This page is for volunteers to leave comments about their stay, so that other volunteers can get a better impression of what it is like.
If you have suggestions or criticisms of CIWY, email
intiwarayassi@gmail.com
so we can find the solution to your problem.
If you have questions about
volunteering, email intiwarayassi@gmail.com
and someone will answer usually within a week or
so.
Ideas for ex-volunteers'
comments:
- Was it worth taking time out of
your travel schedule?
- Has it added to your memories of
your trip?
- Has it changed your thoughts or feelings on
anything?
- Is there anything you´d do
differently?
- Would you do/suffer it all
again?!
As there is no security on this page, all
comments have to be approved before they are displayed. If your comment
is not approved after a month or two please email us at intiwarayassi@gmail.com.
New Guestbook Entry
*If you wish, please leave your email address. This will only ever be used by Chris or Tomer, individually, eg, if Tomer needs a recent volunteer to help with the refuge newsletter, or a journalist has asked to speak to someone. We will never forward your email address without your permission.
1. Name: Nina
Comments: Hey I'm also no former volunteer..But I'm looking forward to go to a wild-life park in Bolivia next summer...
If anybody thinks about going to Bolivia in April/May, too and would like to join me please let me know! :-)
Left on 13 Oct 2011
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2. Name: lee
Comments: hi all, hola noemi, jaime, zandro, nena, juan carlos and juan carlito.
es muy importante. por favor continua el trabajo and la familia. We remember the wonderful times and miss Alex very much, who was such a joyous example of voluntary service. a short life, well lived is no smaller. some may call it project bigness. big heart, big work and big lesson! yo viven IWY
Left on 10 Sep 2011
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3. Name: Rebecca Gaub
Comments: Giedre-
Hi! I am a 22 year old and am going to be in Ambue Ari for 3 months for June, July, and August this summer. Hope to see you there!
Left on 9 May 2011
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4. Name: Giedre Kazragyte
Comments: Hi, I'm a twenty year old student and I haven't been here yet but I have been dreaming about volunteering at Ambue Ari for the past 6 months. I'm in college presently, but as soon as summer break comes, I want to get to Bolivia. I was wondering if there are any travelers who would be interested going with me for the sake of companionship, starting off from Peru and finally making it over to the nature reserves...? Thanks for all the insightful comments from previous volunteers and can't wait to join you!!
Left on 15 Mar 2011
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5. Name: Karin
Comments: Three months without electricity and running water but in the Land of Dreams, Jacj Cuisi! It's difficult to find a place so peaceful and calm, the lack of civilisation creates a unique atmosphere great to relax and switch of from everyday life. The time in Jacj Cuisi is full of crazy and unbelievable adventures. The people out there are amazing just like the whole place. The more time you spend the more you can discover, e.g. a bunk bed in the jungle.
Being back in the normal life I painfully miss my time at the camp fire, in the river, at the Moskkito bar ('Wanna walk a puma?'), at our jungle partys and especially the walks with the cats. It is not easy but rewarding work. Hearing the pumas calling for you from the distance is an indescribable feeling!
So if you're looking for an inimitable adventure in the wild nature far away from normal life, Jacj Cuisi is the right place for you!
Left on 1 Mar 2011
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6. Name: Jacqueline FitzG
Comments: After traveling all around, Parque Machia was a great place to drop my backpack and enjoy the simple life in the jungle for, what ended up being, 3 months. Personally I loved my time with the pumas, but the great thing about this place is that, with so many animals needing care, anyone who wants to volunteer will find their niche; in either spider monkeys, capuchins, cats, birds or small animals. Despite the routines of the animals, no day was the same, I could spend it; muddied running in the jungle, hours watching my puma sleep, or building monkey cages. Then more time you spend with your animal, the more enjoyable and amusing your days are with them.
Yes it is hard work, but as long as you aren’t scared to get your hands dirty and take the mosquito bites on the chin, then you will have some hilarious times and bazaar memories of both the people and the animals. Ya it changed my perspective, on animals, their freedom, what a tough job NGOs have to provide this. So go on, give it a try!
Left on 22 Feb 2011
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7. Name: Ruby
Comments: an amazing experience, do something worthwhile with your time in bolivia!!
The work isn't hard, but it is constant, and the days are long, but even a short stay here will make you fall in love with the animals :)
I worked with the tejones, and miss them so much! I will go back one day!!
Left on 16 Feb 2011
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8. Name: Emily Sunter
Comments: honestly, the best 7 weeks of my life. amazing people, even more amazing animals (miss romeo and gato!!!!). every day is a dirty, sweaty, happy day. can't wait to get back!
Left on 18 Dec 2010
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9. Name: Helena
Comments: I havent been there yet, but it is a goal of mine to volunteer next year! I already know that I want to stay for at least 2 months. REading the comments on this site just makes me anticipate getting there even more!
I get a lump in my throat thinking about leaving from there and I havent even been there yet! Im so excited to go there I can hardly contain myself. If I had the money I would leave tomorrow! I want to do this so bad, I visit the site every day just to dote on it and daydream about when I get there.
I hope Im assigned to the monkeys, but even if Im not, I will just be happy to be there and interact with animals, cool people and become one with nature! I really cant wait! I get choked up just thinking about it!
Left on 28 Nov 2010
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10. Name: alli
Comments: i worked at inti wara yassi in january of 2003. the work was tough, the water system was out, the bed bugs were rampant and i wouldn't trade the experience for anything. i love what the park is doing and how it is doing it. i loved knowing that my efforts were needed and noticed by the animals. this is a one of a kind experience and i am so glad i took time out of my travels to be a part of it. amazing community and monkeys!!!
Left on 19 Nov 2010
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11. Name: Jodie Preece
Comments: I worked for three weeks in ambue ari and three weeks in macchia, and wish it had been more like three years in each. I was there in 2008 and I still think about my experiences there most days. The heart of the whole thing was just people getting back to nature and trying to protect the innocence in our world. I just wish there were more places like it and more people to help. I'd go back tomorrow.
Left on 26 Oct 2010
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12. Name: Niels Harbers
Comments: I worked from February 2005 fore 6 weeks at Inti Wara Yassi. It’s still the most amazing experience i ever had. "My day started at 8.00 after some food i pick up the meat. After i have to walk fore about 20 minutes, through a lot of hills and little streams. When I am close to the cage I start making cat noises. I always do get back an good morning miauw. I pet Roy an put him at his runner, open the door and there he goes. After i give him an egg at the end of is runner at an hill. He also has some long fresh grass. The he can move around fore 15 minutes in his area. Then i walk to Roy and put him at a long rope. I take him off of the runner. After we go run fore an hour in the jungle. Sometimes we stop to rest a bit and drink. Sometimes Roy likes to play, sometimes i liked it also. Not if he gets to wild. Than he drags me off of a hill. After the first walk i always rest and eat. Than i do the same in the afternoon" Love you Roy, miss you.
Niels Harbers
Holland
Left on 11 Sep 2010
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13. Name: liam martin
Comments: I spent 2 very good weeks in the park 5 years ago and have only found this web site. its sad to see the devastation the new road is causing to the park. I have very fond memories of my time spent there
Left on 3 Sep 2010
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14. Name: Mel Campbell and Sandor Reizig
Comments: Where do we start? What an amazing 3 weeks we had working at Parque Machia with the birds (21st July - 12th Aug 2010). It's only been 2 weeks since we left and we still think about the birds everday. I wish I could be back there having a non-sensicle chat with an parrot as it sits on my shoulder! We were both a bit sniffly for a few days after leaving :( .......... Pea, Carolina, Captain Jack Toucan, Hiya, Timmy, Destroyer, Pablo, Sleepy, Twitch, Matias, Sunshine and Phillip (to name but a few of the birds)we think you ROCK! And can't wait until we can come back and work with you again at some point in the future!
We signed up for 2 weeks and extended for 1 more as we simply couldn't leave. We would have stayed even longer if we hadn't paid for a flight home already! The entire experience was truely incredible: From building up such memorable and touching relationships with our feathered friends,having a place to call home for a few weeks (great cure for homesickness/generally getting travel-tired after a long time on the road!),to the great mates we made while washing down Dona Vicki's scrummy "Tostadas con huevo y queso" with cold beers at the end of a hard days work! We miss all the banter! The Wednesday fundraising "all you can drink" parties were awesome (even if we might have felt a bit special the next day!) You can see exactly where the money that you pay/ is donated goes - directly towards animal care. We have the uttmost respect for the longtermer volunteers, staff and vets! Everyone there has the biggest hearts. The accomodation is basic,hours are long,the work is hard, but so worth it. An absolute highlight to our year long trip in Latin America! We can't recommend it enough! If you love animals and want to do something worthwhile this is the place for you!
Left on 30 Aug 2010
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15. Name: Yugata Allende , Chile
Comments: Estuve en el parque como voluntario en varias oportunidades. La primera vez como voluntario fue por unos días en Dic.- 1997, luego volví el año 1998 por varios meses como voluntario, luego regrese en 1999 por unas semanas y mi última visita al parque fue el año 2002. Las cuatro visitas al parque siempre fueron especiales, de muchos recuerdos y reencuentros con lo natural, con el paisaje, con amigos como Nena, Juan Carlos, Millca, Marcos, con los animales, con los baños en el rio, con las cervezas muy frías en el pueblo jajaja!!! Espero volver a futuro como voluntario y llenarme de energías positivas y buenas vibras como siempre fue cada vez que estuve ahí. Espero que este todo muy bien por allá y con muchos voluntarios eficientes.
Saludos y Abrazos a todos!!!
I was in the park as a volunteer on several occasions. The first volunteer was a few days in December - 1997, then returned in 1998 for several months as a volunteer, then return in 1999 for a few weeks and my last visit to the park was in 2002. The four visits to the park were always special, many memories and encounters with nature, with the landscape, with friends as Nena, Juan Carlos, Millca, Mark, with animals, swimming in the river, with very cold beer in the town lol! I look forward to future volunteer and full of positive energy and good vibes as always was whenever I was there. I hope this all very well over there and many volunteers efficient.
Greetings and Hugs to all!
Left on 16 Aug 2010
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16. Name: Paul
Comments: I worked at Ambue Ari with Rusber and my monkey friends timo, tereke, taleah and rumi. It was so incredible and I tell anyone willing to listen about it.
Left on 5 Jul 2010
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17. Name: Sev Darwell
Comments: I spent 2 months in Ambue Ari in two parts: first for 2 weeks with my girlfriend returning for 1 and a half months later in my travels. Each time in the park was a totally unique and life changing experience. The first time running Cuarrentena with the monkeys, birds, deer cat etc. in the worst of the rainy season. As I arrived not knowing what to expect the rain and mosquitoes did prove to be very hard going, but the people and animals kept me strong for that short time.
The second time in the park I was in charge of Cuarrentena and worked full days with Maggie. This time was a lot harder work as I had a lot more responsibility but it was also a lot more play!!!
I made some AMAZING friends that have made a real impression on me. The park is a place that shapes your life the sense of community is so ingrained into the place that no matter what who you are there with or for how long you can always feel needed and that your work is valued.
I just want to say a MASSIVE THANK YOU everyone in the park Noemi, Zandro, The kids and all the volunteers, i will be seeing you as soon as I possibly can.
Left on 21 May 2010
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18. Name: Krista Des Meules, Canada
Comments: I was at Ambue Ari for seven weeks in January and February, 2010. I worked half days with two amazing cats, Katie the beautiful jaguar in the mornings and lovley handsome Leoncio, a puma, in the afternoon. I miss them both so much, they are such GREAT cats and if anyone ever gets the chance to work with them they are the luckiest people in the world! I am hoping to head back to the park for two or three months next spring, I am already counting down the time until I can return to Ambue Ari!
I think about my time at the park every day, I miss it so much, and I miss my cats more than I ever thought I would! It was an amazing experience, an amazing place that I cant wait to get back too :). Miss and love you Leo and Katie!
