Samaipata Animal Refuge: A Second Chance at Zoologico el Refugio

Animal refuges have sprung up in the various jungle regions of Bolivia to help orphaned or illegally captured exotic Bolivian wildlife. During our stay in Samaipata, we headed just outside of town to visit the Samaipata animal refuge, or Refugio de Fauna Silvestre Jacha-Inti. This quiet refuge was started by a Swiss family in the early 2000s and is run by volunteers who care for both caged and free animals in need.

The large sign marking the entrance to the refuge on the right side of the road
The large sign marking the entrance to the refuge on the right side of the road

A couple of decades ago, the Bolivian government set a law in place that prohibits the trade of wildlife in the country, but the current struggle to control the illegal sale of exotic animals continues to this day.

Species in the reptile family and parrots are traded at the highest volume, but there has been a recent spike in the sale of threatened jaguars. They are captured for their fangs, which are a desired item in China. Of the many species of animals captured, about one or two out of every 10 survive and make it to their destination.

An agouti of sorts poses on a log
An agouti of sorts poses on a log

The many refuges that have been built in the country strive to rehabilitate rescued animals. The hope is to return them to the wild. However, many have been significantly injured or no longer possess the skills to survive outside of captivity.

Visiting the Samaipata Animal Refuge

Hours: The refuge is open from 8:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.

Cost: The cost for adults is 20Bs for adults and 10Bs for children.

Getting There: Walking provides a nice and easy stroll through the countryside. To reach the Samaipata animal refuge, go south on Rubén Terrazas that runs by the plaza. Follow that road until you reach the large sign marking the refuge. From the plaza, the walk is 2.4 kilometers (1.5 miles).

We walked, but you can also take a taxi for approximately 20Bs one way, and you can ask the driver to wait or you can walk back. If the driver waits for you, the cost will rise.

Extra Notes: There’s a small shop that sells water and souvenirs where you must go to pay your entrance fees. The refuge isn’t huge, but there are plenty of animals to see, and it is wonderful to walk around and watch them go about their activities.

Some of the animals wander outside of the cages. Please respect them and don’t touch them or use flash photography. Monkeys may get close and even jump on you, but it is important to let them interact with you on their own terms.

The curious boar followed us around and made friends with Matt
The curious boar followed us around and made friends with Matt

The Animals

There is a wide variety of wildlife at the Samaipata animal refuge, including parrots and toucans, boars, tortoises, various species of monkeys, exotic cats, coatis, and more. There are also domestic animals running around, such as horses, llamas, ducks, and dogs.

When we visited, we thought the volunteers did a great job of maintaining the place, caring for the animals, and keeping their enclosures clean. Following are some photos of our encounters of the many animals who make their home at the refuge.

Bananas are a capuchin favorite at the refuge
Bananas are a capuchin favorite at the refuge

Turtles bask in the sun
Turtles bask in the sun

This beautiful hawk eyed us from his perch
This beautiful hawk eyed us from his perch

A tiny squirrel monkey
A tiny squirrel monkey

This lanky monkey was very shy, and we only caught glimpses of him during our walk
This lanky monkey was very shy, and we only caught glimpses of him during our walk

A Geoffroy Cat warming in the sun
A Geoffroy Cat warming in the sun

This capuchin wanders freely about the refuge, making friends with visitors
This capuchin wanders freely about the refuge

Bird enclosures at the Samaipata animal refuge
Bird enclosures at the Samaipata animal refuge

Tropical birds like this toucan are common in Bolivia
Tropical birds like this toucan are common in Bolivia

One of the many free-roaming squirrel monkeys at the refuge
One of the many free-roaming squirrel monkeys at the refuge

A large rhea follows us around his enclosure, probably looking for more food
A large rhea followed us around his enclosure, probably looking for more food

Our visit at the refuge allowed us to get up close to some of Bolivia's most stunning wildlife
Our visit at the refuge allowed us to get up close to some of Bolivia’s most stunning wildlife

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Samaipata Animal Refuge

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