I am currently starting a new group of experts to help the wildlife in the Amazon Basin, focusing for now on the Ecuadorian region.
My name is Karen O'Toole and I have lived in and out of the Ecuadorian Amazon for over twenty-five years. My experience as a filmmaker and long term friendship with previous political leaders in Ecuador, has earned me the attention of the current president Sr. Alfredo Palacio and his top advisor, Sr. Ricardo Solorzano. I also have a long history with various groups of Indians in the jungle, giving me a unique insider's perspective.
On my last trip to the Amazon, this past May, I was appalled at the extent of the trade of bushmeat, the scarcity of wildlife and the poaching and sale of animals. In Quito, I contacted Sr. Solorzano and we are working together on a plan to bring attention to these problems and try to resolve them.
Unfortunately, I am not an expert in wildlife, so there is only so much I can do alone. I am putting together a council of advisors, experts willing to answer occasional questions to help save and maintain the wildlife there.
These are a just a few of the areas I am hoping to lend our support to:
- Help the locals and government understand the social systems and behavior of regional primates such as squirrels, spiders, howlers.
- Initiate a government backed rescue and rehabilitation center and assist them with advice on alimentation, captive husbandry and reintroduction programs.
- Advise officials on the problems of the growing bushmeat trade and the proper handling of confiscated animals.
- Answer questions about disease transmission back and forth between humans and primates.
Please contact me if you are interested in this project and have expertise in the animals of this region.
Thank you.
Karen O'Toole
ko@amazonwildlifeadvocates.org
602-549-1115
http://www.karenotoole.org
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