Real life volunteer experiences

Wildlife Refuge

Written by Katie Holborn Summer 2008

I worked at both Parque Ambue Ari and Parque Machia this Summer’ 08 and had a wonderful experience. Many of these animals have been rescued off the black market where they were abused or neglected, and it is our job to help release them back into the wild, OR if they can never go back, we help give them a better life here at the park. I tended to 20 sick and wounded monkeys in the clinic at Machia and nursed them back to health. At Ambue Ari, I looked after 3 puma sisters and took them for walks through the Jungle 5 hours per day, feed them, and cleaned their enclosure. It was an amazing experience. Some advice, if they want to work with monkeys, go to Machia. If they want to work with cats, they can go to Machia OR Ambue Ari. But Ambue Ari has more cats. Also, if they want to work with cats, they have to stay for at least 1 month. For the monkeys, the monkey release programs require 3-4 weeks min. But if you’re only staying 2 weeks, you can work in the clinic, or in the monkey tourist park. Or with in the avery at either park.

Also, as a side-note. It takes about a month to get comfortable with your cat, and for the cat to get comfortable with you. A lot of people regret not being able to stay longer than 1 month, because that’s when they finally are able to bond with them.

About the placement

For more information, visit the placement page for Wildlife Refuge in Bolivia.