Environment, My Community

Volunteering in Puerto Viejo: The Jaguar Rescue Experience

photo 2
A baby howler monkey atop a shoulder

My vacation in Puerto Viejo took me on many adventures, but on June 22nd, I embraced my true passion and saw months of work brought to life. Prior to leaving for Costa Rica, I engaged in a multi month collection of veterinary supplies for the Jaguar Rescue in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica. My organization was highly successful; over seven hundred dollars worth of supplies was gathered thanks to the generous contributions of three companies. 1-800 Pet Meds was one of the kind donors who graciously supplied the majority of veterinary care, I highly suggest you check them out here for great prices and wonderful service for all your pet needs!

A Baby Sloth Climbing Around With A Blanket
A Baby Sloth Climbing Around With A Blanket

My family and I took a cab ride to the refuge and arrived on time for the 11:30 tour. Due to power outages and other communication hindrances, the private showing did not work out. In order to keep the facility up and running, a fifteen dollar donation I requested to see the work they are doing. While paying our donation, I dropped off the bags of supplies behind the desk and the lady promised to find the owners for me to meet and speak to.

Our tour was with a lovely woman named Daniela; she was thorough, kind, intelligent, informative, and interesting. We were shown the various facilities and informed of the methods used to take care of the animals. Also, we were told the story of each animal at the refuge. All of the stories were equally touching and I could spend hours recounting the touching anecdotes. What sets the refuge apart from similar concept facilities is their reintroduction effort. Most of the animal refuges keep the animals for life after taking them in. At the Jaguar Rescue, the utmost effort is taken to try and reintroduce the animals to their natural habitat. The work done at this center is incredible and inspiring.

As we were nearing the end of our tour, I was given the opportunity to meet the owners. They are such kind hearted people and very sweet. I got a picture taken with them and an adorable monkey, then we finished the tour. The jaguar rescue was an incredible experience and I very much enjoyed the trip. I suggest trying to visit the refuge and see the incredible work yourself. I want to thank all of the donors again for their contributions, because this project couldn’t have been done without them.

photo 3
A photo of Encar and I
Environment, My Community

Meyenberg Goat’s Milk

Tower of Donated Cans
Tower of Donated Cans

Hello! Right now, I am in the final preparation mode for my trip to Costa Rica. To my pleasant surprise, I received a phone call a few days ago about an incoming package. On Thursday, the ackage came and it was a donation from Meyenberg! I was so excited and shocked, as Meyenberg Goat’s Milk was the first and most important item on my list.

I received 6 cans of milk, which will provide great relief for the refuge. These cans will go far in helping the animals. Also, I received a cute little note and some reading material, also recipes to try with goat’s milk.

These six cans will be accompanying me on my trip and will be donated to the Jaguar Rescue Center. The milk is used to prepare the orphans bottles of milk since they no longer can receive milk from their mothers. It is very expensive and difficult to purchase directly in Costa Rica, so the refuge relies on the donations. I am overwhelmed by Meyenberg’s kindness and generosity. They are a wonderful company to work with and I thoroughly suggest checking out their website! http://meyenberg.com/