During the final months of 2008 the land that Parque Jacj Cuisi is based on was acquired. Jacj Cuisi, which is the newest of CIWY’s wild animal refuges, encompasses a 300+ hectare area located approximately 35km from the village of San Buenaventura, opposite the town of Rurrenabaque and in the department of La Paz. Its location is key for the development of CIWYs work, as it is linked to the Madidi National Park (a 1.8 million hectare reserve), giving scope for potential reintroduction programs, and has scope for further land purchase if and when funds become available. The name JACJ CUISI means Land of Dreams in the native language Mosetan – Tacana.

At present, conditions are more basic than in the other parks, although they are constantly improving and we now have showers by the creek and a fully functioning kitchen. The park’s remote location means the setting is incredibly tranquil, with the frequent sound of macaws flying over head, and wild monkeys feeding in the trees.

This refuge is currently in the initial phases of construction and only homes four pumas that have been trans-located from Parque Machia. Each cat has an expansive enclosure; further infrastructure completed includes volunteer accommodation and a kitchen. Current priorities include completing the walled quarantine area and a primtae acclimatisation enclosure. Once these have been completed, Parque Jacj Cuisi will be the first wild animal refuge in Bolivia to attain ‘Biopark’ status. This important step will aid CIWY to increase its National and International presence and open the way for better collaboration with other prestigious institutions.  Please click here if you would like to contribute to developing Jacj Cuisi’s infrastructure. 

8 volunteers are required for the four pumas located in this park, and further volunteers are required to help with extensive construction work and development of Jacj Cuisi's infrastructure. 

Find out more about Volunteering at Parque Jacj Cuisi

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