What inspired you to work for Hoja Nueva?
I came to Peru as a student, eager to complete a master's thesis researching wild cats of the lowland Amazon. I stayed because I saw the need for conservation projects that addressed both knowledge and research gaps, as well as, the rampant wildlife trade. I founded Hoja Nueva in 2015—today and we are one of Latin America's leading grassroots conservation organizations! We were the first to rewild felines rescued from the pet trade in the region.
Sam setting up a camera trap in the protected rainforest of Hoja Nueva.
What is your favorite part of your job?
One of my favorite aspects of this work is analyzing datasets —our datasets! We are gathering meaningful data at Hoja Nueva, and doing the statistics is a relatively small but important part of my daily schedule—one I thoroughly enjoy!
Another part of my job that I love is the day we get to release an animal that was rescued from the pet trade. There is no better feeling, albeit bittersweet.
What are some current projects you are working on?
I'm currently working on publishing a paper on margays—their density, occupancy, and activity patterns. Dylan and I are also working on a fun paper about mesopredators in general but with a focus on the short-eared dog! They are extremely understudied in Peru, and our camera trap grids have allowed us to study their behaviors, patterns, and occupancy.
Sam and wildlife veterinarians at Hoja Nueva collaring a male ocelot to prepare for release.
What advice would you tell your pre-travel self?
If I could go back, I would tell my pre-travel self to pack some of the goodies I knew I would miss and that you can't purchase in a remote province—like cheddar cheese, and sour Skittles!
Having manyyyy socks is also essential.
I would also do my very best to practice my Spanish. It makes a huge difference on your first trip. Being able to effectively interact with locals and staff would’ve been huge!
Why should someone choose Hoja Nueva over competitors?
Hoja Nueva is unique. We run a large rescue center, the only carnivore rescue center in Peru, but without any income from visitors. Almost every rescue center you research allows visitors, which provides a necessary income to continue operations.
We are different—animals in rehabilitation for release should not be interacted with by strangers, let alone too much by even the rehabilitation staff. This is crucial for their success in the wild! We do things the right way, the ethical way, always putting animals first.
The same is true for our research programs. We don't do invasive research, and all of our projects that involve wildlife are done with strict protocols. A visit to our centers supports meaningful, ethical, and impactful conservation, which is unfortunately not the norm.
Sam at an illicit roadside zoo, before darting and rescuing an old female jaguar.
What is Hoja Nueva's mission and how do you continue to work toward it?
Our organization's mission is the protection and fortification of Amazonian biodiversity in Madre de Dios, Peru. We do this through conserving intact ecosystems, confronting threats to wildlife, implementing biological research, and conducting environmental education.
We preserve ecosystems by protecting over 3,000 hectares of primary rainforest, combating wildlife trafficking, rescuing and rewilding key species, and running a first-of-its-kind ecological research station and education center. Hoja Nueva maintains its U.S. headquarters in Washington State with its field operations, rehabilitation facilities, and research center in the Madre de Dios region of the Peruvian Amazon.
Through our Peruvian NGO, we employ a multi-tiered strategy to address both the causes and the effects of short-term and long-term conservation concerns that threaten the biodiversity of the Las Piedras region.
Our goal is to implement strategic actions in the short term, to protect threatened wildlife and forests from immediate destruction while simultaneously designing initiatives for long-term conservation.
These initiatives are focused on empowering & educating local communities, integrating local government and non-profit organizations into a collaborative conservation effort. It’s there to protect the most vulnerable populations & habitats, and we are performing rigorous & novel scientific research to best inform conservation planning and management strategies.
Sam & her Mom, Heidi, the day Sam graduated with her PhD in Quantitative Ecology.
What do you hope participants take away from your programs?
Participants in Hoja Nueva’s research internships gain hands-on skills through direct involvement in projects like camera trapping to study Mesopredators, monitoring Anuran and Felid populations, and analyzing ecological data. They contribute to impactful conservation initiatives while learning the methodologies needed for wildlife research.
By the end of the program, they’ll have a comprehensive understanding of Amazonian biodiversity, enriched research skills, and a clear direction for future careers in wildlife science and conservation.
Why is it important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures?
Traveling abroad immerses participants in unfamiliar environments and cultures, challenging them to think beyond their usual perspectives. By experiencing the Amazon and its local communities firsthand, individuals gain an appreciation for global biodiversity and cross-cultural collaboration.
They engage with unique conservation challenges, learn from experts, and return home with a broadened worldview. These experiences help foster adaptability, empathy, and innovative problem-solving, skills crucial for any field and especially valuable for future environmental leaders.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Meaningful travel goes beyond sightseeing and involves immersing oneself in new environments and cultures, fostering personal growth and understanding.
It’s about forming genuine connections with people and places, contributing positively through conservation or community work, and gaining insights that challenge preconceived notions. This approach cultivates empathy, global awareness, and a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of our world.
