General Information

Country:                     Bolivia
City:                            Santa Cruz
Project Area:               Conservation
Project:                        Animals refuge 

Project Information

Introduction:

It is very important to take a look to the Nature in a world that is been affected by many elements such as contamination and species extinction.
Bolivia is the 13th country of biggest biodiversity in the world and this animals refuge in Santa Cruz is a good sample, their principles are based on conservation, defense and study of the Bolivian and South American fauna.

Background:

Back at the beginning of the 60´s the founder of this refuge had gain some experience as a naturalist and already created the Botanical Garden that was located beside the Piraí river, as a result he conceived the idea of build this project dedicated exclusively to the conservation of South American fauna.  
At that point Santa Cruz had about ¼ of its actual population.
The first collection of animals included 20 species and 150 specimens.
On 1983 they had 287.000 visitors; on 2000 they had 500.000, normally on Sundays they get about 5.000 visitors.
Currently they have mammalians, birds, and reptilians.

MISSION - OBJECTIVES: The refuge houses a collection of native animals of South America, it is considered as one of the most complete collections in South America.
It is located about 2 kms. From the main town. Its area is 66.000 mts2.
Since the first years of work, it became the most popular attraction for tourists.
Its Mission is: "To gain value and prestige by satisfying the needs of knowledge and recreation of their visitors trough giving a good quality service with the help of the staff on assisting the visitors and protecting the environment."  

Objectives: Recreation: This is one of the first functions of all the Zoos around the world and it is also the reason why they have 500.000 visitors a year. Especially on Sundays and holidays lots of people visit this attraction in Santa Cruz. Most of Bolivian tourists and also from other countries consider the zoo the most popular tourist place of the city.Education: It is an open classroom for all the students and people that are interested on learning about Bolivian and South American fauna. They have signed a contract with the Natural History Museum (which belongs to the public University of Santa Cruz) in order to work together to develop an environmental education program. Also they have an education program with volunteers that give information to visitors and give orientation on how to treat the animals and warn them about the do´s and don'ts to avoid accidents and damages to the animals.Investigation:  The project is open to local and foreign students that would like to do any research and study.  Also to volunteers that would like to work and contribute with their work.Reproduction:  The reproduction is the proof that the species became adapted to leave in cages. Some of the animals such as the puercos silvestres, piyos or ñandúes, ciervos de pantano and tapir are been regularly reproduced which makes possible to exchange animals with Zoos from other countries. 

Areas of work

Since it was founded the refuge is been the centre of many conservation projects in Bolivia. It made an important contribution to the education of the local community especially because in the last few years Bolivia is passing trough a process of development of the main cities so the youth generations are in less contact with the natural environment.

Areas of work:

Administration
Exhibition
Quarantine
Nutrition
Gardens and visitor's areas

Quarantine area

They  follow a universal process with the new animals, this animals are not immediately integrated to the exhibition.  They need to pass trough an examination of their physical condition, the veterinary gives a diagnostic of the animal's condition and if it is necessary she submits the animal to a treatment.In this area they also observe the animal's behavior.All this procedure aims to avoid any danger that may affect the visitors and the other animal's safety

Veterinary lab:
 
In this area they assist the ill animals to find the cures.  They do a medical exploration and medication, they do all the necessary tests not only to live animals, but also to the dead animals to find the causes in order to prevent that the other animals get the same illness. The dead animals are donated to the University to be used for study purposes.

Food storage and kitchen: 
The food of the animal is a priority at the Zoo, the kitchen is carefully cleaned and the daily portions are prepared based on carefully elaborated diets for all the species.  The ingredients are good quality and very fresh fruits and vegetables. The meat and other perishable ingredients are frozen maintained.

1. The volunteers work involves Cleaning cages
   
2. Checking information signs and correcting them
   
3. Cooking food for animals
   
4. Feeding the animals
   
5. Veterinary assistance
   
6. Nutrition advice
   
7. Taking care of animals, and helping with veterinary work and maintenance of  grounds.  You may also be involved in the preparation of educational materials and workshops.