Left on 12 Apr 2010
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19. Name: Freja, Denmark
Comments: since i left Ambue Ari i have often cried!!! i simply just miss it that much!
I dream about my 3 pumas, Inti, wara and Yassi at night. swiming in the muddy river together, days where they ran around and played for hours, their calls. or the hot and humid days, where i just sat under a leaf for hours and watched them sleep in the shadow. They are so beautiful, i never get tired of just looking at them. wow, such amazing creatures!
now i even sometimes accidentally meow to my dog, and get to disappointed when he doenst call back. i miss it soooo much - the other volonteers, the jungle life, the simple living - but mostly the amazing feeling of being accepted among big cats.
there simply is no place like Ambue Ari!!!
i ended a 12,5 months long backpack-adventure in bolivia and though i have been to most of the world and seen and expirienced more than most people do in a lifetime, i have never found anything as amazing as Inti Wara Yassi! wow, now i cry again...
i left a big piece of my heart there, cant wait to go back!!!!!!!!
left oct 2008
Left on 19 Jan 2010
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20. Name: Leanne Bird (UK)
Comments: Working in Parque Machia was the highlight of my trip and also the unfortunate end to it. I arrived in Villa Tunari in mid July 2009 planning to stay a min of 2 months and due to a broking my leg at the fish festival had to leave in mid August :( But before this I had the most amazing time working with the spider monkeys and tejons. The people were also fantastic too, I have made friends for life.
I won't lie it is tough, with working long days (7am-7pm sometimes) and for 14 days in a row without a day of. But despite this once you have worked with these wonderful animals you're life will never be the same again. I miss the spiders everyday and wish i could have stayed longer. I will definitely be back in the future! :)
Left on 10 Dec 2009
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21. Name: Nicole Angele
Comments: Muchos grazias por el tiempo!!fui en el ano 2004. espero todo bien con los animales...?penso mucho tiempo a chayenne..!abrazo nicole de suiza
Left on 7 Dec 2009
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22. Name: Wim Houben Belgium
Comments: I spend 5 month only in Bolivia and this experience was one of the highlights for me. Spending time with the animals, grabing beers, play poker and chess with people all over the world...
Living without electricity and other facilities in a big jungle makes you feel human again, humble and tiny.
I hope my artwork is still over there.
Left on 14 Oct 2009
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23. Name: Michael Edwards
Comments: I worked at Paque Machia during July/August 2009 and had a fantastic experience. Although the days were long and the work sometimes challenging and conditions basic, the time spent interacting with the animals easily made up for this, as did the social side of life there where I met so many open minded and genuinely nice 'dudes'!!. I was fortunate enough to work with Pumas Roy, Sonko and Luna and despite the 'Jumps' I recieved this was an amazing time that I will never forget.Few peoiple are lucky enough to have this oppurtunity and I would recommend a stay at one of the parks to anyone travelling in South America.
Left on 14 Oct 2009
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24. Name: Thijs
Comments: The love you get from the animals is of course the highlight of the park. I will never forget Luna. A playful Puma of 1,5 years old (back then). But there is more. The long walks trough a beautiful jungle, meeting special people who are all here for the same reason, eating with 20 people at a long table at the same restaurant and the crazy parties so now and then…
And although the days are long I have never been more relax as during this time. Right now I am back in “the real world” and I would trade back in a second!
These 5 weeks where definitely the highlight of a 1,5 year long trip! So go help out in Parque Machia or one of the other parks of Inti Wara Yassi and have the time of your life!
Left on 25 Sep 2009
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25. Name: Linda Schwede
Comments: Thanks for the amzing time that i have with the monkeys in the quarentine and with the nice people that they work and live too....i miss the time so much ....i want come back to the monkeys and the other volenteers
linda
Left on 13 Sep 2009
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26. Name: rebekah
Comments: The jungle that i left behind a year ago is never far from my thoughts, i have about 2 'jungle dreams" a week and if i don't i'm disappinted!i really miss everythin that came wih living and breathing jungle life, even when Tigre liked to go walking without me, on more than one occasion! I have burned the ears off anybody who will listen to what i consider to be the best thing i've ever done. i hope to be back and see everyone really soon xx
Left on 20 Aug 2009
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27. Name: karen pachet
Comments: I miss my animals! Even the ones on 2 legs!! (the old timers and bolivians!!)
Since 2005, I've now spent over 2 years at the 3 parks.. (the newest one Jacj Cuisi is just starting..wait for more updates to come)...the park life is in my blood. If you aren't careful, you will also be affected!! If you are looking for a place to volunteer with animals, this is it. I've always said to newbies, take a picture of yourself on your first day as you will never look the same. But I should be saying you'll never feel the same. If you are lucky enough to make a connection with an animal, it is an amazing feeling to return and know that this special animal knows who you are. For that reason many volunteers return. I've returned to the "real" world and am missing my jungle world. Exploring Machia with Tigre (female ocelot), or encouraging Engine (male ocelot) to be more confident on trails in Ambue Ari is an incredible feeling. Having a bird follow you around as they recognize your voice is something so amazing. Getting to know the Bolivians is another reward of staying longer, especially seeing the younger ones grow up! Rusber will be a fantastic vet one day I have no doubt. His English is amazing, challenge him to a chess game or check out his artwork. For anyone traveling long term, going to a place like this is a great way to have a "home" for awhile. Hard to imagine having to "work" 7 days a week, but if you connect with the animals, it is not work. It is living!! You can learn so much from your fellow volunteers if you want. You can even learn Spanish, but this is not as easy as you would think, as you are generally with your animal all day, and at night, English tends to be the common language, but if you are determined, you definately can practice your Spanish with the Bolivians and some fluent volunteers. This park is for everyone that cares about animals. The majority of volunteers are under 30, however older volunteers are more and more common. I'm working on getting my 70 year old mom there!! She'd be great with the birds!! I can't say enough about the parks. Just go!! And then tell everyone about it, so we never are short of volunteers!!
Karen (KP)
Left on 30 Jul 2009
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28. Name: Pamela Breit
Comments: Queridos todos los que conocí en el parque Ambue Ari:
Los extraño cada día desde las lejanías... pienso todo el tiempo en la increible experiencia que viví, que sólo fue posible ahi. Con la esperanza de volver algun dia me despido no sin antes dar las gracias por todo a Naiomi, Jaime, Jerry, Oso, Magali, Maria, Eugenia, Mariana, Lourdes, Sandro y Juan Carlos. Espero nuevos voluntarios llenos de energías los sigan visitando y el parque siga mejorando día a día por el bien de los animales a quienes tanto amamos.
Left on 19 Jun 2009
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29. Name: marie
Comments: hi, i worked in park for 5 weeks in may 2007, loved every minute of but most of all i fell in love with sama. i spent 5 weeks caring for him & along with several other volunteers built him 2 platforms & began the construction of his bigger cage.
Left on 22 Mar 2009
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30. Name: danny zane SMALL ANIMALS PERSONAL TRAINER, SUPERVISER, SHOULDER TO LEAN ON AND JOKER
Comments: Wow I have been traveling for over a year and the only experience I care to dwell in and on was Inti Wara Yassi. A lifetime of fun in 3 weeks. I had to be dragged off and all I think of now is getting back. The long hours I notice mentioned in this site are meaningless, I and those around me did nt seem to ever want the 'Long' days to end. Its not hard work if you enjoy the privilege of working with animals that need your help NOW. Naughty monkeys, clever cats, tejons with cuddle cravings, striking birds and of course Donna Vicki's. They are all missed dearly. I am still traveling but it is evident now that nothing will ever match this and all I need is to get back their. This really is the experience of a lifetime, never forgotten......nowhere else can you have this. Gaining respect from animals over time is wonderful.....I lost some and won many! LOVE IT........ENJOY
Left on 21 Mar 2009
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31. Name: SUSAN BELLORD
Comments: My son, Luke, has been a volunteer looking after Simba. His description of his jungle walks with this Puma have been riveting. Because of running the jungle trails with Simba he will now be superfit!! We do miss him very much, but know that this has been a wonderful time for him and he'll never forget his time with you all.
Left on 11 Jan 2009
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32. Name: Gal Dvir
Comments: I have worked at Parque Machia for 6 weeks NOV-DEC 2008, with the pumas Simba, Lishou and Roy.
I found the place fascinating, working with the cats is an incredible experience, that requires a great amount of maturity and responsibility.
Know that the park is not a zoo, nor a safari, nor a touristic resort, it is about constant hard work and dedication, which pays back immensely through a feeling of accomplishment and your bond with the animals.
If you are the type of person who can work long hours, get scratches and bites (big cats are playful) and come back for more every day then this place is for you.
On top of that, the atmosphere is great and you´ll meet awesome people from all over the world.
I will definitely be back someday and for a longer period of time, gotta check up on King Roy.
Downside is, I can hardly enjoy myself at a zoo anymore, seeing these big cats in cages all day just doesn´t feel right.
Left on 31 Dec 2008
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33. Name: Rebecca Willetts
Comments: I spent almost two months with the spider monkeys and it is without a doubt the highlight of my 6 month South American tour. You build real relationships with each of the monkeys as time goes by and also know that you are part of their long term well-being
Left on 19 Dec 2008
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34. Name: Tony McAllister
Comments: I volunteered for almost a month at Park Machia between June/July, 2008. Without a shadow of a doubt it was one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life.
I had the privilege of volunteering in the clinic with the permanent vets, Luis is a star, as is Juan Carlos the founder, they are two in a million!
The job was varied and requires a lot of effort. Before going please bare in mind that what is needed is hard graft and dedication to the animals. You will be tired, sweaty & filthy by the end of each day.
But the satisfaction gained is indescribable. I miss all the monkeys & other animals I cared for very much, I think of them all often and wonder how they are... Timtim, Tom, even Budi!
You will grow to love the animals, people & way of life here. It becomes a labor of love, well, it certainly did for me. I look forward to going back someday...
Left on 10 Dec 2008
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35. Name: Elinor
Comments: After reading this website we decided to go and volunteer at Machia for a month as part of our honeymoon. Best decision ever. The work is hard and the days are long. The facilities are basic. But the people are fantastic and the animals are just amazing. Every day is different. I was lucky enough to work with Sonko, a wonderful puma. I've been gone less than a month and already I miss him so much I want to go back. We had no problems with theft while we were there, everyone is part of the family. Volunteer for as long as you can, you won't regret it and the park needs long-term volunteers badly. Best thing I've done. If you're lucky enough to see Sonko, give him some chicken for me! Oct 2008
Left on 25 Nov 2008
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36. Name: Carolien de Boer
Comments: I was in Parque Ambue in the month march of last year, 2007. I stayed for 4 weeks and walked and swam with inti,wara & yassi en I took care of the puma's Elsa and Popular. And of a small capuchin monkey, whick I named, Eva. I still think of the park almost everyday. I just can't get it out of my mind. I was a different person in that time. It has been the most beautiful experience of my life. I cried when I left the park, I hope to get back someday!
Left on 9 Oct 2008
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37. Name: Linda
Comments: I just got back from Ambu Ari about a month ago, could only get 2 weeks off work to go. It was everything I hoped for and more. I worked with Martina the Cappuccin monkey, and saw and helped take care of many animals. If you are an animal enthusiast, this is by far one of the best places I have ever seen. I am already planning to go back for at least 6 months if not more. I miss the jungle, the atmosphere, and the adventure. The people are wonderful and the organization is nothing short of amazing. Juan Carlos is an angel, and such a loving man with such a big heart. I had the privilege to meet him. I recommend this parque to anybody, even if you aren't down for the whole jungle, or travelling to Bolivia thing, it's such a worthy cause to donate to. I miss it all and will be back many times.
