Interview With The Founders Of Merazonia Animal Refuge In Ecuador, Part 2

By Kate | Permalink | No Comments | April 5th, 2007 | Trackback

In Part 1, the Merazonia team explained how it got its start and gave some advice for other volunteers or individuals who might like to start their own organization. Here, see what’s in store for a typical day (and have a look at a view of Mera, Ecuador, in the picture on the right) and what lies ahead for Merazonia.

“Right now a typical day sees us waking up about 8am to eat breakfast and prepare a lunch to take to the land with us. We then round up our three dogs and take a taxi as close to our land as we can get (15 minutes), and then hike in another kilometer. We are putting the finishing touches on our house and dry toilets, and creating our grey water system. This means some carpentry and cement work, and lots of digging and carrying of stones and sand for the grey water system. We work until around 4pm, and then either walk back to out house in town (about an hour) or take a taxi. We prepare dinner collectively, and often settle in for
a movie or game before bed. When our living quarters are complete on the land, our schedule will change—a little more wild and less plush, without electricity for the time being. But lots of natural stimulation.

“Our plans for the future of Merazonia include to finish the construction of our living quarters and animal enclosures, so we can begin to offer abused and trafficked animals a better life. We also hope to be able to engage other volunteer interests and experiences and create an
organic garden, and perhaps primary reforestation (our rainforest is secondary, and the reintroduction of native species would help increase the natural biodiversity of the area). The four of us who originated the project has dwindled to two, and we are looking for another partner to help us continue our work. “

You can find out about volunteering at Merazonia here. I find it pretty neat to see a visual record of the construction progress in pictures – check in with the updates section regularly for the latest. Finally, I would be remiss if I didn’t point out that the Merazonia project is currently supported by the founders and their families, and there is only a modest $40/week volunteer fee for accommodation, facilities and water; find out how you can donate here. They report that there is an offer from a donor to provide a grant of $10,000 if Merazonia can first match that donation through its own fundraising.

Thanks to the Merazonia team for taking the time to do an email interview. Stay tuned to the Volunteer Logue where I hope to be able to provide updated information on Merazonia in the future.

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