Despite his hard life, Bilbo was a wonderfully affectionate, loving and even possessive monkey. Each afternoon he would see me long before I saw him, and would stand, arms outstretched, chattering excitedly with all his news. As I approached, regardless of the treats I brought, (he was on a diet and envious of the other monkeys), he would fly up my shirt sleeve and hug and tickle my neck adoringly, making little grunts of ecstasy. We would then go off on our lone spider hunting or vegetation-munching missions through the forest, resting occasionally for a hug or play.
When the time finally came, Bilbo treated me to a farewell I’ll never forget.
I cannot convey the emotions I felt taking responsibility for a monkey rescued from a life of street performance.
When she arrived, all she would do was constantly hit her head against the floor while clinging desperately on to her tail. It was a truly horrific sight. Within just three days at Inti Wara Yassi she had stopped this behavior almost completely, and had achieved companionship with Spank, the troupe leader.
On day six, she was successfully released into a life she couldn't even have dreamed up. Tears come to my eyes recounting this.
Quick Tips:
To volunteer at the refuge, you simply turn up in Villa Tunari. There are always lots of wonderful jobs available, from adopting a jaguar (no mean feat), to taking on a construction. Sadly there is no Internet connection at Villa Tunari, so emails cannot be answered.
Volunteers are encouraged to allow at least 14 days working and 1 day wandering the park, for getting the most amazing wildlife pictures of your trip, and enjoy the company of the animals unpreoccupied. On the rare occasion a volunteer leaves early, due to previous abuse, a 100 Boliviano deposit is taken as a donation towards the animal food and shelter fund, to protect the animals.
Volunteers are encouraged to stay in the park accommodation - 20 Bolivianos per night, 10 for a campsite, including showers, kitchen and communal areas. For those on a budget, all inclusive I spent around US in my two weeks, camping, but including beer.
There are many cheap restaurants, but often volunteers organise fundraising dinners towards various projects. Dollar bills can normally be changed to Bolivianos, but that is the extent of Villa Tunari's financial services.
Best Way To Get Around:
Inti Wara Yassi is in Park Machía, in Villa Tunari, four hours from Cochabamba, six from Santa Cruz, and 12 direct from La Paz.
The nearest Internet cafe is half an hour away by regular bus.
Please check www.intiwarayassi.org for details of things to bring.