The Andean Bear Project as seen through the eyes of a Volunteer

My three friends and I joined the Andean Bear Project on the 2nd July 2007 for the duration of a month. We were overjoyed to be located a short distance from the very small and beautiful village of Pucara. The local people were very friendly and welcoming and we volunteers spent some nights playing volleyball and socialising here.

Our accommodation, although simple, was made to feel very homely by Celia our resident cook/cleaner and her adorable children.

We spent the majority of our week days trekking and hiking through the beautifully breathtaking Cloud Rain Forest.

Our guide Alberto (who is one of the kindest people I have ever met), taught us how to use the radio telemetry equipment and gain valuable triangulation techniques. Alberto was also able to show us how the local people used the many different types of flora and fauna for both medicinal and survival purposes, and also provided us with fascinating information on the history of the area and its people.

Listening to the bears along the trails at different stations was very exciting and we came to within 25m of one of the bears, Fiona, but were unable to see her due to the dense vegetation of the forest- nature at its very best!

During a three day camping expedition organised by the project we visited the striking Lagoon Piñan. I have never seen such an untouched part of the world, and without doubt a truly amazing experience- and one not to be missed.

The Andean Bear Project relies exclusively on the money received by its volunteers to cover the bear necessities such as radio GPS collars, rehabilitation, and release costs and at the same time providing local people such as Celia and Alberto with the means to make a living and provide for their families.

Without a constant supply of volunteers this project will sease to exist and the Andean Bears Future whilst uncertain at present will become even more jeopardised in the years to come- no volunteers = no project.

So if you have a love for animals, conservation, and the outdoors you need to look no further for that volunteer position of a lifetime!

With kind thanks to:

Armando & Dolores
Alberto
Celia
Samuel
Juan

: For one of the best experiences of my life.

Lisa Felton 24, UK