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Host rating
85 %
Last replied
27 Mar 2024
Reply rate
100.0 %
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Details
Description
SEEKING A KEEN AND PERCEPTIVE PERSON TO PARTICIPATE IN WILDLIFE CONSERVATION AND EDUCATION PROJECTS
ORGANIZATION: Established in 2009, our project is a 7 HA, private, nonprofit, ecological park and center for wildlife conservation and environmental education. As part of our mission, we provide nature tours to visitors and education programs to students of all ages. We also provide a limited amount of rescue services to wild animals of the region; those that cannot be released are provided sanctuary in the park.
HELP NEEDED; We need additional people with a strong interest in conservation and nature to join us. You would participate as a team member and nature ambassador in any and all aspects of park activities, including animal care, daily operations, nature tours and education programs.
Schools visit by appointment. We design age appropriate education programs with the overall goal to increase awareness of the flora and fauna of the region and to foment interest in all of the natural sciences. In addition to school visits, we receive visitors to tour the park, and for nature & birding excursions in the adjacent lagoon by Trajinera (a gondola style boat propelled by a gondolier with a pole).
Types of help and learning opportunities
Help with Eco Projects
Teaching
Animal Care
Hospitality/Tourism
General Maintenance
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Cultural exchange benefits and learning opportunities: You will interact with members of the local community in an array of activities. At the time of this writing there are 11 people working during any week at our place. Besides practicing your Spanish skills, you will become familiar with a new group of local people with ideas and experiences very different from your own. If your animal experience is solely with domestic animals, you will have the opportunity to live, learn, observe and interact with various wild animals. Living in the tropical dry forest you will experience firsthand this rare and endangered habitat. If you work on the Trajinera, you will learn about mangrove lagoons, bird habits and habitats, crocodile behavior, and perhaps oddest of all, human behaviors.
When touring guests, you will learn how others perceive the wild. What they have experienced or missed or enjoyed or the myths they live in. It is an intimate mission, guiding people through a new world.
Local schools bring students for field trips. Our job / your job, is to introduce them to new ways of seeing the world, foster a sense of wonder for nature and to reveal new possibilities. Our kids do not have access to museums, science centers, or sophisticated nature programs commonly found on videos and television. We are the crack through which they gain access to and explore the natural world.
Help
DUTIES
Our team of employees is made up of residents from nearby communities. I am the only foreigner on the team. Spanish is the language of the day. Your service and participation are needed in all areas of daily park operations; including animal care, nature tours and education programs. Specific duties will be assigned based on availability, interests, abilities, experience, and park needs.
You will be trained as needed. You are not expected to function without assistance, abilities or experience. You will not be asked to perform dangerous acts. We would like you to work 5 hours a day / 5 days a week
Duties: You will be asked to:
• Assist in care and maintenance of the Park including daily operations (cleaning cages, racking, pruning,
sweeping, feeding interacting and observing the animals, preparing animal diets).
• Participate in projects that promote the awareness and conservation of wildlife (plants, animals, and people).
• Participate in education programs for visiting local schools.
• Function as a park tour guide and or Trajinera assistant (gondola type boat)
• Interact with the general public as a conservation ambassador
Individual Skills
• Physically fit and hardy.
• Heat and insect tolerant
• Independent and able to tolerate separation from family and friends.
• Grit
• An easy laugh.
• A positive approach to challenges.
• Ardently drawn to nature and eager to share that passion with others
• Spanish and English language skills are required
*Recommended: an updated tetanus vaccine
Of note: if you are squeamish, weather or insect intolerant, fearful of the dark, uncomfortable alone, experience phobias, this is not the place for you. We are definitely in the wild. Advanced medical care may not be at hand. If you are a highly social person, I predict that this is not your place.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Spanish: Intermediate
Accommodation
Accommodations: You will have a basic accommodation with access to a bathroom and shower. There is a community kitchen with standard amenities for you to prepare your meals and store your food.
Food: You will be provided basic food staples. Rice, beans, lentils, pasta, tortillas, cheese, eggs, some fruits and veg. I do not coffee; if that is a need, let me know.
Every effort will be made to ensure you feel safe and comfortable. You will find quiet places for contemplation and reflection, time for digital contacts and opportunity to interact with others. If you have your own creative projects you will find space to pursue those interests.
Living together. I am a deeply private person and accustomed to the solitude I enjoy here. I request for myself and others that you keep your party silent and to yourself. Please avoid smoking tobacco. Since drugs are still illegal in Mexico, please leave that to your time elsewhere. Additional animal companions are not welcome; they pose a risk to the animals already in residence.
If there is something you want or need, please let me know; my goal is to make your time here pleasant and a fond memory. I appreciate the help and assistance, and the new ideas you bring.
What else ...
Area description: our place is located 1.2 km from the beach front of Playa Blanca, Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, Mexico. We are approximately 15 miles from the farming center of Petatlan, and the tourist center of Zihuatanejo/Ixtapa. Local transportation is by bus, taxis and passenger trucks. This is a remote and rural destination. We have power & running water, cellular service and internet. All services occasionally do fail without warning.
The villages of Barra de Potosí and Los Farrallones are nearby with an approximate population of 800 people. The area is supported by tourism, construction, farming and fishing. Mango, coconut, and papaya plantations surround the mainly rural area. While Barra de Potosi is 2 KM distance; not far by walking standards, it is not a quick stroll in the tropical sun nor a wise choice on our very dark nights.
The local transportation does not run at night, though local taxis are available. Barra de Potosi is an active spot in the evening and you will want to take the opportunity to visit and socialize with all. Since you might walk on the road at night, bringing simple reflectors and a headlight are a wise survival decision.
Other activities in the region:
Most are drawn to the beach. The area is home to an endless 10-mile beach. We have mangrove lagoons to traverse by kayak. Hiking is not great but walking and exploring is an ever-interesting option. The small cities of Zihuatanejo and Petatlan are within easy reach by public transportation. The Mesoamerican archeological site of La Chole / Xihuacan is 20 minutes south by the highway. Surfing is a popular option for visitors. Not to be missed are our starry, starry nights and bonfires on the beach.
Your time with us is, apologetically, unpaid time. Additionally, you will have no medical insurance coverage from me during your stay here. I do not provide for your transportation to, from, or within Mexico.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Cheers
Laurel
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
Hours expected
Maximum 5 hours a day, 5 days a week