Left on 12 Sep 2008
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38. Name: Katie
Comments: I volunteered at both Parque Machia and Parque Ambue Ari in June/July '08 and had a wonderful time. I have some information however that wasn't clarified on this website that would have been benefical in deciding which park to work at. Ambue Ari is primiarly the cat park with over 20 large cats, and Machia is primiarly the monkey park with over 300 monkeys and 12 cats. If you rather work with monkey's, go to Machia. Both are good in their own way. Ambue Ari is more remote in the jungle and it's like a "summer camp" feel; there are bunk houses, everyone eats together, the closest internet cafe is a 40 min. bus ride South, and there is no electricity. Machia is in a small town with a heavy traveled road that goes through it. There are more amenities, and most people go out for dinner in town every night.
Which ever park you choose, you'll have an amazing experience helping these animals have a better life.
Left on 7 Sep 2008
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39. Name: Kylie McMahon
Comments: My stay at Ambue Ari was supposed to be for only 2wks. I stayed nearly 7.
The experiences I still hold dear to me and that was 2years ago. I helped a tortured Puma regain trust in humans and helped tame her so she could be walked and helped. I bonded with so many wild animals and the experience, all altho very hot and buggy, was one I will hold dear to me forever.
Thanks to all there and if you decide to do it, as you should, take materials over to help them or toys for the big cats or money to keep the animals healthy.
Left on 27 Aug 2008
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40. Name: Laurence
Comments: Happened to drop by villa tunari in Oct06,
Happened to work there for two weeks,
Happened to have my fingers wounded by Tanido(monkey),
Happened to look after new joined Barbura(puma),
...
everything was not planned but
was excellant experience
...
Miss the forrest there,
friends there,
...
good luck for all !
good luck for IntiWaraYassi !
Laurence
From Singapore
Left on 26 Mar 2008
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41. Name: Laura
Comments: I volunteered at Ambue Ari for 4 weeks in november and it was undoubtedly the best thing I did on my trip, in fact the best thing I have ever done. I worked with Lazycat, a beautiful ocelot, and I grew to love and respect her so much over the time I worked with her, it was really hard to leave. The people at the parque, both volunteers and bolivians, are all wonderful and the sense of community and family made it a great place to live. It is hard work but incredibly rewarding. When i first arrived I worried that I might get bored spending so much time alone in the jungle everyday but I grew to love it, and by the time I left was probably the least stressed I have been for a very long time (having just finished university). It is a fabulous project and I would thoroughly recommend going to experience for yourself, i will certainly be going back as soon as i can!
Left on 22 Jan 2008
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42. Name: Amanda
Comments: Wow I can't believe Sonko is now 3 years old! He was just 3 months when I helped look after him. I love all the photos and the new website. Truly one of the most incredible experiences of my life, I'm hoping to come back one day! Best of luck to everyone and give Sonki a kiss for me.
Left on 22 Jan 2008
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43. Name: Fallon and Nathan
Comments: We only had time to spend 2 weeks here and we had such a wonderful time with the monkeys. We vow that we will eventually be back adn be back for a lot longer. The people we met here were wicked and made the long hours and work far more enjoyable. We miss everyone and the animals terribly!
Left on 14 Jan 2008
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44. Name: Karen Bearman
Comments: What a wonderful experience, of all my time in South America it has to be one of my fondest memories. The going is tough and your body takes a beating but I wouldn't change it. I spent over a month with Milli the Ocelot and with my gorgeous monkeys in Quarentine. It truly is a once in a lifetime, world changing experience.
Be prepared for the hard slog, and don't bother turning up if you are not going to dedicate yourself 100%.
Regarding the thefts at Machia - all the rooms have bars and glass on the windows now so are very safe. Remember to take a good padlock for your door. And wellies. You'll need those. There is a room full of old clothes you can buy so don't stress if you don't have much to bring, and all the money (not much to us!) goes to the park.
Go, you won't regret it!
Left on 3 Jan 2008
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45. Name: Maria
Comments: Me and Magnus volunteered at Parque Ambue Ari, Wow what an experience. It has been a month filled with ups and downs. Sadly some sick animals, happily some rescued ones. A big thank you to the ITW family and a special thanks to Elsa, for being a sweet heart, to Inti, Wara and Yassi for playing so much, to Ru and Rupi and to Iskra for being wonderfully amazing. Its worth taking time out to do this volunteering. Youre needed and youll love it...but bring a mosquito hat.
Left on 30 Dec 2007
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46. Name: Robin, Fran, and Christopher Malinosky-Rummell
Comments: Our perspective is unique because we volunteered as a family (in December 2002). CIWY is unlike anywhere else in the world. Not only was it a fabulous way to learn about each other, the animals, the wonderful local people, and the rainforest, it gave our son the opportunity to explore his passion for animals and the possibility of becoming a vet. A huge added bonus that we didn't expect was the wonderful relationships we developed with the other volunteers; in fact, we have traveled far to see some of them again years after the experience. This is what Christopher says as he fondly looks back on our time there: "CIWY is a very good organization with a great cause. I liked how their big goal is to release the animals into the wild because it helps the environment. My favorite part of volunteering there was playing with Roy, the baby puma. I would recommend for other kids to volunteer there." We wrote about our experiences in our book, BYOC: South America! A Family Sabbatical Hndbook. Feel free to email us for more info!
Left on 10 Dec 2007
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47. Name: Tristan
Comments: It's been several years since I was at walking Shaishoo the teenage puma through the jungle and it's still remains the highlight of my travels and is invariably the experience I end up telling people about. I still plan on returning some day. Would love to see the new land and any of the animals and people who might still be around. New website looks great. I'm enviable of all those who continue to dedicate their time and effort to this fantastic project and they have my greatest respect.
T
Left on 7 Dec 2007
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48. Name: Amir V
Comments: Altough my travel included many wonderful and amazing adventures, my 2 weeks volunteering at the animal refuge center are the weeks I cherish most. I remember one unforgettable night...oh dear mama...on which our toilet broke down and flooded the entire room...Such a smelly and wonderful memory... :)...But, seriously, The days I spent with the birds - taking care of the amazing parrots, chasing Pedro, one of the beautiful Macaw, who had always managed to trick me and escaped his cage, maybe trying to hit on a sexy spider monkey...I remember considering some neuro brain scan, wondering to myself how can a peanut brain like the one Pedro has, outsmarted my own (peanut?) brain...working with Kizer, the road-side hawk, trying to get him fly again (I tried taking speedy, the falcon, out of the cage too, without success..i wonder if someone else did it...and if anyone continue to build the boxes I started building for the parrots)...listening to the owl lonley soul...walking with the Quirqui "the monster", (actually, most of the time, me and his caregiver, were the one who physically walked)..being so close to such animals like hawks & pumas...its as powerful as it can be...After 2 weeks of pure giving and helping, of surrounding by wild jungle and jungle wild life (amazing butterflies, insects, birds, monkies ect.), after getting climed all sort of monkies, sleeping at night in the jungle (some adrenaline and amazing experience)...I have just one thing to say...I spent only 2 weeks at animal refugee of Via Tunari, but this memory has deeped into my heart and soul. Forever. (although I will return :).
Left on 8 October 2007
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49. Name: Megan Jones
Comments: I only had the opportunity to spend two weeks at the park ambue ari but it will remain with me forever. The work that people do at this park is truely amazing and I thank juan Carols and all the volunteers for what they are achieving to help save these beautiful animals.
Left on 13 September 2007
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50. Name: John Martin
Comments: Amazing. Simply Amazing. Spending 8 hours a day with a puma was probably the craziest wildest most wonderful thing I've ever done. the one advice I do have (for people going to Machia. I don't know much about Ambue Ari) is that although you will need a lot of work clothes, people often go out to dinner and there are parties to raise money for the animals, so you might want to bring some normal clothes as well. I didn't bring anything but clothes to work in and sometimes I felt like a total slob! I would love to come back and do it again some day! I miss Sonko and all the friends I made!
Left on 12 August 2007
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51. Name: Amy Patterson
Comments: Spent three weeks working in the vet clinic at Park Machia, definately would have stayed longer if a could have, and am planning on returning. Hopefully sooner rather than later.
Not always a smooth running enterprise, but there is no way you cannot be changed by the experience. Having said that, it may not be for everybody, the work is hard, the days are long (in the clinic, at least) and in busy times, when there are a lot of volunteers at the park, you can have a lot of spare time. Take advantage of this and ineract with the animals!
Left on 30 July 2007
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52. Name: Topher
Comments: This park, this program, is great for all the obvious reasons. The stories, the pictures, the ability to live on eight dollars a day, but in reality it's so much more. the connections with the animals, the other travellers and the full time volunteers are the best. I worked at Ambu Ari for about two weeks, and at times it felt like the hardest labor i've ever done, but everyday since i've left, i've missed it and have been formulating plans to return.
es vale la pena
Any updates on Yassi and her sisters, and their new home?
Left on 9 June 2007
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53. Name: Gabrielle Brady
Comments: Looking after the animals was such a great experience, i'll remember it for the rest of my life! I worked with Tigre and also the monos bebes, all up for over one month.
However I need to let volunteers know that I had things of mine stolen at the refuge, July 2006, and I've discovered since then other people have also had many, many things taken. Just look after your things, lock your doors when you sleep and any problems with theft, go straight to the local police.. don't trust the refuge to 'handle' the problem for you...[ed: see below]
Don't let this tarnish your stay though, this refuge is definitely an experience of a lifetime. If I ever come back to Bolivia I will definitely be coming back to check on all of the animals at Villa Tunari. The animals were so gorgeous, I fell in love with the baby monkeys - they have so much character and show so much affection.
Gabby
xx
Left on 29 May 2007
Editor's note: Two thefts occurred at the volunteer accommodation in Villa Tunari in mid-2006. The windows in question were strengthened, there is now someone on site 24 hours and no-one has reported a theft since.
We wouldn't recommend that that we 'handle' anything with the police on a volunteer's behalf either, just that we're informed.
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54. Name: Tabea
Comments: Great, wonderful, fantastic time:-)!!!!
Stayed in the park for 6 months, miss everbody sooooo much!!!!
Go there if you can, it is just wonderful!!!!
Left on 28 May 2007
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55. Name: Sarah
Comments: I would recommend this to anyone!Spending 2 weeks with monkeys has given me one of the best memories of my year travelling, such a beautiful place and the animals gave me so many smiles beeing this close to nature is a dream for a citygirl. I miss it and would do it again any day. Maybe more than 2 weeks next time...
Left on 24 May 2007
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56. Name: Terabanitoss
Comments: Hi
You are The Best!!!
G'night
Left on 4 May 2007
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57. Name: Fabricio
Comments: Mon sajour a Intiwarrayassi fut si intense que ju'en rve encore la nuit plusieurs semaines plus tard. Pour moi, ce fut l'occasion de d'couvrir Æ’ quel point les animaux sont des atres sensisibles qui percoivent nos sentiments bienveillants comme nos peurs ou tensions. Construire une relation avec un animal qui apprend a vous aimer en meme temps que l'on apprend a le comprendre est une experience vraiment enrichissante. Certes, tout n'est pas parfait la-bas, mais c'est justement pourquoi il est utile que chacun vienne apporter son aide, sa contribution a ce projet exemplaire.
Left on 4 May 2007
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58. Name: laura poole
Comments: omg its well gd volunteer whow
Left on 20 April 2007
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59. Name: jennel unsworth
Comments: its well cool what your doin
Left on 20 April 2007
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60. Name: Erin Graham
Comments: I was at Villa Tunari for 3 months (nearly) from Oct- Jan 05-06. I was lucky enough to move from looking after the cheeky monkeys for 2 weeks to looking after baby Lishou (although I think now spelt Li-Shu) the puma for the rest of my stay. I just want to say that being with him in his formative months and also at the park was the most rewarding and memorable thing I have ever done, and I made some amazing friends too. You may hear stories that it is a bit tough, the accomodation is tough but really it isn't. It is like a trip away with a crowd of very cool people, and you work hard every day in sweltering heat, you might moan, and then like me you spend the year afterwards wishing you could go back!The most valuable experiences are those bought with sweat and tears I think! And I'm a wussy Brit! I don't believe in volunteering organisations that charge you ridiculous money to do 'not much' - here there is more work than any one person could handle and yet you make a massive difference just by being there and mucking in. The Bolivian volunteers are great, as are the extranjeros! I am going back very soon, to do even more I hope. I want to see Lishou all grown up and probably the biggest puma in the park by now! I cannot recommend this amazing organisation enough. If you are prepared to work hard and do whatever is needed then you will get to do some amazing work with some amazing animals. Oh, and if you take some climbing carabiners or pliers etc they will love you! Tools are essential but expensive for the park but not for us!
