For the last week and a half I have divided my time between Spanish Lessons and volunteering at an animal refuge called Paradise Gardens.
The refuge, owned by Paul and Jennie Saban, was originally opened in 2005 and was meant only to be run as a bird sanctuary.
When the Sabans arrived in Boquete from England, they brought 12 endangered parrots with them and hoped to start a breeding program. Word got out that they knew how to care for sick birds and locals and expats started bringing injured wild birds to them. Slowly, people started to bring in sick and abused animals, some wild and some domesticated. The Sabans have never turned away a creature since they opened their doors.
The refuge is run solely off of donations and the Saban´s generosity. The Panamanian government has no money to offer so the Sabans request a donation of $5 a visit for adults. This $ goes towards feeding and sheltering the animals. They are also in the process of funding a free clinic where local vets can practice and use the facitilites.
The main premise of the refuge is: Rescue, Rehabilitate and Release. Most of the animals here will be nursed back to health and sent on to sanctuaries.
My volunteer work has consisted of feeding the animals, which include two baby sloths, a 4 week old anteater, baby screech owls, several types of monkeys, dozens of birds including macaws and humming birds, ocelots and a jaguarundi.
I also give tours, clean cages and, best of all, play with the animals (blowing bubbles for the monkeys is always fun!).
No comments:
Post a Comment