Bolivia Wildlife Sanctuary

The Wildlife Sanctuary in Bolivia was established in 2003 as an ecotourism project providing permanent hospitality services to the many adventure tourists travelling by bicycle down ‘the world’s most dangerous road’ from the city of La Paz to Los Yungas.

Approximately one year later, however, a capuchin monkey and two parrots were rescued from illegal traffickers and brought to the sanctuary sparking a change in direction for the project. Its objectives were now redefined to focus efforts and energy on the aiding of wildlife and conservation of fauna and flora in the area.

The Sanctuary started running with a small number of animals which were voluntarily handed over to the refuge and, by the end of 2007, a relationship was established between the sanctuary and organisation Animales SOS increasing the number of animals arriving at the sanctuary saved from illegal trafficking.

The main mission of the project now is to give adequate care to the animals coming from illegal trafficking, guaranteeing their well-being in a natural environment that allows the development of physiological and physical capabilities.
The sanctuary works successfully with several communities and focussed on developing a sustainable ecotourism venture while helping volunteers discover a new appreciation of the wilderness and the wild animals.

As a volunteer taking part in this project you will enjoy a hands-on experience caring for parrots, macaws, turtles, tortoises, bears, wild cats and monkeys! This is an exceptional opportunity to work closely with a variety of Bolivian wild animals and contribute to a locally run organisation.

Your first week on the project will see you try out all activities and tasks at the sanctuary to give you a good feel of the project and the work carried out there.

After your first week you will spend your time doing the following as per the rotating schedule:
• Feeding and cleaning enclosures and feeding platforms
• Working with the animals three times a day or more, ensuring their needs are provided for
• Monitoring animals eating habits to ensure proper diet and portions
• Improving existing facilities and help build additional facilities, for the new animal arrivals. This task involves building cages and enclosures. Lately we have received more animals, so more construction and landscaping has been required
• Preparing the quarantine area for newly admitted animals
• Cleaning and organizing the animal clinic and food preparation room

If you are staying for 4 or more weeks, you can opt to focus your time working with the spectacled bears at the sanctuary, and if you are staying for at least 8 weeks you can be part of the baby monkey substitute programme. Both of these are available strictly as the need arises.

For volunteers wishing to join the Care Bear Programme, focussing on caring for the spectacled bears, weeks 2-4 will see volunteers introduced to full time bear care.

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