Left on 16 April 2007
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61. Name: lorenzo, usa
Comments: my time at inti wara yassi was fantastic, and could not of been better. why? because i did not walk in with any expectations. the work is very hard and dirty, the hours are long, and the housing isnt exactly the best, but it did not matter because i was there for the animals.
if you are going so you can have great stories to tell when you get home, make sure that is not the only reason. don't go to find travel buddies, dont go for a fantastic time, and dont go expecting amazing community. while i was there, people came and left, some even ran away in the middle of the night, and because of the schedules of the different animals.... i often did not see a lot of people until the end of the day at dinner. the place has a sense of community, but a different kind that you have to learn to embrace and love. i will be going back next year, and i will be even more prepared.
on a final note, the first day sucks. you come there... see all these dirty and terribly bitten, scratched, tired people who dont have much interest in chatting with a new volunteer. this will pass, and you will see why after a day or two working at the park. the work is a lot, so most of the volunteers dont have much energy to put into asking the same old travel questions. once you get settled in, you will see how great the dynamic is between the volunteers.
i loved this place, and look forward to returning.
Left on 9 April 2007
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62. Name: Ali, Australia
Comments: Ambue Ari was my home for January '07'. Quite frankly, if I hadn't have had to return to the commitments I have back here in Oz, I would still be there :)
It is a truly unique experience that you will not have anywhere else in the world!
The days are long, the conditions can be extremely difficult, and living in the jungle can send you a little crazy from time to time, but for the animals alone, it is worth it!
I worked with all of cats in Ambue Ari in the time that I was there. From walking the jaguars, to swimming with the pumas, to playing hide-and-seek with ocelots, every day was an experience. And best of all, you come back from the daily grind to cheeky little monkeys that love nothing more than to lick to the sweat off your neck, and cuddle you for hours!
Ambue Ari is in serious need of long term volunteers. You will make such a difference to these animal's lives the longer you stay, and you will gain invaluable experience that will last you a lifetime.
Construction is also a huge part of our day, so please keep that in mind also. You are there for the animals, and this means cleaning and constructing as well as interaction. It is not a petting zoo, so be prepared to work your ass off! You'll be rewarded for all of your hard work, I promise.
A couple of tips for people wanting to go:
- DON'T bring or use insect repellent. Grab an all natural one if you can, or use eucalytus mixed with lemongrass oil. The cats react really badly to it, and it has made one of the baby monkeys really ill as she has been licking it off people. Go natural, and just cover up!
-All of your clothes (at Ambue Ari) are going to get wrecked, so keep that in mind before packing! IT can get quite damp in the wet season, and the cats love nothing more than to scissor all of your clothes with their teeth and claws
-Bring as much money as you can, as the closest ATM is Trinidad or Santa Cruz... 7 hours away!
-Bring a lot of patience, and a helpful attitude- it makes it so much easier for you, and everyone you will work with
I know a lot of people may question the safety at the park, as well as the cause itself. Be smart about this. The people that work here are dedicated, and have run it for a long time. Listen to them, and learn from them. Build trust with your animals, and be aware of your situations and surroundings. Things just don't happen overnight, you have to work hard at them every day. So get on the next micro there, and be prepared to have an experience of a lifetime. It will definitely be what YOU make of it :)
Have fun & good luck guys
Left on 1 April 2007
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63. Name: Jenny
Comments: I spent four weeks with Tupac feb-march 2007, and during this month I missed nothing. If I can the park will be my holiday resort for every vacation the rest of my life, I loved it and look up to the people who dedicate their lives to these animals. The park collects a very special crowd of people, and most of us have a lot in common. I liked almost everyone I met there, i had a great time and I made some friends I won't loose touch with ever.
One thing I do renember though, is that during my first days arriving to the park I was more looked upon an intruder than a welcomed volunteer. So one thing to renember you people, is that it is thanks to the people that show up that the park exists- and even if it gets tedious to welcome 5 strangers a day after 2 months this is part of having this system. Not only animals should be treated with respect.
All that aside- I wish I was in the jungle now!
Left on 21 March 2007
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64. Name: Sandra
Comments: I spent 4 1/2 weeks at IWY in June/July 06. It was a great experiance and I will go back there in December or January this year.
This park is really depending on voluntiers and sometimes there are not really enough people there to help, and I guess that is when people get a bad image of the park. But it is a really good organisation and people do everything they can with what they have. It is hard work but totally worth it. If you love animals and are not a lazy ass, make it a try!
Left on 5 March 2007
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65. Name: Tracey
Comments: I spent 2 weeks at the park in April 2007. The park was different to what I had been expecting but a great experience none the less, I worked with the birds and loved it, while most of my time was with them i also got to spend loads of time with Quirqui, a beautiful puma, and chasing monkeys away from the birds, the people there were lovely and the team spirit really contributed to this being a really happy time during my travels, I can say without a doubt that this was one of the highlights of my trip:-)
Left on 25 February 2007
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66. Name: Natalia Svensson
Comments: Spent 5 weeks in Parque Ambue Ari and it was an experience worth while. The animals and the djungle was all I expected and more. After working with the ocelot Vanesso and the puma Wayra and working side by side with the Bolivian volunteers you realise the importance if the work their doing. Also the importance of us volunteers helping out so that the animals can implement some of their wild instincs by taking them out for walks etc. I volunteered at the park to get some practical experience since I'm studying to be a ranger in Sweden and now I'm writing an essay about the park. All I'm thinking of while I'm writing is that I want to go back.
Left on 15 of december.
Left on 22 February 2007
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67. Name: Chris (web master)
Comments: In the last couple of weeks three people have been leaving repeated insults - that we are dishonest, that we do not care about the animals or volunteers, that management is arrogant and unscientific, that we do nothing for the animals, and that I've never been to the refuge. Unfortunately volunteers identify so passionately with the cause, and are encouraged to take on the biggest role they can, that they can forget they're new to the organization, culture, context and constraints - I haven't stopped learning in 4 years and it has complemented my ongoing MSc in Development.
All criticisms will be responded to and acted upon if I can contact the person, get the details, agree a solution and translate it for Nena. I'd love to publicly debate the anonymous criticisms here so develop our understanding of the full volunteer experience (I find it incredibly inspiring - esp wrt Friere, Boal or Semler's studies), but we have a number of exciting projects underway so I can't spend the considerable time this requires. Please see these 3 negative reactions in the context of the 127 positive ones...and counting!
Left on 21 February 2007
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68. Name: Adam
Comments: Just left Ambue Ari. The place was amazing. SO SO crazy, I can't believe the things I've been doing every day for the last two weeks. Everyday feeding tucanes, pios, boars, walking a Jaguar, feeding mozzies fresh blood by the bucket load. The parque was full when I left, but they need more long term volunteers to help the animals settle.
ANIMAL UPDATES:
Rupi is very happy and very laid back, Ru is snappy and happy, Junior is cheery and cheeky, Ruby is recovering from licked insect repellent off someoná‚©'s neck, the other monkeys are fine. OB, Enginge and Vanesso were all fine and dandy too. And Populars new house is nearly finished.
And PANCHI! Panchita the amazing wonder-pig is as hungry as ever, she rollled in some paint and now she's red and green but still so adorable. Someone tell me how she's doing.
Left on 7 February 2007
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69. Name: justine and sam
Comments: We were at Ambue Ari in September and it was the most rewarding and memorable experience of our fantastic year around the world.
It's not exactly the height of luxury, and boy do you work hard.
But where else can you help an orphaned anteater learn to eat ants, walk a beautiful ocelot through pristine jungle surrounded by monkeys, macaws and humming birds and conquer you terror of toucans as they attack your feet with their machete like bills?
We were bitten to bits (insects, not big cats) and knackered by the time we left but dreampt of the place every night for months.
If anyone has any news of my lovely Vanesso or OB and Engine, please post it.
Left on 29 January 2007
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70. Name: PERCYCA(\
Comments: WORK WORK AND WORK
Left on 16 January 2007
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71. Name: Leah and Anthony
Comments: We left on the 20th of Dec, it was a completely unplanned part of our trip, we only found out about the place 4 days b4 we arrived, yes it was hot, living conditions were bad, but i would leave where i'm sitting right now to be back there, unfortunately money does run out! we really enjoyed our time there and i wonder how our little friends are going, it was sad to leave, i would highly recommend that if you are an animal lover, and a hard worker allow yourself at least 6 weeks or more in your travel plans to be there, because you will want to stay longer than 2 weeks. xxoo
Left on 16 January 2007
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72. Name: yvonne collins
Comments: I spent 15 days at inti wara yassi in may 2006 and it was the most worthwhile experience of my whole year's travelling.
Of all the memories of my trip the very best are those of my time volunteering in monkey quarantine. I fell in love with those amazing, beautiful animals and still miss them .
As a consequence I am now working with primates back in my home city of Bristol, England.
I would love to be able to work with the monkeys again and wish that I'd heard about the communidad earlier in my trip so that I could have spent longer there.
I send all my love to everyone who works so hard for the animals - and to Bibi and Robo and all the other capuchins and spider monkeys.
I love the 2007 calendar picture of Pea-head (she looks gorgeous now she has a full head of hair).
I hope to see her for myself again in the future.
Yvonne xxxxxx
Left on 16 January 2007
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73. Name: Karen
Comments: I'm currently volunteering, anyone who is thinking of coming this way please do!! Our numbers right now are critical especially for people staying at least a month. A whole bunch of long term people have just left and unfortunatly I have to leave soon too. After being here for 5.5months I can truly say this has been one of the best things I have ever done!
Left on 14 January 2007
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74. Name: Tablet
Comments: I like your site very much indeed.
Left on 9 January 2007
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75. Name: Justine and Dan
Comments: We have just finished our time at CIWA (we are already trying to work out if we can go back) and although it has been hard work it has been the highlight of our trip so far. Everyone was extreamly friendly and working with the animals has been awesome. I have never liked birds much but am proud to say that I spent my entire time in the bird quarantine and was sad to leave...they really need someone keen, enthusiastic and commited to care for them, if you can spare the time it would be great and an experience you will never forget. If you are in the area don't miss out!
Left on 8 January 2007
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76. Name: Armin from Germany
Comments: I've been to Villa Tunari for only two weeks last winter and I can say, this was a unique experience. I never worked with animals before, but the time in the bird's quarantine is still a highlight of the halfyear trip around South America. If you want to help Bolivia in a way, go there and stay for at least a month. Forget about partying, this is not what it's all about. It's about the people of Bolivia whom you can get in touch with as close as i guess nowhere else. Forget about Northern arrogance, just work some hard days in the rainy season, help is always wanted, even if you dont have any experience with monos, birds or bigger cats. Once again: the community needs you, and if you go there and meet a lot of friends you can get drunk with, do it, but only once a week. The animals need all of your power, and parties are everywhere else as well. TRY IT.
Left on 8 January 2007
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77. Name: Garry12
Comments: Excellent design!
Left on 4 December 2006
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78. Name: Johanna
Comments: Hi polly,
Normally nobody takes anty malaria pills. some are saying there is no malaria. i think it depends which park you choose. ther best is you take a natural repellent with you, because there are a lot of sandflies , sandflees, moskitos and other stuff like this.
i think the best is when you take a stand by medicament with you , which you can take in the case you get malaria. hope i had helped you
[Important note: This is a volunteer's view. No-one at the refuge would hear about even local malaria incidents so we are not qualified to offer safety advice. See the FAQ page for a more qualified source of info (masta.org).]
