Trinidad is unique among Caribbean Islands for the richness of its ecological resources, boasting the greatest biological diversity in the region. Seven types of forest support more than 426 species of birds and hundreds of thousands of plants, over 100 species of mammals of which 58 species are bats, 70 species of reptiles, 600 species of butterflies, some of which are endemic, and a vast fauna of insects many of which are yet to be described by science.

     The Wildlife Orphanage and Rehabilitation Center (W.O.R.C.) is a not-for-profit located in the north eastern town of Petit Valley, Trinidad. W.O.R.C is mainly run by its passionate manager, who has treated everything from bats to opossums, land snails to frigate birds and oiled land birds. He has rescued boas from under car hoods, caimans from backyards and factory sites, and owls from the sitting room.

     The Center is in urgent need of maintenance and repair, and has not been able to gather the manpower or other resources on its own to be able to conduct the repairs. In partnership with UWI Student Endeavors, a student group at the University of the West Indies in Trinidad, RYS volunteers will lend assistance this year.

     Participants will be mainly involved in the repairing and building of enclosures for the animals, as well as some further beautification of the grounds. Aside from working at the Center, participants will learn about the flora, fauna and wildlife of Trinidad and Tobago, in addition to its rich culture.

     We hope to have a rich mix of participants from many different religions and cultural traditions to care for our fellow inhabitants of the earth. We hope many inspired young people join this project.