16 Sept 2024
Say hallelujah! I get to sleep in. Exhausted, I sleep for 9 hours. The temperatures range in the low 60s with intermittent sprinkles of rain. I am informed this is unusually cool – I am NOT complaining.
Sunday stroll amid nature
Pumas and Jaguars- oh my!
Directly behind my Hotel Santa exists a pleasant, quiet path to an observation deck overlooking the Iguaçu River. It has rained and leaves shed their drops of rain as I negotiate the path into the jungle. Signs warn about the presence of jaguars and pumas. Will the unwary solo tourist be breakfast for a jaguar? Can a puma leap the high walls topped with electrified razor wire? Cats like to hunt by stealth. The warning signs point out:
“On this trail circulate jaguars and pumas. DON’T RUN OR CROUCHE AND DON’T TRY TO GET CLOSER. MOVE AWAY SLOWLY, WITHOUT TURNING YOUR BACK.”
The walk is clearly marked. No mosquitoes, leeches, snakes, deadly spiders or BIG cats with BIG teeth appear. The solitude, cool temperatures and view over the river are lovely. I retrace my steps to visit the second destination of the day – a bird park.
Parque das Aves
In 1976, veterinarian Anna-Sophie Helene moved from Germany to Namibia, Africa, where she married Dennis Croukamp. The couple got a gray Congo parrot, Pumuckl, who became a member of the family. Parrots tend to make life-long connections. Eventually, other birds were acquired, and soon the family’s backyard was full of birds.
The Croukamps moved to the Isle of Man, in the United Kingdom. A friend suggested they open a crocodile park in Foz do Iguaçu, Brasil. Dennis replied: “I like birds. We will create a park and birds.“
And they did. The Croukamps created, with the help and support of many friends, feathered and otherwise, an amazing park near Brasil’s entrance to Iguaçu National Park.
Friends rescued and donated more birds. Today, Parque das Aves maintains 40 acres of Atlantic Forest and more than 1,300 birds, about 130 species, more than 50% of which come from seizures. The Park also participates in several conservation programs. It is a visit not to be overlooked while in Iguaçu.
On October 7, 1994, 11 months after Dennis and Anna landed in Brasil, the Croukamp family inaugurated this Bird Park. Unfortunately, Dennis passed away in 1996. Anna cared for the Park on her own, but also received help of collaborators in the construction of a park that works towards the conservation of various species, all within a natural setting. “Our greatest recognition is to know that birds that have suffered abuse find a refuge in the Bird Park, endangered species have renewed hopes of surviving because of our efforts and visitors can get to know our work, be enchanted and be part of it all.”
The largest bird park in Latin America
I spend hours walking the path through the park. It is beautifully arranged, cared for, and the birds and other species have the best of natural habitats. It is a joy to walk among the birds observing their behavior and listening to their chatter.
We are all connected
Sections include Parrots, Wonders of the Night, Macaw Aviary, Reptiles, Raptors, Butterflies and Hummingbirds, and chattering parakeets on the Cecropia – each a fascinating section to stroll. All the while, being advised to “breathe deeply and enjoy the diversity of the Atlantic Forest.” I learn only 8% of this forest survives! The birds of this forest suffer the worst survival crisis on our planet.
I also learn about the color and voices of our Atlantic Forest. Several species of trees grow to form a forest, a cecropia. Cecropia is a neotropical genus consisting of 61 recognized pioneer species with a highly distinctive lineage of unisexual trees. They are characterized by, living in, or being in a close physical association between dissimilar organisms forming a symbiotic relationship. The lesson repeats: Cecropia represents survival; We are all connected.
The birds are posers. Some approach within feet to commune with tourists. Some hope to bite. Others just like their photos taken. I am seeing more birds and certainly closer than in all the Amazon. This is nirvana even for a bird novice. The sounds and communications of the forest is astounding! Why do I always think of old lines from past movies when I travel?
Creatures of the night – shut up
Parrots and parakeets echo over the entire park. They argue, they discuss. I wonder what there is to shout about. It reminds me of our California sea lions who seem to be constantly complaining about something. Here, I listen to the conversations, a couple seems to argue. She sticks out her head from the apartment, he clings to the outside hoping for entry. Doesn’t happen. Maybe he left a mess in the living room. Didn’t provide the right sticks?
Two gorgeous blue parrots squabble about something. Others fly about, zooming across my path. They find their partner, squawk about something or other. Fly away, come back. It is a scene of colorful activity and loud conversations.
I leave this amazing park reminded of the lesson that forests are essential for the survival of all living beings. Its plants, reptiles, mammals and birds are irreplaceable.
We are all connected. Do not miss visiting Parque das Aves.