Left on 29 November 2006
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79. Name: Ian
Comments: As you can imagine, the three months we spent in South America left my girlfriend and I with endless memories... but the one thing thing that has really stayed with us, and we have thought about / talked about almost every day in the year since, was our time at Parque Ambue Ari.
It's the most magical place we've ever been to.
For yourself you will have a life changing experience - you will beat anyone's top 10 dreams in life when you can truthfully say "I worked with Jaguars" or "I helped release a previously captive howler monkey back into the wild".
For the animals (which is obviously the main point) you'll be doing so much good in a country where unfortunately there is so much mistreatment of animals.
You'll also meet some beautiful people (the more permanent workers/volunteers) who have given up a lot to try and do something for animals in a country where animals are often sadly mistreated.
I witnessed first hand (travelling home from the Park) in Bolivia a large very distressed Monkey being kept in a small cage in a petrol station surrounded with beer cans, cigarette packets, and other rubbish stuffed through the bars. It was very upsetting and would of course be unheard of / very illegal in England, but was just accepted in Bolivia with even children trying to tease it. Fortunately I was with a vet from the park at the time and thanks to her I understand the monkey (I believe called Pedro) was later rescued by IWY and is doing well (would love to hear any news if anyone knows anything!). It really brought it home to me how IWY are so needed out there.
They are doing what they can with very little resources to combat animal cruelty in Bolivia. Please help if you can. And if you can, please think of something you can take with you... gifts for the kids who work there (board games would be good!), knowledge if you have it (please please Vets out there! You're not going to get any better experience!), or something from the wish list page.
They even cook really tasty good food for you each day!
We really hope to go back in the new year, for at least two months this time. I'm asking my relatives to just donate to IWY instead of get me presents for christmas this year. I hope to give more back by going again.
Ian & Fiona
Left on 2 November 2006
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80. Name: Nanna & Jesper
Comments: We spent three weeks in Villa Tunari during our 2003 round-trip in South America - by far the highlight of our trip! We would recommend it to everybody! It is hard work, but every minute spend with the animals were amazing. We have thought+talked about- and missed the animals ever since (except the weasel :-) ).
To all our volunteer-friends: we miss you - hope you are doing fine. Thanks for an amazing time! Hopefully we will see you again - perhaps in Villa Tunari...
Remember, "it's all about the animals"!
Left on 20 October 2006
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81. Name: Valentin
Comments: i spent 2 months in the refuge and it's definetly been the highlight of my entire trip. just sitting here and writing about it gets me so overexited that I feel like going back right now!!!!!!!! it's the most beautifull place i've ever been to!and of course, i am planing to go back there next year..
miss you li-shou..:)
val
Left on 19 October 2006
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82. Name: Katherine
Comments: I went to both Ambue Ari and Parqua Machia with Quest overseas. They are both the most amazing places ever. Not only are you in the most amazing place, but you are also working with the most amazing animals and the most amazing and caring people. I had a brillient time and could talk about it for days. When ever I even think of the parks a smile come on my face and I cannot wait untill I go back there in 2 years time. This time when I go I will be staying at both parks for several months.
Left on 16 October 2006
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83. Name: Kat (no.1)
Comments: Being one of Chloe's 15 or so lifetime friends from the refuge, I would like to reiterate what she wrote. Not a day goes by when I dont think about the 8 or so months I spent at the refuge. Memories that will last a lifetime, the most amazing experience you could imagine.
Left on 5 October 2006
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84. Name: Katie Simmons-UK
Comments: I spent 2 weeks at the Ambue Ari park in July and it was the best 2 weeks of my life! I only wish that I could have stayed alot longer. Waking up to a day of work with some of the most amazing animals in the middle of the beautiful jungle was just perfect and I got to meet some really fantastic people there too. I had the lucky opportunity of working with two ocelots, OB and Engine and I am missing them so much. I am planning to return next year (or whenever I can) for a longer stay next time. I highly recommend the Ambue Ari park, I missed it from the moment I left.
Left on 3 October 2006
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85. Name: chloe
Comments: Even though i volunteered two years ago, there is hardly a day that goes by when i dont think about the 5 months i spent at the refuge. Not only are the relationships you make with the animals out of this world but the friendships i made with other volenteers are some of the strongest ever and i meet up with about 15 other people from all over the world on a regular basis. how can friendships not last for ever when you have shared such an awe inspiring, breath taking experience. I know that when the time is right i will definately return to villa tunari and see all my bolivian friends and the animals again. I really reccomend this experience, especially if you are able to be at the refuge for a month or more as this is when you really start to feel that you are making a difference.
Left on 3 October 2006
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86. Name: Liz Nield
Comments: Ok, so it was over 5 years ago since I was at the wonderful world of Inti Wara Yassi but it has inspired me to do so much in my life and given me so many opportunities, I felt it was time to leave a comment!
Working at the sanctuary is one of the most life-changing things I have ever done!
When I came back from my trip I went to work full time as a primate keeper, something I would never have been able to do without this unique experience under my belt!
I have also continued to do as much as I can for the organisation back in the UK and because of this have met the most wonderful people, including the inspirational Jane Goodall and not to mention the rest of the CIWY UK crew - who are life-long friends now!
Maybe I'm gushing a bit, but its true, I enjoyed every single second of my CIWY experience, and can only urge others to take this opportunity of a lifetime.....
Left on 2 October 2006
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87. Name: Anders H Nielsen
Comments: Truly, truly a great experience - one that I will never forget.. Working so close with these kinds of animals is once in a lifetime..and actually feeling that your actually doing something for these animals instead of just travelling about, getting drunk in various places for 6 months... HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
Left on 19 Apr 2006.
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88. Name: Kate Brown - Australia
Comments: I spent a month at the park in September 2005 and have to say that month was the highlight of my one year long trip. It was incredibly challenging, physically, mentally and downright bloody hard work at times but the experiences made up for the dramas.
If you can go, go. If you can stay longer, stay as long as you can. I found the more time I had there, the more I enjoyed it because so much responsibility is given to you it can take a week or two to settle in. However it was such a treat to spend my days with Rico the beautiful (though sometimes grumpy) Ocelot and see what his world was about - amazing.
And nothing can beat going to work with several monkeys wrapped around your head every morning.
Loved it - and if you go say hello to the animals for me, I miss them.
Left on 18 Apr 2006.
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89. Name: Jeremy BR
Comments: I hope Charlie BR was some use to you in looking after Gato. Your website certainly helped his bereft parents imagine what you are all up to; and, importantly, it reassures us that you are a really worthwhile cause, and not some evil mechanism for conning teenagers! I wish you all the best.
What does Inti Wara Yassi mean, please? Your other readers and donors might like to know, too.
Congratulations on the powerful website
Left on 4 Mar 2006.
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90. Name: Mai
Comments: Hi. I worked in the park in 2000. It was a great experience! And i can recommend it to everyone. The stay and work inspired me to take a degree in biology and i hope to come back soon to use some of the knowlegde i have aquired. What these people are doing is great, most animals there, have been threatet really bad before they came to the park. I hope people will go there to help and that they will bring some of the stuff that are needed in the park.
Left on 26 Feb 2006.
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91. Name: Nathalie
Comments: I took a 3 month career break to come and volunteer here and it was by far the best thing I have ever done. Although they do not rehabilitate the animals like they portray on their website, they are doing a fantastic job with very limited resources. The satisfaction of working with a beautiful ocelot and having that animal turn from attacking me each day for a week, to craving my attention and curling up on my lap is indescribable. The days are certainly long and hard - espicially when you have to stand out in the pouring rain for 11 hours. But, the "walk to work" up the path to the monkey park with one monkey wrapped around your neck and another squealing with delight at seeing you certainly beats sitting on the M25 in rush hour traffic!
I would highly reccomend this to anyone going to SA or looking to do some volunteer work. And stay as long as you possibly can - it will be worth it
Left on 13 Feb 2006.
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92. Name: Tom KItson, UK
Comments: I soent a month at the park in August 2003, and can comfotable say it was one of the most fantastic experiences of my life. Yes it was hardwork, a month wihtout a day off, yes it was sweaty, dirty and I have never been bitten on the hands so often but who cares! I looked after Tigre which was a privelage. Very sad to hear about Boudi, bless her. Anyway if you are thinking of going, do so, its not time out from travelling, its what travelling is all about and I am still friends with people i met in the communidade.
One day i will return to the new land and continue the work, i believe the park does so brilliantly! Remember, its all about the animals.
Left on 21 Dec 2005.
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93. Name: Tom KItson, UK
Comments: I soent a month at the park in August 2003, and can comfotable say it was one of the most fantastic experiences of my life. Yes it was hardwork, a month wihtout a day off, yes it was sweaty, dirty and I have never been bitten on the hands so often but who cares! I looked after Tigre which was a privelage. Very sad to hear about Boudi, bless her. Anyway if you are thinking of going, do so, its not time out from travelling, its what travelling is all about and I am still friends with people i met in the communidade.
One day i will return to the new land and continue the work, i believe the park does so brilliantly! Remember, its all about the animals.
Left on 21 Dec 2005.
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94. Name: Kate Lewis
Comments: I volunteered for two weeks in May 2005. I wish I had had more time because I would have loved to stay there much longer!! I had a truly fantastic, if slightly surreal, experience while at Inti Wara Yassi, loved every minute of it. its not every day you get the chance to get up close and personal with pumas and monkeys!! And seeing how happy the animals were, and the fantastic, important work the refuge does for the animals who go there made it all the more special. I was in the monkey park, which was so great. May sound odd, but you literally become friends with all the monkeys. I miss them all, and I would love to go back some day. Send my love to Fidel the fat monkey!!!
Left on 16 Dec 2005.
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95. Name: katykaty
Comments: hi, firstly i'd like to say - I MISS MY MONKEYS SO MUCH!! CIWY is like a parallel universe and i loved it so much and i am saving my pennies to go back. yeah its hard work, yes you get bitten and shat upon but you get to expereince changes in the saddest of monkeys and watch them change and make new monkey friends and eventually see them in the wild and away from the corruption of humans. everyone at CIWY does such a top job and i feel thankful to have part of it! see you all soon xxxx p.s i love BABY T - my lil tejon baby!
Left on 14 Dec 2005.
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96. Name: Jeanette
Comments: Hi...I worked in this amazing place from 13/8-20/10 2005 and I must say, it has been an experience for life. I worked one month with Leoncio, wich is one of the pumas, and one month with Sama, the jaguar. It is really interesting work, you will come to enjoy whatever animal you will work with, you are in beautiful and peaceful nature...It can be hard at times, but it is ten times as rewarding. So if you have the right intension , that is ofcourse to do whatever you can to give the animals the best possible life, then dont hesitate a second to volunteer, you will never regret. And if you go..send my love to the animals right? :-)
Left on 26 Nov 2005.
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97. Name: Benjamin PHELIP (FR)
Comments: I had an awesome time at the monkey mirador, working with monkeys in the jungle area, meeting great people!
I really hope the community will continue for a long time, you are doing a great job there, thank you!
I wish I will be able to come back...
Left on 16 Nov 2005.
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98. Name: eyal nir
Comments: ambue ari park is amazing , smaller in size than the machia park but has all the same big cats you got in the other park. i worked with inti warra and yassi three charming pumitas that need all the loving in the world. this park is less knowen and there for has not to many volunteers. it is not a no man`s land as the site says, it is running for allmost 3 years now and has more or less all the fasilitis for volunteers. because it has less people working in it the animals get less atention and there are no sufficiante people to take out all the cats. please please help them and advertise that this park needs volunteers as well.
left on 22.9.05
Left on 25 Sep 2005.
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99. Name: maya
Comments: voluntteering at the park was one of the greatest expiriences of my life! i had so much fun, i learned alot about myself and how much i love animals, of course there were some bad moments but it was all worth it and i will definitely go back! i don't even understand how i left...
