Parrot & Macaw Volunteering in a Wildlife Reserve Near Cartagena

DO IT! 10/10 Recommend

This was a blast! Seeing the macaws and parrots so up close was amazing, we also got to see monkeys close to us and, using binoculars, saw a tucán and more monkeys! Seeing them in their natural habitat is way better than a zoo, and knowing that the macaws we did see in aviaries would be released as soon as they were ready made the experience even better. I love the good they are doing here. Some macaws can never be released due to health issues caused by humans, but at least they have a place to go. We rode up the mountain in an ATV, saw cows and horses, and tried tons of different fruits straight from the plant. My favorite was a sugar mango, 10/10. I highly recommend adding this tour to your Cartagena trip. It was honestly my favorite part of this place. I got some amazing photos too, but my phone is being weird with uploading them. Book it!

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Fun experience

What a great get away from Cartagena to learn a bout rehabilitating birds. It's an interesting experience. Not much wildlife except the birds they have in cages that we saw but I believe it's just starting. Unsure how many other animals there are since places are being farmed by local farmers and developing the land. It has great potential and good message to send.

Response from the operator: Thank you for taking the time to share your perspective. We’re glad you connected with the purpose behind our work and the effort to rehabilitate birds. This project is part of a long-term regeneration process, where wildlife returns gradually as habitats recover. We work closely with local families as part of that balance between conservation and community. Your feedback is truly valuable as we continue growing and shaping the experience. Thank you for being part of this journey and for supporting a more hopeful future for wildlife.

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Helping the Birds

A really wonderful outing to the parrot/macaw wildlife reserve. We were welcomed by Paulina with a nice little breakfast of fried plantains, and 4 very friendly dogs (Happy was such a cute dog)! We signed some paperwork (liability waiver for riding the atv) and then were introduced to Andres. He was our biologist and main guide for the day. He instructed us on cutting up various fruits for the birds, discussing their diet and nutritional requirements. He then had us carry the trays over to a suspended pulley system, where he proceeded to hoist the trays up so the birds can feed at an elevated level. We then had a tour of the caged area where newer intakes are kept, as they adjust to the rehabilitation process. We learned about the differences between parrots and macaws. Then we headed out on the atv and in the utv to move further into the reserve. We stopped to select a tree for planting We saw another rehab section where the birds were free to enter and exit a shelter building, along with another pulley system feeding station. We planted the tree nearby to provide shelter and fruits in the future. We were also able to see cotton top tamarins that had been rescued from the illegal pet trade, also released back into the forest. We ended the day with a nice lunch of fresh fruit and juice. Great work being done to preserve the endangered dry forest system, the birds and animals that depend upon it, and enjoy beautiful vistas on the mountain. A shout out also to Alejandro for being the logistical coordinator to set up our tour and arrange the driver to pick us up from our hotel in Cartagena; everything went very smoothly and he was excellent for answering questions regarding this tour with Fundacion Loros.

Response from the operator: Thank you for taking the time to share such a detailed and thoughtful reflection. It’s wonderful to know the experience felt both meaningful and enjoyable, and that the purpose behind the work truly came through. Our team will really appreciate your kind words. Creating a space where people can connect with nature while understanding the importance of conservation is what inspires us every day. Thank you for recognizing that effort and for supporting this project. Your visit helps protect this ecosystem and keep this transformation growing.

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Parrots and Monkeys!

Get out of the city and see the great work they are doing at Fundación Loros. Parrots and monkeys are saved from the illegal pet trade and are rehabilitated and released into their natural habitat. Ride around in jeeps on this large nature preserve and taste tropical fruits. I loved it!

Response from the operator: We’re so grateful you took the time to visit and connect with the work being done here—thank you! It means a lot to have your support for the rehabilitation and release of rescued wildlife. Every visit helps us continue protecting these species and the ecosystems they belong to. Thanks for being part of this mission. We’d love to welcome you back anytime!

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Animal Adventures!

This was such a wonderful experience. My son and I are animal lovers so any activity that has to do with preservation is interesting for us. We love seeing places that don’t exploit the animals. The entire staff were so respectful of all the animals and our guide held a lot of knowledge about rehabbing the animals. The breakfast was fresh and delicious and I drank coffee for the first time in my life. Being able to feed the animals and pick a tree to plant was a great way to close out the day.

Response from the operator: Thank you so much for sharing this beautiful reflection. It’s especially meaningful to welcome people who care deeply about animal welfare. We’re glad the experience resonated with your values and that you felt the respect and dedication our team brings to every part of this work. Thank you for being part of this mission and for helping protect the future of wildlife with your presence. We’d be happy to welcome you both again anytime!

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