4.16.2010

Butterflies and Biting Monkeys

These are pictures from the Pilpintuwasi Butterfly Farm and Amazon Animal Orphanage. The lady who runs it is from Europe.  She visited the Amazon about twenty years ago, fell in love, and stayed there.  She saw a need for a butterfly farm and animal orphanage.  She runs the ONLY legit animal orphanage in the Amazon.   She is very passionate about her work.  It's a little intimidating but motivating at the same time.
This is my husband and Chavo.  She is a red faced Huacary monkey.  Apparently female monkeys only like males.  When my husband touched her she was purring.  When I touched her she grabbed my hands with both of hers and bit my arm! Luckily it didn't break the skin but it sure freaked me out.
This is a young ocelot I had the pleasure of holding!  This isn't a petting zoo but since this ocelot was so young and I am an animal lover the owner let me hold her!  She bit me all over but I didn't care. Isn't she gorgeous?

These last three pictures are of an indigenous village, Yaguas, we stopped at on the Nanay River in the Amazon Jungle.  We danced together and listened to them sing.  They taught us how shoot blow guns with poison darts.  they were eager to sell their handmade goods and I had a hard time saying no.  I brought home a few necklaces and bracelets.  It was extraordinary to be in such a different and less complicated world than mine. 

The tour agency we went with.

14 comments:

chantelle said...

the butterflies are oh so pretty! looks like a ton of fun :) beautiful post, darling! have a wonderful weekend ♥

Rose said...

wow, it looks like youve had some amazing experiences. The ocelot, oh my gosh, almost brings a tear to my eye its so beautiful, you were so lucky to be able to hold her.
Thankyou for your recent comment, how great your sister is vegan. The internet is such a great place to find recipes isnt it.

Rose

Unknown said...

First of all, JEALOUS!!! Second, that last picture is so precious. i love how he's holding the smaller one's hand. Enjoy Peru!

Charlotta Ward said...

What amazing animals you get to meet! What a privilege to be able to get so close to the culture!

I love the pictures!
Aren't those little kids just so cute - love how she is wearing a hula skirt and he is wearing undies (inside out and all.) :)

Thanks for sharing - I am so enjoying reading about your fantastic journey.

xx Charlotta

Kathryn said...

Rachael, these pictures are amazing! It's fabulous that you are getting out there and doing and seeing all these things. You'll remember it for the rest of your life! :)

Kate x

tifsong said...

i have no idea why.
but everytime i read your posts my emotions are stirred.

the best kind of stir.
the kind where you get all of the clumps out in the first go around.

vigarous.

you're vivacious.

Lily Riani said...

ocelot soooo cute

Brian and Kayla said...

Great photography Rachael! Really stunning!

Josie said...

Oh, this looks amazing! That ocelot is adorable, and those kids are absolutely gorgeous. Can't wait for more!
xxoo Josie

VM Creation Atelier said...

Dear Rachael!-)*

Such an amazing expirience in you life,I am a little bit jealous about it(in a good sence of the word!-)))*
SO beautiful,lovely and very intresting photos!!!

Much Love,
***Violetta***

Madiha said...

Cute post! Love the blog. I'm new to blogging myself! Would love if you checked mine out and followed if you like it.
MadiChic
www.madichic.blogspot.com
:)

emmakarolina said...

What beautiful pictures!

Your so blessed to be able to see and experience such amazing things!

Thanks for sharing it with us!

Skin.Head.Sheena said...

Bring me back home that Ocelot too!! AAHHH! SOOO CUTE!

Nanu Nuñez said...

Sos muy afortunada en tener un "jaguareté" bebé en tus brazos!Es verdaderamente encantador!

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