Left on 14 Sep 2005.
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100. Name: Thomas, UK
Comments: FACT: it's the most amazing thing you will do on your trip. In addition to physical resilience, you need powers of concentration and focus. This is very hard to start with, but you build a mental bond with the animals and come to understand their motivations and thought processes on a second-by-second basis. So you not only look after the animals, but also learn from them, and you will find this primal wisdom immensely valuable. After this experience, most of all the crazy stuff in south america will feel very mundane, and you will long to return to the animals.
Left 18 March
Left on 16 Aug 2005.
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101. Name: Botho from Germany
Comments: It?s been almost a year now since I worked in the park and I still look at the website to see whats going on there. Actually I only wanted to visit the park to keep on moving after that, but in the end I stayed 3 weeks. Working with the monkeys is the best thing you can do. I was travelling because I needed a brake from my medical studies. After working with the monkeys who are extremley human I decided to go back to my studies and not to brake up.
well it was perfekt! I have a big picture of Fidel, the fat monkey who alwas eats too much in my room...
I loved it
Botho
Left on 29 Jun 2005.
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102. Name: Jake Dury
Comments: I showed up expecting to stay for 2 weeks and have a lot of fun wrestling and playing with pumas. Well, I ended up staying 7 weeks and there was very little wrestling going on but volunteering was one of the best experiences of my life, let alone the trip. It is most definitely hard work, don't expect to free load, but it is so rewarding. I can't even begin to explain what it is like to develop a real bond with a puma and to know that you are truly helping it live a happier life (though it would be nice if people just left them in the wild.) The monkeys, birds and other animals are fascinating too. And as an added bonus I met a cute little English girl there with whom I travelled for the last 5 months and fell in love with. We will always be thankful to Nena and the whole Inti Wara Yassi group, people who I will consider friends for life. I will be returning asap, I hope to see you there.
Left on 12 Jun 2005.
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103. Name: Jo Slater
Comments: We worked at the park over 2 years ago - we took time out of a 12 month trip. We hadn't planned to go, but heard about the place from other travellers. We really couldn't decide whether to do it or not and spent an entire day in La Paz changing our minds from yes to no. Looking back, it was the most memorable 2 weeks of our entire trip and the thing we most talk about now. If you are thinking of going - just do it!!
Left on 27 Apr 2005.
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104. Name: Holly Czuchnicki
Comments: i worked at Inti Wara Yassi for just over 2 weeks. i was privileged enought to work with the spider mankeys and Leonsio the puma. it was an amazing experience, that i will hold forever. the monkeys were so affectionate and genuine.. and to work with a magnificent puma was indescribable. yes it was hard work but so rewarding.when i was there we were in the process of building Leonsio a new BIG cage, and i hear that it is now complete, so im so happy for him as he was such a troubled puma that he deserves a the chance to be happy. if anyone has any information on him i would appreciate hearing from you, and also im holding a photograhic exhibition of many of the animals in may,England, surrey, so dont hesitat to contact me. hopefully we can raise some more money for them. far2hectic@hotmail.com
Left in Dec 04
Left on 25 Apr 2005.
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105. Name: Jenny Collins
Comments: A fantastic experience! It's hard work but I loved every minute of it. I'm so glad I took the time out of my trip to work here, the longer you can stay the better and I am considering going back to stay and work for longer. The people are fantastic, but of course the animals make the experience and I think this is a unique opportunity for you to get close to semi-wild endangered species. If you like animals, a challenge and are not afraid to work hard for a few weeks, this is the place for you! Its incredibly rewarding and there are a wide range of jobs requiring a variety of skills and experience so your help will definetly be appreciated, no matter your background. Go on, give it a go, you're worth it...
Left on 9 Feb 2005 .
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106. Name: Gavin
Comments: most amazing experience of my life, the friends i made here, both animal and human, will always be very special to me. went for 2 weeks, stayed 6, wish i had never left.
go if you want to give your time, it is hard at times, but the reward ten fold what you put in.
like anywhere, some people you wont get on with, the place is not perfect, but with an open mind(heart), the animals will make sure you never forget them. if you stay long enough, you will be upset by somethinng, probably having to leave...
Left on 27 Jan 2005.
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107. Name: oren lustig
Comments: when i first came, i tought , what i am going to do heer for two weeks , but i realized that it was the best , helping animals in need , feeling good , there is nothing better than to take care of an animal and to hear after few months that she got back to nature ...
Left on 20 Jan 2005.
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108. Name: little aitch
Comments: CIWY is not a place for egos, make-up or wingeing. To work in the challenging conditions - physical, emotional, and environmental - and not always in harmony with the insects, animals or humans, is difficult. But if you can be selfless for just 2 weeks (as almost all the volunteers are) - go. My advice is to look beyond the basic structure and facilities to recognise the real genuine good that CIWY is doing now and for the future (for Bolivian people, the environment and the animals). Go with an open mind and a willing pair of hands and this will be one of the most rewarding, intense and memorable things you will ever do it your life. Its not 9-5. Its not easy. And its certainly not without its problems. But you can see your contribution making a difference every day, you will meet some wonderful dedicated and fun people from all over the world and you will never ever forget the place. I was there briefly, doing just a little bit in the grand scheme of things and getting bitten to death by every insect within 10 square miles - and it was incredible. It holds a special place in my heart as with everyone elses. One of life's real chances to give something back. It feels great! GO FOR IT!
Left on 14 Dec 2004.
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109. Name: ko hyun joo
Comments: just jump in!!!
i will leave for there tonight!!
maybe i think
i can help just a little
but i must learn from you and the animal... ^^
it will be hard but very happy!!
Left on 19 Nov 2004.
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110. Name: Elia
Comments: I haven't been able to volunteer because i only had one week vacation left when i visited the park but me and my friend both agreed that it was one of the highlights of our Bolivia experience. My warmest congratulations and good luck to everyone working there. By the way, after spending over five hours with the capuchin monkees there was one my friend was really fond of and the love was mutual because she wouldn't let go of him when we had to leave the park. Her name was Anita and if anyone knowing her could be so kind of emailing me (elia.vermander@antwerpen.be) a photo with maybe a few words of herself then i could make my friend a happy man.
thanks
Left on 10 Nov 2004.
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111. Name: mugu
Comments: I DEY HERE OOOOOOOOO I.TTTTTTT
Left on 29 Oct 2004.
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112. Name: alison
Comments: i went to the park planning on staying for only 10 days...and left almost 4 months later. it was really one of the most amazing and rewarding experiences of my life. i worked with the spider monkeys, a puma, the jaguar and even helped with construction and administration...there is so much to do and so many animals needing help that whatever you have to offer will be appreciated greatly. despite the negative comments i just read i think that the park is doing the best it can with very limited resources...maybe it takes being there longer to see this...and almost all the people i met from all different countries and backgrounds were working hard and giving what they could...the people, the animals, the place...go if you can!
Left on 29 Sep 2004.
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113. Name: Rob Zacal
Comments: I worked at Inti Wara Yassi for 15 days in bird quarantine, I found it to be one of the best things i have done on my year out. The birds were lovely animals and it was a pleasure and an honor to be able to work with them. During my time I helped to complete one new cage for the macaw which was 6 times the size of their old cage, they seemed to be very happy with the new cage. I also got to walk with Sonko, a one year old puma and even was able to swim with him in the river, an amazing experience. The animals are amazing but they are wild and that needs to be remembered at all times as bites happen often. Also due to the nature of the financing of the park, volunteer donations, attempting any construction is frustrating as the materials are pretty poor, I spent quite a lot of my own money on any construction I did. I would definately recommend Inti Wara Yassi, but you need to be prepared for hard work, as it is not all fun with the animals.
Left on 16 Sep 2004.
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114. Name: Sam Forsyth, Scotland
Comments: I loved my time at the park as was working with one of the ocelots which was amazing. I think the park does a lot of good but could be doing a lot more. There were hardly any release programmes in place and trying to make suggestions to the Bolivians who run the park gets very frustrating as they do not want to listen. It is like working in a zoo but the animals do have a far better quality of life than what they have come from so I would definately recommend coming and volunteering as it is a very rewarding experience. On the whole the other volunteers are fantastic, have met some lovely people, a couple of the longer term girls are on a bit of a power trip so the park could really do with one clear leader so that this doesn?t happen in future. It is an amazing opportunity.
Left on 22 Sep 2004.
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115. Name: zoe FIsher
Comments: the time I spent at Inti-Wara-Yassi aproximately 5 years ago really did change my life in so many ways. It was such a fabulous opportunity to work with amazing animals with special histories. Nena's courage and tenacity was inspiring. Above all my quiet moments talking with Sama ( Jaguar) down onthe beach or swimming with him in the water are my cherished memories.
Left on 12 Sep 2004.
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116. Name: Helen Marchant
Comments: I volunteered for a month during April / May in 2003, looking after Rico, an Ocelot. It was probably the most worthwhile, unique and amazing experience i have had on my travels, though it was harder work than i was expecting! This was due in part to being solely responsible for Rico which was a little daunting at times, and having to work every day. However i would absolutely do it all again, (and fully intend to go back out to the refuge again). I would completely recommend it to anyone who holds any interest in animals or wildlife; seeing the jungle through an Ocelots eyes is a whole new experience!
Left on 12 Sep 2004.
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117. Name: Amanda, England
Comments: Hard work, long days, basis accommodation, occasional bites.... It is the best thing Ive ever done! If you are an animal lover, you shouldnt miss it. I saw 3 capuchins released during my time there, and as far as im aware all 3 have managed the transition back into the wild brilliantly. Would love to go back for a longer time at some point, who knows when. Each and every time I think about that place I smile. Met some amazing people, a few of whom I spent some serious travel time with after and many of whom Im still in contact, will definately get to Israel at some point now, but also have offers in Belgium, Australia ...the list goes on. I dont know if we got lucky and had an amazing group of people (it was just after the blockades, in 2003 so we were a small group too) but GO! What have you got to loose?
Left on 11 Sep 2004.
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118. Name: Babs Wubbels
Comments: GO GO GO!!!
I worked in the park for 4-5 months until July 2004, and i loved it! it is amazing, i think about it every day. I worked with Sama the jaguar most of the time, but also with the spider monkeys and Tigre, an ocelot. I miss them terribly, I even taped some sounds and bore my friends with it.
Although there are very hard days, lots of rain, annoying people every now and then, mosquitos, mud and landslides, monkeys stealing Sama's meat and eggs (but you have to laugh casue they are so funny), tourists and soldiers who not always understand the goals of the park and the people, long long days especially if you are also handling other things besides taking care of the animals... It all doesn't matter cause the animals and the other people give you so much! It has been the best experience ever. And now that i am studying veterinary medicine i definitely intend to go back to be of even more use for the park.
Just go, the park needs every help they can get, you'll love the animals and meet lots of friends too!
Left on 10 Sep 2004.
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119. Name: Christophe Van de Sande
Comments: The highlight of my life so far!I intended to stay for only 2 weeks but as so many people I stayed a lot longer.I even came especially back to work there again one year later and I intend to return.And as a result of my experiences there I started to study biology.I can not explain in words how great it is there and for every person it can be different but you should at least try to go and experience it,it's worth it,it's very interesting.As for me,it changed the course of my life.And no matter what your exsperience will be,you definitely should go because I can promise you IT IS SOMETHING YOU'LL NEVER FORGET! It's avery special place...
Left on 9 Sep 2004 .
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120. Name: Charly
Comments: Take your pick from working with pumas, ocelots, a jaguar, many mischevious species of monkeys, beautifully coloured birds or get involved with building cages or clearing trails. It's entirely up to you, you can have the choice. Just bear in mind that it won't be easy work, you'll need to dedicate yourself 7 or 8 hrs a day, 7 days a week. However, you'll get so much satisfaction out of caring for your animal that it won't seem like such a hard slog! One thing I must stress is that you need to have ageneral love for animals beforehand - the last thing these animals need is more abuse or neglect.
