Viennese Bojan Ferkovic made his dream come true at the animal shelter in Ecuador.
“I wanted to travel somewhere where I could help and work with animals,” says Bojan Ferkovic. He finally found what he was looking for in Ecuador, where restrictions on trade and animal husbandry were tightened a few years ago. The animal sanctuary ‘amaZOOnico’, founded in 1993, is located about four hours’ drive southeast of the capital Quito, at the gateway to the Amazon rainforest. Macaws and other parrots, coatis, toucans, turtles, tapirs, caimans and various monkey species are cared for on approximately five hectares. They were found injured, came from experimental laboratories or were illegally trafficked.
The nature reserve is funded exclusively by donations. The facility also thrives on the work of volunteers like Bojan Ferkovic. His working day starts at 7:00 am. The animals are then fed, their health is checked and the enclosures are cleaned.
After the breakfast break at 9:30 am, guided tours with tourists or wildlife activities are planned. “It’s about increasing the cognitive level. The monkeys are the most demanding, while the turtles prefer to just swim. The toucans try to play with us, but we want to avoid that,” reports the Viennese. Ultimately, the goal is to rehabilitate the animals so they can be resettled in their natural habitat. Reptiles are easier when released into the wild. Of the approximately 3,500 animals cared for at the reception station, 1,500 have already been released back into the wild. “Whether this works always depends on the species in question. With monkeys this is virtually impossible, but with reptiles it is easier because they do not develop a relationship with people,” says the expert.
After a second feeding round and the necessary housework in the helpers’ quarters, it is time for Ferkovic to finish the job. “There is plenty of time to swim in the river, meet other volunteers or participate in the activities of the Kichwa, the indigenous people here.”
The Viennese is now used to the many mosquito bites and the special sound background in the rainforest. “The sounds of the birds, the monkeys and the frogs are always there. It’s actually a very nice feeling when you wake up in the morning.” The 28-year-old doesn’t want to miss life off the beaten track.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
