AmaZOOnico is not a zoo designed to show off animals to people. The centre has the aim to give animal a natural life as possible and if possible to reintroduce them in the wild. The animals are only put in enclosures if there is absolutely no alternative.
Because the well-being of the animals is our priority, it is possible that tourists may not see all of them in a single tour. The monkeys may be foraging in a distant part of the centre far from the paths or hiding from the rain. We have respect for the animals if they wish to withdraw from human contact. This is the special attraction of amaZOOnico. Each tour is different, and the animals you will see are here for their own benefit and not just for human pleasure.

If an animal is healthy and is likely to survive in the wild, then it will be reintroduced as soon as possible. Some animals, mainly those with distinctive social behaviour, live in a semi-wild state. They are free to leave, but for one reason or another prefer to stay in the area of the centre. Animals must usually be enclosed for one of the following reasons; young animals without a mother cannot live independently because they need feeding or protecting against other animals; sick animals need to be treated and kept from infecting others; certain animals with a history of aggression towards others are difficult to release; animals that are widely hunted and have a large territory but are not afraid of humans cannot be released in Selva Viva for their own safety; animals that won't survive in the forest because they have not developed the natural skills to live in the wild are not released, and neither are particularly weak specimens; animals are also kept enclosed if they are so intelligent and destructive that it is financially impossible to have them running free in the area.

On arrival in amaZOOnico you will be greeted by our group monkeys; woolly monkeys, capuchin monkeys and squirrel monkeys. On the way to the first animal enclosure we are accompanied by a pair of trumpeter birds which entertain us with their strange array of vocalisations. In the trees above us woolly, spider, capuchin and squirrel monkeys leap and play. A capuchin monkey climbs down to investigate us, as they are very intelligent and curious animals.

They are also mischievous, so we must stay alert or they may steal your hat or glasses and disappear with it into the top of the tree. Woolly and spidermonkeys can often be seen hanging on only their prehensile tail, having both legs and arms free to play or grasp anything edible.

Herman is the chief of the woolly monkeys outside. If you are unlucky Cedru, the younger male, will try to jump you and grap your hair. Huahuasupay, the only tufted capuchin in amaZOOnico, will show us his latest tricks and if you are not careful, Fernanda-Chompita (a white fronted capuchin) will try to pick your pockets.

Because we never know what will be the next kind of animal to arrive at the centre, and spending priority is always allocated to the most urgent projects, enclosures are unfortunately not always optimal in size or facilities. However we aim for the highest possible standard of living for those animals that are likely to spend the rest of their lives at the centre.

In front of Angelika and Remigio's house is an enclosure housing toucans. Among them are two white throated toucans, Sam and Nogo. These beautiful birds are one of the largest of Ecuador’s 19 toucan species.

As we move on to the first birdcage a troupe of coatis move alongside us, ferreting through the undergrowth for worms and insects. In the birdcage we can see a variety of species of parrots, including some beautiful scarlet macaws.

Before we go further to the second birdcage, we visit our 4 capybaras. These are the biggest rodents of Southern America. They have special adapted feet for swimming in the water. They are real calm animals, laying around or eating some herbs.

The second birdcage is containing a further variety of parrots and parakeets, many of which are very good at talking and reward us with a babble of Spanish chatter. Pedro one of the blue and yellow macaws flies over to say hello, showing us how he can climb with his agile claws and powerful beak.

Now the tour leads us to the collared peccaries. These pig like animals come to greet us by rubbing up against our legs.

Then we see Felix, the jaguarondi. His low-slung, elegant form slinks through the bushes. Although he is a cat he resemble a weasel. Unfortunately he cannot be released as he would not be able anymore to survive in the wild.

The tour goes on to Johan, our most famous white-bellied spider monkey. Although this is Ecuador’s largest monkey species it is also the most agile and they impress us with their acrobatic skills on the ropes.

Then we visit the agoutis and kinkajous. Agoutis are one of the biggest rodents of the Amazon. Kinkajous are nocturnal but often come out to show us their long tongue.

We then take another turning and arrive at an enclosed pond, which is home a group of Amazon river turtles. We hope they one day start breeding here on the beach.

A bit further we can see our 3 ocelots, Hops, Pablo and Paloma greeting us from out of their large enclosure. They like to play and if you are not careful will try to grasp you legs with their paws. They were all pets before they became a bit to dangerous to keep at home.

The final enclosure contains two Boas. These are the only animals held at amaZOOnico solely for educational purposes; all other animals cannot currently be reintroduced for various reasons or always return to the centre. Visitors can touch or hold the boas and learn that snakes are neither cold or slimy. There is no need to fear them, as they are not poisonous. However, as for all animals, always have the necessary respect for them. Many people are scared of snakes and are likely to kill them whenever they see one. They are in fact beneficial to humans as they eat pests such as rats and mice. Despite this, there are hardly any visitors that don't want to touch the boas at least for a second.

The last stop is the bar. Here you can rest and have a drink. Of course we always hope that people will not only pay for their entrance but will also buy a souvenir of their visit; a T-shirts or an item of traditional handicraft such as blowguns, carved canoes, spears, bowls, handmade jewellery, etc. made by Waorani and Quichua Indians.

We depend also on money we can make from these purchases, and we also contribute to the maintenance due of traditional crafts by promoting fair trade. Most tourists also make a donation. Also with a modest sum a lot more can be achieved than would be possible in Europe.