CIWY is in a world of its own, you couldn't possibly experience this on any other organised conservation trip. The difference is that yes, it does seem a disorganised madness, but that's because the founders, Nena and Juan Carlos have devoted their lives to rescuing these animals (of which there are hundreds) from troubled pasts of circus life, cruelty or captivity. That's why you are so important... the more serious minded volunteers we can draw to the park the more chance there is of organising it through fresh ideas, hard work and commitment.
I looked after a puma called Simba from Jun to Aug 03. I had the most amazing time with him, I walked him 3-5 hours a day through the jungle (yes it was sweaty, itchy work, but got me fit) and helped to set up ball games to simulate hunting in the wild -anything to keep him active! I'll never forget my experience and hope that one day I can make it back to check on his progress.
So please, if you have a bit of time spare and crave a truly unique experience go to CIWY - it's not often you get to look after a puma whilst contributing to such a worthwhile project?!
Left on 9 Sep 2004 .
Left on 9 Sep 2004 .
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121. Name: Charly
Comments: Take your pick from working with pumas, ocelots, a jaguar, many mischevious species of monkeys, beautifully coloured birds or get involved with building cages or clearing trails. It's entirely up to you, you can have the choice. Just bear in mind that it won't be easy work, you'll need to dedicate yourself 7 or 8 hrs a day, 7 days a week. However, you'll get so much satisfaction out of caring for your animal that it won't seem like such a hard slog! One thing I must stress is that you need to have ageneral love for animals beforehand - the last thing these animals need is more abuse or neglect.
CIWY is in a world of its own, you couldn't possibly experience this on any other organised conservation trip. The difference is that yes, it does seem a disorganised madness, but that's because the founders, Nena and Juan Carlos have devoted their lives to rescuing these animals (of which there are hundreds) from troubled pasts of circus life, cruelty or captivity. That's why you are so important... the more serious minded volunteers we can draw to the park the more chance there is of organising it through fresh ideas, hard work and commitment.
I looked after a puma called Simba from Jun to Aug 03. I had the most amazing time with him, I walked him 3-5 hours a day through the jungle (yes it was sweaty, itchy work, but got me fit) and helped to set up ball games to simulate hunting in the wild -anything to keep him active! I'll never forget my experience and hope that one day I can make it back to check on his progress.
So please, if you have a bit of time spare and crave a truly unique experience go to CIWY - it's not often you get to look after a puma whilst contributing to such a worthwhile project?!
Left on 9 Sep 2004 .
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122. Name: Elissa O'Sullivan
Comments: I discovered the refuge whilst already travelling in South America and could only stay for 2 weeks. It ended up being such an important 2 weeks that I cried like a baby for days after leaving. A year on I still think about it almost daily. It's not always easy at the Park. The animals are wonderful, but sometimes the people can be tricky. Everyone has a different experience, but as you can see from these messages, most are of the incredibly positive kind. If you go, make sure you are willing to pull your weight. The refuge and the animals rely so much on your hard work. Love the animals, respect the people and be very very patient and you will be rewarded out of sight.
Left on 9 Sep 2004 .
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123. Name: yael
Comments: i spent 10 months backpacking in south americ,' and reached some very remote and beautiful places, including the galapagos islandes. but every single time that i'm asked what was the most beautiful/interesting place i've been there is only one answer - inti wara yassi . you will never be able to understand unless you come . my time volunteering there was the best in my intire trip .
it is, as onther volunteer once said :"it is like beeing in a national geografic movie "
Left on 7 Sep 2004 .
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124. Name: Anna
Comments: Hanging out in Villa Tunari for two weeks with gorgeous animals and wonderful people was no doubt the hilight of my sth america trip. Its very hard, itchy work, but nothing can describe how special it is to forge bonds with these animals and watch them progress to become free again. I cant wait til i can do something like this again - IT WAS FANTASTIC!
Left Jan 2004
Name: Molly, Australia
Comments: It was honestly the most amazing experience of my life. We intended to go for 2 weeks and stayed 2 months. Be warned....you will definately stay longer than you initially plan to, so take way more money than you think you will need as there is no bank in the town. It was a brilliant opportunity to get hand on experience with animals considering i had no previous qualifications or experience. GO! You will love it! Was the highlight of my trip!
Left on 7 Sep 2004 .
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125. Name: Karen Mackness
Comments: Definitely, definitely, definitely volunteer!
Its is an amazing organisation with people devoting loads of their time to such a good cause.
I travelled for 11 months, and I have to say that working here for a couple of weeks was definitely the highlight of my trip. I can't wait to go back and see all of the animals that I got to know whilst volunteering. I really miss them!
DO IT!
Left on 4 Sep 2004 .
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126. Name: Miguel Acha, Argentina
Comments: There are not words to say how beutiful is the experience I have worked there!
No hay palabras que decir de lo maravilloso experiencia que tuve trabajando alli!
Left on 03 Sep 2004.
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127. Name: Nicola Le Rougetel
Comments: The most amazing two weeks of a 6 month South America trip! Not the easiest as the work is quite tough (I was quite glad to leave the monkey ropa chores behind!) but you'll be more than rewarded by the animals and enviroment of CIWY. Make sure you leave at least 2 weeks in youre itinery for it.
Left on 3 Sep 2004 .
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128. Name: amyrocks
Comments: i know that safety of tourists is at risk in your country, which is really the only reason i did not make a trip down this summer. what does a person do about safety if he or she wants to come to the refuge alone?
Left on 3 Sep 2004 .
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129. Name: Sophie
Comments: CIWY is a fantastic place. I am so glad we stumbled across it, and I will be back.......
Left on 2 Sep 2004 .
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130. Name: Elizabeth Sullivan
Comments: Inti Wara Yassi is indescribable until you've experienced it yourself (September 2003 for me). I still literally dream about it, and wish very much to return someday. Of course it's not idyllic; it's life - and one of my best life experiences ever. The animals' life quality depends entirely on the staff and volunteers, so don't go unless you are willing to spend 8 hours a day, 7 days a week prioritizing an animal (thank you, Boudecia, for napping under a nice leaf while it rained on me!). The people I met at Inti Wara Yassi were as hard to say goodbye to as the cats and jungle were. Que les vayan bien...
Left on 1 Sep 2004 .
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131. Name: David Walters
Comments: We came for a month and stayed for nine (to Sept 2003), and we would have liked to stay for longer. Inti Wara Yassi is an experience that I will never forget, and working with the spider monkeys is one of the most rewarding and enjoyable things that I've ever done. Just remember to take with you the patience of a saint (the animals won't always do what you would prefer) and the enthusiasm to try to make things happen (there won't be someone on hand to tell you what needs to be done all the time). Then you'll have a fantastic time.
Left on 31 Aug 2004.
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132. Name: Mark Boultwood
Comments: I went to Parque Machia after seeing a flyer in an internet cafe in Ecuador of all places. I intended to volunteer for the normal two weeks but ended up staying nearly a year. The park is absolutely amazing and there are adventures to be had each and every day. I worked with Sama the jaguar for the duration of my stay where we built up a strong bond. I also met my girlfriend in Parque Machia!!! As a result of my experiences in South America and most importantly in Parque Machia I have just started working in Peru and intend to stay in South America for the foreseeable future.
I would recommend a long duration stay at Parque Machia without hesitation!
Mark Boultwood 2001/2002
# Wash your clothes at least once a week - if not the monkeys will love you more but your fellow volunteers much less!
# Beware of parasites especially the infamous Bora bora.
# Pay your drinks bill before you leave
# No insect repellent if handling the animals
Left on 30 Aug 2004.
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133. Name: Martin Holland, England
Comments: I had an amazing two weeks working with the Spider Monkeys. Being so close to the animals really is a once in a life time experience. There are problems with the park - theres a chronic lack of knowledge and skills, and volunteer safety is a big issue, especially if you're working with the bigger animals. But the intentions are good, the animals have a much better life than they had before arriing at the park, and I'd certainly recommend it to anyone who doesn't mind roughing it a little. Be warned - you'll probably get shat on.
Left on 30 Aug 2004.
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134. Name: Courtney Hart
Comments: I intended to stay 2 weeks and stayed for 7 instead. Not great communication with the outside world (at least when I was there 3 years ago) so forewarn the family you may not be accessible for awhile. But it is definitely worth a visit even if you decide not to stay and volunteer. That being said, I would love to be able to go back for months...
Left on 30 Aug 2004.
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135. Name: Lidewij Wiersma
Comments: Volunteering at Inti Wara Yassi is a life changing experience! I would recommend it to anyone who truly loves animals and is not afraid of getting their hands out of their pockets to do some very worthwhile and necessary work. It has been 3 and a half years since I was there but my memories are still as clear as if it were yesterday and I still dream of going back when I finish my degree! It is not just the animals but also the amazing people (especially Nena, if only there were more people like her on this earth!) that make it an unforgettable and hugely recommendable experience. For those who are convinced by now, enjoy it and say hi to all the animalitos for me :)
Left on 30 Aug 2004.
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136. Name: Shiri, Israel
Comments: The best experience I've ever had in my life!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It's the best place for animal's lovers. I've volunteered there in 1998 and still I can't put this place out of my mind.
Left on 30 Aug 2004.
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137. Name: Chen Goldbach
Comments: Volunteering at CIWY has been the most remarkable experience in my trip. Working 1 on 1 with wild animals is probably a once in a lifetime experience for the most of us.
I've totally fallen inlove with the place and the work. Even if you're exhausted every day.
recommend? Wish I could come back there myself!
Left on 29 Aug 2004.
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138. Name: Yael Ravid
Comments: hello everyone
hola todos
well i certainly cannot summarize in just a few short sentences how much the experience of taking part in this extraordinary place has (and sorry for the klishe) changed my life. i still miss my sweet capuchin monkies and of course Nena, Vladi, Milka, Fransis which are wonderfull people who dedicate their life for this special cause. its been almost 3.5 years since i have been there and i still read religiously the news about the place and dreaming of coming back there for longer then 3 months.....
if you want to contribute and to get satisfaction from volunteering i recommend you to do it in CIWY.
Left on 29 Aug 2004.
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139. Name: efrat
Comments: I volunteered to work with Gato the puma on march 2004 for two weeks. it wasn't easy walking with him - steep climbings and descendings at Gato's speed(sometimes we had to run...). and the weather is either very hot and humid or rainy, and it's very uncomfortable to get wet and dirty and slip because of the mud(it takes 2-3 days to dry the cloths because of the humidity). The living conditions are terrible, so don't expect to get there a 5 star hotel! (or running water...)
BUT I DON'T REGRET HAVING THIS EXPERIENCE EVEN FOR A MINUTE!
I loved Gato and enjoyed watching him walking, looking around, rolling on the ground... I miss him so much...
I felt so lucky to be so close to such a big cat.
besides, the park is BEAUTIFUL , I enjoyed playing with the cute monkeys on the afternoons and watching volunteers helping birds to learn how to fly. there are beautiful birds there of many species.
I enjoyed the company of the other volunteers. All of them were very nice and from many parts of the world. It was interesting. All of us met on the casa after the work, waiting for the kid from the house nearby to bring us hot empanadas...
and we went sometimes to eat together in the evenings or went shopping in the village nearby and made a meal in the casa for anyone who wanted to join.
I really felt like home there and it was among the places I miss the most in my trip (I traveled in South America for 6 months).
If you love animals, if you're willing to work hard and if you're not afraid to live in bad conditions - you'll have an experience you'll never forget.
Left on 29 Aug 2004.
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140. Name: Dror Seiffe
Comments: I came to check the animals, and maybe stay for two weeks (it's a very long time!)...
Stayed for almost a month and had a great time. A cool place to visit while travelling.
Left on 29 Aug 2004.
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141. Name: Larissa Brown, Australia
Comments: The month I spent at Inti Wara Yassi was the best thing I did in my year long round-the-world trip. When I remember my trip, the time I spent with a little monkey called Negrita pulls at my heart strings. Volunteering at Inti Wara Yassi is an opportunity like none other you will encounter in your travels. I highly recommend you spend atleast a few weeks in a monkey;s/ big cat's world.
