Today we took the trip to the Cuenca Zoo called Amaru (which means "snake" in Quechua). It is about a 20 minute bus ride and is located high above the Hospital del Rio on the southeast side of Cuenca. (Their website is
www.zoologicodecuenca.com.)
 |
| Overlooking Cuenca as we start our tour |
The zoo has five different regions, with animals and plants from each corresponding region (Andean, Dry Forest, Rainforest, Barren Plateau, and Exotic Animals). It is more a nature preserve than a zoo as the animals are living in their natural habitat with room to roam or fly. It's great to see animals that are not in small cages.
 |
Amanda, our tour guide
| | | |
|
|
|
 |
| Starting on the tour |
Our tour took about two hours total. If you want to see all of the zoo, allow from three to four hours.
 |
| Getting higher up into the mountain |
 |
| Entering bear country |
 | | | | |
| Male and one of the females |
 |
| Male bear looking our way |
The bears (one male and two females) were used to living in very small cages and developed the stereotypical habit of pacing back and forth. When first introduced to their new home, their pacing diminished within two weeks and now they roam freely in their natural environment.
 |
| A portion of the bear habitat |
 |
| Alpacas (their necks are shorter than llamas) |
This tour turned into a very strenuous hike up and down pathways that were uneven and at times slippery with mud. So if you decide to go, be forewarned that it is a difficult hike and our group of twelve was not able to finish it. As what happens all too often here in Ecuador, you are not given any details and have no idea of what to expect -- but one thing for sure, you won't be bored!
 |
| Eagles |
 |
| Peacock |
This is the male peacock (prettier than the female, of course). The female was nearby but she blended in with the color of the hill.
 |
| White-tailed deer |
 |
| Male |
 |
| Female with baby (so cute!) |
 |
| African Lions |
|
|
 |
| Male lion with two females |
 |
| 6 month old cubs |
There was a lot more to see (squirrel monkeys, Amazon parrots, macaws, Galapagos tortoises) but we decided to turn around and head back down the mountain. It was a lot of fun, the weather was great, and we got a good workout while enjoying nature. Another great day outdoors!
