That’s right! In August of this year, we transitioned into a new facility in Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island in the Galapagos. After intensive remodeling in late July and early August, we moved from our modest two-room facility into an impressive two-story 6-room building!
The new facility boasts larger waiting and surgery rooms, a recovery room and supply storage, living space for our staff veterinarian, and two dorm-style rooms that can house up to 10 volunteers for campaigns!
Darwin Animal Doctors president, Tod Emko, first got a look at the place in early July during a routine visit to the island. While it was in need of some serious repairs and upgrades, the possibilities for the future were obvious and work commenced immediately. With the help of DAD ally NovaGalapagos, a lease was obtained and work began on upgrading the electrical and plumbing systems. A volunteer (your intrepid reporter) began to tear up the old tile floors in preparation for painting.
The work on the floors, plumbing and electrical system were accomplished in short time, and work began on building custom bunk beds for the volunteer dorm rooms. While the beds were being completed, Dr. Jose organized moving the equipment and supplies from the old clinic. With the help of volunteer Alisha sky, the beds were finished mere hours before the volunteers arrived for the August campaign. Custom shelving went up in those last few hours, just in time to be stocked with donated supplies brought by the volunteers.
This new facility was a huge investment in the future of the Galapagos Islands by
Darwin Animal Doctors. Help us make that future by joining or donating today!
Karstan Lovorn, Lawyer and Conservationist