- Returned Volunteer from 2003
Left on 28 Aug 2004.
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142. Name: Jordan Jones
Comments: It was awsome, I spent a year in Central and South America traveling and doing various volunteer jobs and this was one of the highlights. I was a bit discouraged at first by the price that they ask of volunteers to work, but in retrospect, the price is minimal, and you will most likely NEVER again have the oportunity to work so closely with monkeys and pumas and the like, and the money goes to helping the animals. The whole thing was awsome.
Left on 28 Aug 2004.
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143. Name: Siv Pettersen
Comments: GO! We came across information on the park while traveling,by meeting ex-volunteers and l must say that my friend was more into going than l was...until l heard that they had cats there!Then l was ready to go to,and we did!!
l stayed for 1 month working with a puma called Roy,and we had a great time together!!It was hard work,10 hours a day but it was worth it!And even if we had some problems with ants and mosquitos l would absolutely recomend everybody to go and volunter...as l look back on my time there now it seems like an adventure and just the good memorys are still here!!And l m hoping to be able to go back there to volunter again maybe already next fall...lf your a norwegian and wondering,dont hesitate to send me an emai and l ll try to answer...siv229@hotmail.com...go do it and help to make a difference!!And a lifetime memory for you...
Left on 28 Aug 2004.
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144. Name: Murray Fisher
Comments: Although I realized my IWY experience was special, I didn't realize the magnitude to which I would be blessed for the ensuing years to come. I recommend this to everyone for several reasons.
First, there is no prerequisite, and the experience you receive is invaluably real. Second, assisting the refuge like this will help immensely in their ultimate goal and you will feel so good in doing so. You must do it to understand any of the sentiments that will surge through you during and after your sojourn.
Left on 28 Aug 2004.
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145. Name: Chris Flack
Comments: I worked on a number of voluntary projects on South America and this one stood out as the best experience. Being able to work 'with' the locals to help build their community through helping the ecology, children and animals in such a passionate and fun environment is a true gem. I am still amazed by the level of effort that dedicated volunteers put into the park even once they've returned home to the 9-5 world - but I guess that just shows that CIWY is something people never want to forget :)
Left on 20 Jul 2004.
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We have received the following negative feedback, censored for bad language.
Name: anon
Comments: CIWY is an incredible place but there are alot of people that are not dedicated to animals and their welfare and simply wish to cross it off their list of essential experiences.
Very often there are fantastic volunteers that have good ideas and inputs and they are ignored
This shouldn't put you off going. You can make your own small differences and it's the experience of a lifetime
Also has Chris ever been to CIWY?
Left on 31 October 2006
I think this comment speaks for itself as enthusiastic but frustrated. Emotions runs high at the refuge in part due to the strongly participative nature of the volunteer program, and volunteers' enthusiasm to do their best. People from wealthy countries struggle to come to terms with the sheer difficulty of working to make change in a context of poverty. These anonymous insults help no-one - 'anon' clearly wants what is best for CIWY and believes in what it is doing. Unfortunately they have resorted to personal insults to myself and a group of volunteers. We'd be very disappointed if anyone tramps into the jungle 7am-6pm daily to tick a box. I volunteered with CIWY for just under a year in Bolivia and from the UK ever since (since early 2002).
237. Name:Loren McRicherson
Comments: The animals are wonderful and the land.
The organization unorganized and poor focus.
Pray that they learn to work togther in a good way for the animals ...
Loren McRicherson
Left on 17 Mar 2006.
Loren sadly never communicated with us directly. We avoid bureaucracy but we do ensure that every one of our 1000 animals has the care and attention they require, 365 days a year, and that each of our volunteers has the support and training they require. We do that almost completely on minimal volunteer fees (about fifteen times less than the average volunteer scheme, because we believe that everyone should be able to benefit from the scheme), awarding volunteers the most responsibility they feel comfortable with so that the volunteers learn and grow with their work.
Name: Manu
Comments: Beautiful place i luved it.
I lived and volunteered for 8 months.
I do hope you have Veterinary Staff now cuz that is what u stated tho not what i saw.
Please do tell of a new vet and can i contact them ?
I am a Avian Specialist.
Thank u,
Manu
Left on 14 Jan 2005.
I emailed Manu and reassured him that we have a full time vet living at the refuge.
Dan left some bad feedback on this page, but has so far not contacted us directly. Rather than leave our rather long exchange here, his points and my response are summarised. I again invite Dan to respond to me directly at intiwarayassi@gmail.com to ensure that he feels that this is an accurate summary. He is "not saying that the park is not a wonderful place where there is a great community spirit", and ended his most recent feedback with "I sincerely wish the Inti Wara Yassi animal refuge all the best for the future". However, following his two day visit, he feels that there are serious shortfalls the way it functions and so decided not to volunteer.
Name: Dan
Comments:
- He feels that the park is not accurately represented on this page.
- The volunteers could do not make the effort to speak to park visitors.
- Puma carers are not adequately trained - they just get a paper file to read. He met a volunteer that had been "mauled" as a result.
- He saw three volunteers "covered in bandages".
- The Bolivian child he met at reception accused him of not having paid for his ticket.
My response, summarised:
- All volunteers undergo an induction day, and cat carers in particular cannot care for cats unless they are volunteering for a month or more. They also have a handover whereby they work with existing carers for several days. Cat carers are accompanied whenever required. I said that "mauled" was an exageration, and that the cats may play rather like domestic dogs.
- I said that he seemed to have thought that paying for a guide included his park entrance and that I hoped he paid the child too.
- There are injuries. I am not aware of the specific volunteers to whom he is referring. I badly phrased this point which led Dan to reasonably feel I was attacking him ("I don't know what he is talking about but welcome clarification").
- There are acknowledged deficiencies in the service we provide to visitors to the park - but this is due to a deliberate philosophy of animals first. Other staff were probably preoccupied with animal concerns. If one is used to tourist service, one may therefore feel that one is not being looked after. (If I can validate the occurrence with the child directly with Dan, I will pass this feedback to the refuge to help ensure that it doesn't happen again.)
- We are working at providing better services for visitors - in particular, resources permitting, we are working on creating more educational facilities, including an educational museum in the entry visitors' centre, and infrastructure for self-guided tours of the park. This is to fight the causes and not just the symptoms of environmental unawareness in Bolivia and internationally.
- I stated (which I regret as disrespectful): "Sadly this review seems to be another knee-jerk reaction based on almost no experience. How can you possibly critique the induction program and the entire organisation, of many incredible people, if you have just turned up for a day or two, wandered around and chatted to one person. I hope that the reader will see this review in light of the many more people who love the organisation and its work."
Name: Dan
Comments:
- Several reactions to what he felt was a personal attack on my behalf.
- He finds it "ludicrous" that I compare a large cat with a domestic dog.
- He defends his account as the real "inside story" as it was based on talks with several volunteers.
- He feels that we do not strike "the happy medium" between caring for visitors and caring for animals, as our visitors are a valuable income stream.
- He had paid for his entrance as well as his guide. Additionally, the child insulted him in Spanish.
- He demanded an apology from me, and contact details as he would be happy to discuss this.
- He wished Inti Wara Yassi "all the best for the future".
My response, summarised:
- I apologise for any offence caused.
- I hope that we can consensually summarise this discussion so that we and prospective volunteers can benefit from it.
- I refer him to the instructions at the top of the page asking for direct communication if bad experiences were had.
- I reiterated that I believe he was not at the park long enough to form a rounded opinion.
- I assured him that we do try to find a happy medium, and invited him to come back and be involved in doing so. However, our happy medium is further towards the animals than it seems he would like. Our motives concerning visitor care are to raise awareness - visitor fees are an important income stream, but much less important than our mission and message.
- I apologise for accusing Dan for not having paid.
So please do write to me directly so that we may resolve this conflict. I apologise for any offence caused.
Name:Daphne Krijnen
Comments: i do not think this refuge is more than a zoo. the animals are not being helped. there are no people around knowing how to treat the animals. the volunteers are a bunch of israelians only interested in feeding their monkies. leaves me to express the wish that the volunteers' money qwill be put in closing up the place for tourists (*******, weezy has to be taken up all the way in a cage-- the puma and jaguar have to sleep in cages because of the tourists/ volunteers safety)
...and used for the welbeing of the animals.
Left on 28 Aug 2004.
On 31st August I wrote the following to Daphne, and she has not yet replied. At the time, I had not realised that she had posted her complaints on the site, using impolite language - apologies for any offence caused.
I would add to my response that we have permanent, qualified veterinary staff and university research programs running at the refuge, the results of which will be published in due course.
I feel no need to respond to her complaints about the nationality of volunteers, except to say that the Isrealis are incredibly active worldwide, along with their colleagues from almost any country you can think of.
To answer Daphne's suggestion that the pumas should be left free over night: If they didn't end up fighting each other over territorial disputes or starving due to the psychological reasons they are in rehabilitation, they would be stolen for resale.
She has not clarified her remarks about tourist money being used to close up the place, or her remarks about Weezy.
Rumours and emotions runs high at the refuge in part due to the strongly participative nature of the volunteer program. People are encouraged to take as much responsibility as they feel comfortable with, and Inti Wara Yassi has a policy of never refusing someone - the belief is that the experience of volunteering is incredibly valuable (as I can contest - I have started a Masters degree in Development as a result).
Unfortunately this leads to volunteers developing strong emotions, as they fail to recognise the complexity and constraints and value if what is happening. With only a few months or years experience, or having not had to survive with such limited resources (let alone run an NGO), one often does not appreciate the difficult and political nature of managing an NGO in such a disabling context. It can be a frustrating experience not to be able to do more. One feels this acutely as one becomes emotionally involved with the work and volunteer community. This need not be negative - this is the frustration which has led me to go back to university in order to try to do more, and I cannot emphasise enough how much I am gaining from it.
Dear Daphne,
Thanks for your email - everyone is entitled to their opinion.
Would you like to further discuss this? I am very keen to take this
seriously, but I do not want to provoke you by simply contradicting you.
I would refute your opinion on the following points:
o What would the alternative be for these animals in Bolivia?
Under-funded, commercial zoos, if they were found - which would be much
less likely without CIWY.
o I feel that the imact on most of the volunteers is very positive.
o I feel that we are moving towards making the experience more
positive for the Bolivian visitors.
o I feel that Inti Wara Yassi is actually a positive example for
ecological awareness, well known as such throughout the poorer sectors
of the Bolivian public. As such it has a positive impact.
o The national and international school programs, and the fair trade
scheme, are very awareness raising and positive.
o It is quite common to prohibit release of ex-captive animals, and is
a whole branch of ethics in itself.
I would be keen to hear your response, but would understand if you don't
want to take it any further.
Yours sincerely,
Chris Preager
Any reply will be posted as soon as it is received.
We also received this surfing advice for Peru. This has been put at the bottom as it is arguably less relevant to the Inti Wara Yassi experience!
Name: Eliott
Comments: Hi, I'am a surfer boy and student from Peru so i can tell you the food is great we have great beaches north of lima, like mancora, chicama,pacasmayo with great waves chicama has for me the longest wave in the world, 43 kilometers south of lima you can find pico alto with waves from 8 to 10 meters. I visited lots of places as: Machu Picchu, Camino Inca, Choquequirao, Puno, Líneas Nazca - Paracas, Manu,Arequipa, Lima, Huaraz- llejón de Huaylas, Puerto Maldonado -Tambopata Candamo, Ayacucho, Tarapoto, Chachapoyas,Kuelap, Iquitos, Trujillo, Cotahuasi, and Cotahuasi. If you are interested contact me 51 1 97486790 , my name is Eliott C A celias1@hotmail.com
Left on 1 Nov 2004 .
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Loyalty, Love, Solidarity, Bravery, Harmony, Humility
