Fundraising for a wildlife rescue centre in Bolivia

Nicola Armstrong Start Date: Aug 19, 2016 - End Date: Oct 17, 2016

My Travel Story

by: Nicola Armstrong Start Date: Aug 19, 2016 - End Date: Oct 17, 2016
For more than 20 years Comunidad Inti Wara Yassi (CIWY) has has been working for the benfit of wildlife rescued from illegal trafficking, giving disadvantaged youth a sense of purpose through involvement with wildlife care, and educating the Bolivian public to respect wildlife.

During this time, CIWY has also dedicated its efforts towards battling wildlife trafficking, conserving wild flora and fauna, as well as rescuing animals which have been victims of mistreatment and illegal trading. In recent years, CIWY has focussed on rehabilitation and care of wild animals rescued from trafficking, from homes where they were kept as pets, from zoos and circuses, or affected by the destruction of their natural habitat.

They are in urgent need of volunteers and donations for the daily running costs of the centres. There are three centres throughout Bolivia focussing on different wildlife species. We are planning to volunteer for at least a month at one of them to help run and care for the animals which the park has rescued. There are many animals that have been rescued including monkeys, jaguars, pumas, tropical birds and spectacled bears. Some of which are endangered and really need your help.

We have chosen this programme as we believe it is a great asset to Bolivian wildlife. We are both passionate about helping wildlife and wanting to help preserve the natural habitat of these rescued animals. The money we raise will help to pay towards our volunteering fee's, which will help to care for the animals, by supplying food, medication, construction and maintence of animal enclosures. 

Hopefully volunteering will help make a difference for these animals and the money that we raise will to.

Updates

3

  • We Are Back!

    We had the most amazing 5 weeks volunteering at CIWY. The time has absolutely flown by. We have left feeling sad, emotional and excited to return in a few years when we have some more time and money. It has been the most rewarding experience of our lives and one we will never forget. Every single story about the animals here is so heartbreaking but they are so loved and looked after and every single penny made goes towards making this a better place. The three parks are all in desperate need of volunteers, so if you are in Bolivia and have any weeks to spare then this place is the best place you can go to. Thank you everybody who has helped us fulfil this dream so far, we are editing our mammoth amount of pictures and will be sending soon. If anyone else wants to help then please do, every little helps.

  • We Are Here!

    Hey everyone just a little update.
    We have arrived and been at the park for a week and a half now. The days are long and hard but totally worth it. The work that the park does is amazing and they are in desperate need of money and volunteers to help run the park and build new enclosures. The work we are doing is crucial to the animals and without help and support the park can not run and it will affect their lives.
    Nicola is working closely with baby monkeys and eventually they will be reintroduced to the wild. They get fed and played with and taught by us how to survive. All three monkeys were brought to the park as orphans and we are acting as their mothers. In the afternoon she has an old ocelot called Lazy Cat who is beautiful. She needs company and walks. Jack has three mischievious little gatitos at 7am then he spends time with a young caged jaguar called Kussi he is full of life and energy. In the afternoon he walks a puma called Carlos who is great fun and an amazing cat. We have such a variaty of animals between us and there is so many more to be looked after. Volunteer numbers are low and every little helps. We really appreciate the support so far and hopefully we can continue to do more for the animals.

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