Parque Ambue Ari is owned by CIWY.  It was created in 2002 when the land was bought from a local cacao farmer. The initial plan for the park was to transfer all of CIWY’s operations there, since Machia is government owned and as such did not give us enough security to build a solid infrastructure there. Since then, the number of animals arriving has meant that both parks are needed to support the work we are doing.

As a result, Ambue Ari has been designated the location for larger felines (jaguars) and female pumas, as well as howler monkeys and certain birds which are better suited to the climate there. It is a larger reserve than Machia (600 hectares compared to 36) and is more remote, giving a much better quality of life to the animals which are received there. There are currently 25 large cats in Ambue Ari.

Despite it being a larger reserve, there is still little scope for reintroduction of felines, so the cats are kept in large enclosures during the night, and when possible, taken for walks during the day. The location is basic, with no telephone or electricity, and water taken from a borehole. That said, there is space for approximately 40 volunteers, and the local administrative and veterinary staff are on site permanently.  The vets have facilities to give most basic treatments to the animals, as well as minor surgery. A larger, more established clinic is being built to expand the capability of the park and should be finished in the next year.

The park has natural protection on most sides, with mountains on two of its borders and a river on another. That said, neighbouring land is often used for agriculture or cattle farming, leaving little forest in the area. To add to this, annual slash and burn practices by the local farmers creates a serious risk of uncontrolled fires creeping into the park land.

The aim is to negotiate with neighbouring farms and purchase extra land as a buffer zone whenever this land becomes available. In the meantime, it is a magical place which never fails to inspire the people which visit it.

Find out more information about Volunteering at Parque Ambue Ari

top