Ambue Ari is our Wildlife Sanctuary located between Ascensión de Guarayos and Trinidad, near the village of Santa María. It is owned and managed exclusively by Comunidad Inti Wara Yassi. Today the Centre cares for over 70 animals, of more than 20 different species, including three threatened species including tapirs, tortoises and birds. The centre specialises in caring for howler monkeys, a variety of bird species and wild felines, including ocelots, pumas and jaguars. With 800 hectares of land, it is by far our largest centre. The Centre specialises in the care of large felines. 

The Centre is managed by permanent staff and international volunteers, who stay for a minimum of two weeks. The name Ambue Ari means ‘new day’ in Guarayo, the indigenous language native to the area. The majority of our felines are kept in large enclosures. Some of them are taken out of their enclosures during the day to be go on a walk, following strict safety regulations.

Wildlife Management

Within Ambue Ari animals in a state of complete freedom can be found, for example howler monkeys. These are groups which exist comfortably in the space available. Some of these individuals have been released by the organisation since they were suitable for this process, these have prospered creating stable populations in a wild existence. These animals live independently, however they do receive constant control from a distance by the staff.

The practice of walking with ropes, which gives animals the ability to experience as natural an existence as possible, is essential to help ensure the mental and physical health of the animal. Many of the animals which are managed in this way have natural tendency to forage or cover large distances in search of food or territory. Being able to walk with a system of ropes allows them to enjoy a full sense of enrichment, where all five senses are stimulated while receiving exercise and a more varied living environment. This system is adapted to the needs of each species, as well as the condition of each individual. It was developed to give more freedom to animals which cannot exist in a state of freedom or semi-freedom, whilst giving them all the care that an animal in captivity requires.

The system of runners is another option for animals which cannot exist in a state of freedom or semi-freedom. Each individual has it's own specific management system, typically with an enclosure for them to spend their nights, plus a system of ropes and runners to give them additional activity during the day. These animals also receive all the care an animal in captivity requires. Depending on the animal, this system can be developed with or without direct contact with people, depending on the behaviour of the animal. It also allows a wider space of movement, providing them a more natural existence without creating risk for the staff.

With some individuals where it has been determined that is it not possible to have any direct contact with them, or that it will be safer for them to be kept separate from other animals, these are kept in individual enclosures. In the case of large felines, they have a large enclosure consisting of a management cage and double doors for safety.

Work Areas

Ambue Ari cares for a variety of animals - with an emphasis on wild felines - which are separated into specific areas. Volunteers are assigned to work in one of these areas during their time with us. While volunteer preferences are taken into consideration, we ultimately must assign volunteering duties based on the need at the time. Therefore we cannot guarantee that you will be able to work in a particular area. There is a minimum number of days required to work in each area - this minimum is a policy put in place for the benefit and stability of our animals. In order to work with the animals in our centres, volunteers must commit to a minimum of either 14 or 30 days, depending on the area of work. Work with all felines and certain monkey groups requires a minimum of 30 days (Jaguars require a minimum of 44 days). Animals: jaguars, ocelots, pumas, georffrey cats, howler monkeys, night monkeys, exotic birds, tapirs, wild boars, cuoatis and more.

Time-off

Volunteers work six days per week. They get every Saturday off. Volunteers generally go to Guarayos on Saturday to the Laguna.  

Volunteer Requirements

We accept volunteers from all different walks of life. We do not require that volunteers have prior experience of, or a specific qualification in working with wildlife.