By now you know that we are volunteering for a month at a place called AmaZOOnico. But as we say in our tours, “Don't be fooled. This is not a zoo, but a wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centre. As tour guides we share some of the animals’ stories with guests at the centre so we thought it was about time you hear a few too.
Esmeralda is the very large anaconda that is a fan favourite at AmaZOOnico. She arrived way back in 2007 when a man showed up, claiming he'd found her slithering around the gas station in the local city, Tena. It was a very suspect story, as the snake was likely a pet and the fellow was likely tired of taking care of her. Upon arrival, Esmeralda was about 1.5 m long. Now, she dazzles tours with her 4 m length and 40 pound weight. Although she does still have her fangs (many trafficked snakes have had them pulled) she’s not the best hunter. Baby chicks have been known to hang out and even start cohabiting with the anaconda. Because of her lack of hunting prowess, Esmeralda will remain at AmaZOOnico for the rest of her days. We also share that many snakes are trafficked for tourist attractions. You've seen pictures of snakes wrapped around people. Heck, we've even done it! But little did we know that snakes are harmed by sunscreens, perfumes and colognes. AmaZOOnico has a “no selfie” policy to help combat the normalization of using wild animals for the tourist and pet trade.
We have a lovely, mature pair of Scarlet Macaws, Solano and Bilana. These two both arrived from the pet trade, and had their wings broken to stop them from flying away. They hang out in the garden next to the main dining area and office. They get around by using their beaks and feet, and are quick to get to their elevated feeding platform when it's feeding time. From time to time four Scarlet Macaws that were successfully released from AmaZOOnico return to visit Solano and Bilana. The “chatter” is very loud, as the birds are likely swapping stories of their adventures. Word in the jungle (and that's this literal Amazon jungle) is that people can sell a captured Scarlet Macaw for $10 000. That buys a lot of platano and yuca!
Another favourite on the tour are the three tapirs: Navidad, Poppy, and America. We actually don't use any animal names on tours as this promotes normalization of wild animals as pets, but for ease of communication we do use their names among the staff and volunteers. Navidad arrived on December 26, 2011, as a baby because her mother was killed by hunters (bonus points for figuring out her name). She was raised by workers at the centre and is one of the few animals tame enough to enter her enclosure when feeding. But let's be honest, Gayle is quite content to admire Navidad from afar when it's feeding time. She’s had two babies, one being released into the wild and the other being Poppy. Tapirs are large mammals, weighing up to 250 kg (600 lbs). They are relatives of horses, although many say they look more like pigs. Tapirs are more active at night, and use their strong sense of smell to track down food. They really are cute looking creatures, but you wouldn't want to meet one in a dark alley from what we hear.
The white collared peccaries are interesting characters as well. In a way, they are the OG's or founding members of AmaZOOnico. Let us explain. Back in 1991, a local Kichwa man met a visiting Swiss researcher. They fell in love and decided to get married. As local tradition had it, young couples were given a pair of peccaries as a wedding gift - something not on your typical registry in Canada. This couple decided they did not want to kill and eat the peccaries, but rather save them and give them a natural existence. And from this AmaZOOnico was born. Peccaries travel and hunt in groups, and there are 13 currently at AmaZOOnico. Depending on the year, up to 6 are released to keep local populations healthy, which provides the local indigenous people a sustainable food source. Peccaries can also be dangerous, and have been known to surround their prey and attack with their sharp tusks. Note: We do not enter their enclosure under any circumstances and riding the wild peccaries is not allowed.;)
We hope this gives a little insight into the backstories behind a few of the animals. Stay tuned for the story behind the spider monkeys. It's one of intrigue, romance, rescue, release and escapes!
