Santa Martha Animal Rescue Reserve

Cultural Tour

By Brooke Chaplin

Right south of Quito is the town of Tambillo, where the animal rescue ranch is located. You have to catch one of the white pick up truck/taxis at the intersection of Tambillo and the Pan American highway, near the train tracks. But boy is it worth it! You'll climb the mountain to the yellow and green gate on the left, at the top of the mountain. There are no signs, but the taxis know it as the "zoo."

Once you enter the gate, you`ll see the ranch below you, a group of white buildings. Go to the main house and ask for a tour. Wear hiking boots, as the animals are spread all over the hill. They've got so many different species which have mainly been rescued from traveling circuses all over South America. Lions, tigers, bears, monkeys, etc. Once having hiked around (it takes about an hour), please give your volunteer guide a donation. It costs $4,000 a month just to feed the animals, and it's all by donations!

Website: www.santamartharescue.org