Spectacled bear

The Spectacled Bear is the only species of bear that lives in South America. Sadly, this bear was found alone in the jungle after traffickers killed its mother. It cannot be released back into the wild as it was only 2 months old when it was rescued and mothers have a care period of 2 years. The bear now lives in a 300 square meter area with a swimming pool, playground, and entertainment. It is fed 5 kg of fresh fruit and 8 liters of oatmeal daily and its diet consists of bromeliads, tree bark, meat, and chicken. On average, it weighs 160 kg and stands 1.8 meters tall. There are three bears in the sanctuary, Moises who is the largest, Coco the medium-sized, and Juliet the smallest. The Andean bear is in danger of extinction due to indiscriminate hunting for its skin used in traditional dances and habitat loss caused by agriculture, leaving bears without spaces and leading to conflicts with farmers. The problem is not with the bears but with humans affecting their natural habitat.

LLamas and alpacas.

The llama and alpaca are two domesticated South American camelids, while the vicuña and guanaco are wild species. Llamas are known for their long neck, legs and face, and are often used for transportation purposes. Alpacas, on the other hand, are smaller in size and are mainly raised for their wool and meat. The llama has its tail up, while the alpaca has its tail down. Llamas can carry up to 28 kilograms, while alpacas produce 2 to 3 kilograms of fiber per year. There are two types of alpacas – the Suri alpaca with its long bristles, and the Huacayo alpaca with a wool that resembles that of a sheep. Both the llama and alpaca can be domesticated and raised on farms.
Macawas

The Macaws are beautiful birds found in cages and with damaged feathers and wings, making it impossible for them to be released into the wild. They are known for their long lifespan of up to 70 years and being monogamous. There are 17 different species of Macaws that can be found in the jungle and in Cusco, where they have been rescued by the Ecological Police of Peru. They have been trafficked and sold in illegal markets for high prices, with some being sold for as much as $5,000. The popular species of Macaws include the Blue and Yellow Macaw, the Red and Green Macaw, and the Scarlet Macaw. The use of their feathers for ornaments and traditional dances has contributed to the decline of their populations in the wild.

Pumas

The Pumas are native to all of America, ranging from Canada to Argentina, with a healthy population. However, some people make a profit by using them for entertainment purposes, like a person in Lima who had two female pumas in a nightclub, where they were drugged and people could touch and take pictures with them. One of the females had its claws removed, making it impossible for them to be released into the wild. The juvenile male puma, named Mufasa, was born in captivity and its mother was a pet, making it difficult for it to survive in the wild if released. Pumas are known for their impressive jumping ability, able to jump up to three meters high and fourteen meters long while running at 60 kmph. They are fed 20 kilos of meat for the three pumas at the facility

Andean Condor

Andean Condors are the largest flying birds in the world, capable of flying up to 21,000 feet or 7,000 meters above sea level where they use thermal air currents to glide and fly long distances with minimal energy expenditure. With a lifespan of up to 80 years in captivity, they have a wingspan of 3.5 meters or 10 feet and weigh 15 kg or 35 pounds. Despite being scavengers, some local farmers mistakenly believe the condor to be a hunter like an eagle, leading to their killing through poison or pesticides. There is also illegal trade of condor feathers as symbols of power due to the bird’s mythical status as a god to the Incas. In Peru, there are approximately 2,500 condors, and a breeding program at the sanctuary aims to release the offspring with GPS tracking. One released condor has been recorded to fly at an altitude of 7,500 meters and travel more than 200 km in a day. The slow reproductive cycle of the condors, with eggs only produced every 2 years and reaching sexual maturity at 9 to 12 years, presents a challenge to the species’ conservation. Male condors are born with a crest and females without, with females having red eyes and white and black feathers, while both genders have white and black feathers and a neck scarf.

Vicuña

The vicuña is a unique and magnificent animal that is native to the highlands of South America. With approximately 150,000 individuals living in the wild, the species has made a remarkable recovery from being an endangered species. The vicuña is highly valued for its fine and luxurious fiber, which is considered the most expensive in the world. This species is proudly featured on the national Coat of Arms of Peru, symbolizing the country’s rich wildlife.

Unlike llamas and alpacas, vicuñas are small and have a uniform cinnamon-colored fur, making them distinct from other camelids. Despite being wild, vicuñas are highly territorial and live in groups consisting of a male leader and up to 15 female members. However, it is important to note that these animals are not easily tamed and can be dangerous due to their tendency to spit, kick, and bite. Thus, it is essential to exercise caution when approaching them.