Visit Us

Our main role here at amaZOOnico is to rehabilitate and release animals we receive from the Ministry of Environment. Our research team, made up of both staff and volunteers, work tirelessly to ensure the animals have the best chance to be reintroduced back into their natural habitats.

This is not always possible due to physical injuries or the humanisation of these animals. We currently care for more than 150 animals that are not able to be released back into the wild.

Our generous volunteers lead visitors through our centre and aim to send everyone home with our conservation message, and the consequences of illegal wildlife trafficking.

THE TOUR

To spread our conservation message, we receive visitors from 8:30h to 14:00h every day of the year.

Reservations are required. Please make a reservation by filling this form.

On average each tour takes 1 hour and every group is assigned a guide.

Each visitor supports the maintenance of the center and its animals with an economic contribution of $5.

After the tour concludes, donations are welcomed at the reception, or here via our website.

WHO WILL YOU MEET?

For the animals that cannot reintegrate back into the wild, we ensure they have the best care possible.

During the tour our guides will share their stories and why they are unable to be released.

Some of the animals you might see during your visit include an Anaconda, Macaws, Parrots, Toucans, Tapirs, a Caiman, different species of monkeys, and MORE! You will not see animals that are potential candidates for release.

Through sharing their stories with you our aim is to spread the message against wildlife trafficking and the unethical practice of animals for tourist attractions.

WHAT DO YOU NEED TO BRING?

We recommend bringing rubber boots or sneakers (the Amazon can get muddy), a waterproof jacket in case it rains, a camera, and mosquito repellent.

Bring cash for the selection of beautiful indigenous handcrafts, locally made chocolate and coffee, drinks, specialised T-Shirts, and donation boxes for extra support.

amaZOOnico is 100% a non-profit organisation. All money collected goes directly to caring for the animals and general maintenance of the center. amaZOOnico receives no funding support from the government of Ecuador or corporate sources. Our only means of funding is through visitor contributions and private donations.

HOW DO YOU GET HERE?

TENA - AMAZOONICO
Bus + canoe

In Tena, find one of two bus terminals, either "Jumandy" or "Centinela del Tena". Take a bus to "Puerto Barantilla" ($2.40/1:30h). At Puerto Barantilla wait for a motor canoe and ask the driver to take you to amaZOOnico (10min). The frequency and cost of the canoe rides varies a lot, so we recommend you to arrange a canoe ahead by calling Liana Lodge: (+593) 6 301 7702

MISAHUALLI - AMAZOONICO
Canoe

If you want to enjoy a longer canoe trip, you can come to amaZOOnico from Misahualli in canoe. They will bring you to our animal rescue center and after the visit, they will bring you back to the city.

IF YOU WANT TO VISIT US YOU NEED TO MAKE A RESERVATION

To ensure the safety of our visitors, staff, volunteers, and animals, we carefully plan our guided tours.

We kindly ask for your cooperation by making a reservation through this form.

SECURITY RULES

For the security and welfare of all (humans and animals), these are our rules. Visitors who fail to adhere to these rules may be asked to leave the center. Thank you for understanding.

Don't interact with the animals (both in enclosures and the ones that are free around the center) by means of physical contact or verbal communication. Human interaction stresses the non-releasable animals, makes the ones that can be released less releasable, and can mean the transmission of dangerous diseases for all.
Don't feed the animals.
Don't bring pets to the center or in the shop. They (or you) can be attacked by free-living monkeys.
Stay on the walking paths and together with your group at all times, and don't enter restricted areas of the center.
All photos must be taken without flash.
Do not smoke in any part of the center.
Please note that visitors wishing to take images or video for commercial purposes will be charged an additional $500

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