Amaru Zoologico Bioparque

We decided to spend an afternoon out at Amaru Zoologico Bioparque in Cuenca. After reading the Trip Advisor reviews of how this is more like a trip to the jungle than a visit to a zoo we were prepared for anything. Basically it's an animal sanctuary built on the side of a hill. Not sure why they thought this was a good idea, but there you have it. No wheelchair access here....

Some of the enclosures are so realistic that we were unable to spot the animals. Here are the Andean bears enjoying life...

This was in stark contrast to a small zoo we visited in Ica, Peru where we saw two of the most beautiful big cats living in concrete boxes.

I think my favourite animal at Amaru was the ocelot. We saw one playing with a big hunk of meat just like a all kitty cats would. At one point he left the meat and ran away before waiting and pouncing back onto it. So cute. 

The park also had a lot of overhead tunnels which we thought were for the monkeys. Next minute we look up and see an ocelot walking through the trees!

There was also other tunnels set up for many other types of monkeys. I thought it was a great idea.  

We also got to have a close encounter with a capybara which turns out to be the friendliest creature ever. I think he just wanted a cuddle. They are such strange animals and they make a weird purring noise too. 

There were also heaps of other amazing creatures including the Andean Condor which has the second largest wingspan of all living birds (apparently the albatross wins). 

Overall a great way to spend an afternoon but I'll just have to rely on google image search for sighting the Andean bear.