Hoja Nueva

It has now been far too long since I finished my adventure at Hoja Nueva. Since then, not a single day goes by without me longing to go back, and I will probably always feel that way. The experience I’m left with I can describe as one of the most important in my life. I got to know myself better, the jungle, and not least the work that Hoja Nueva does. I will always have half of my heart in the Amazon. If you want to learn more about wildlife rehabilitation, the Amazon, want to contribute in some way, and/or just have an overwhelming desire to live among ants and green plants – I can truly recommend a visit to Hoja Nueva. I really hope we will meet again.

Since i read the Jungle Book as a kid i've always been intrigued by the jungle. I did several trips here and there on the planet and always felt i need to go to the amazone. Well it took me a bit long but i finally did it due to the documentary "Wildcat". That's how i end up here. If you want a true amazone experience this is a great place. I very much enjoyed going in the jungle to seek out wildcamera's or doing other stuff, like making a trail. I absolutly cherish my morningwalks where i'd walk up and down the trail just tryin to find as much animals as i could. I've seen so much in only 3,5 week. There's lots of stuff to do as in work but i didn't feel like i ever was pushed to do too much. It is an adventure i always love having as one of my best memories, but don't underestimate how though it can be out there. For me in my 40's it took everything i got out me, but i'd do it all again in a heartbeat.

This internship was one of the best things i have done in my life. It showed me the grit and skillset required to undertake frontline field research in this beautiful and biodiverse rainforest. The exposure to the natural world in the Amazon is in stark contrast to the high quality of the living areas and the company provided at Hoja Nueva. There are inevitably more risks and fewer amenities when conducting research in a hostile environment but the people at Hoja help you take it all in your stride. Their work in rehabilitation is amazing and the impact they have by involving local communities is huge. I hope to return here one day and would strongly recommend anyone thinking of interning to jump in.