El Arca refuge, lion cage expansion

I know what you might be thinking, 'lions in Ecuador!?' And yes it's true. Very unfortunate that they can't be free on the African plains, but these lions were rescued from a circus around 8 years ago and are well cared for, but the center has no government support and cannot afford to build a larger enclosure for the animals.

I am from Castlegar, B.C. and recently graduated from an environmental technology program at Selkirk College. After graduating I worked multiple jobs and saved to go travelling through Latin America. I am now nearly finished my trip and just have one more place to visit in Ecuador. 8 years ago as a 13-year old I had the opportunity to volunteer in an animal rescue called 'El Arca' in Tena Ecuador. The center is in the midst of the Amazonian jungle but sees exotic animals from all walks of life come through their doors.

Funding is hard to come by and the entrance fee proceedings only covers the local workers wages and the animal feed. I recently revisited the center and was inspired to help them construct a larger lion enclosure. The pair of African lions were rescued from a circus and are permanent residents of the center. This change would also allow two pumas to be moved into the current lion cage giving both pairs a little more space to roam. Materials we will need include; cement, metal framing, and the wire mesh which will be the most costly item.  The current cage is only 144 square and the new cage will be over 500 square meters and, while though it's no African savannah, will help improve their daily life and leave room for many additional features.