The Zoologico Amaru is one of the most interesting zoos we have ever visited. About 15 minutes out of town the zoo is literally carved from the side of a mountain consequently there is a lot of climbing, breaks for spectacular vistas, and surprises around every bend of the path. The animals are housed in natural habitats and can be observed in an environment that is most comfortable for them. The sign clearly states that the primary purpose of the zoo is to provide sanctuary and peace for the animals. Lewis and Clark University and the University of Philadelphia are active partners with the sanctuary and we met two young men who were employed by AMARU and who had visited the Houston Zoo and Moody Gardens. The very secretive Andean bear was one of the first animals we visited. The habitat was huge and included ponds, feeding stations and a bear cave. Though we were able to see the bears Troy could not get a good photo. The bears and all the other animals in the zoo are rescue animals and could not be returned to the wild.
What is a zoo without monkeys? These little fellows seem to have the run of the entire space. Tunnels made of chicken wire are all around the park at the top of the trees and at first glance they seem to be moving about without being hindered. They drop onto islands scattered about the area, disappear into underground tunnels, pop back up and continue the monkey life. They are not bored because they are stimulated constantly as they would be in the wild.
The birds were very representative of Ecuador. Beautiful macaws, green parrots, and the big beaked tucan are free to fly about the large aviary. There was also an area for owls, several condors, eagles of different kinds and ducks, geese and the Pavo Reales or as we know it a peacock. We even saw the blue footed boobie.
These beautiful tigres knew it was time to be fed and they set up a growl as two young men approached their habitat with food. There were some African animals. A nice pride of lions dominated another area of the zoo. The path we followed was over 5 kilometers. There was no attempt to make the walk easy, however for safety there was a hand rail. We moved up and down and in and out of areas and it was not an easy walk. We were among the last of the guests to leave and the young man checking our tickets said his boss called and asked if Troy would send him the pictures he took. We feel honored he asked. Not a traditional zoo, but better and no better place to spend my birthday.
