The hotel we are staying in funds and runs an Andean bear (spectacled bear) reintroduction programme. These bears (on which Paddington bear is based) are an endangered species and the programme aims to rescue them from captivity/ circuses etc, take them to the centre and slowly attempt to reintroduce them to the wild. There are various pens, culminating in a 6 hectare semi- captivity pen which is the precursor to release. Unfortunately not all bears will make it back to the wild, some are so old they cannot be retrained. We took a trip out to visit the programme.
The males can grow up to 2m.
The centre is situated in some stunning cloud forest, in walking distance from the hotel.
Later, We went out with a ranger to look around the cloud forest. The altitude is perfect for orchids.
These are related to bird of paradise flowers
A chestnut breasted hummingbird.
A spider orchid.
Lyra doing her David Attenborough impersonation...
A glass winged butterfly.
This orchid is called 'you will cry' or princess of the sun!
One of the smallest orchids in the world.
Ending the day with a ridiculously large chocolate pudding.
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