in the long-term.

Thank you so much for your support,

Ella xxx