We have just spent 11 lovely days at REGUA (Reserva Ecologica de Guapiacu). We arrived to a very warm welcome and the children instantly bonded with the young volunteers, guides and other staff here by going out on trail walks and learning about the wildlife and playing table tennis with them. They’ve even been given rides on pick-up trucks and motorbikes which, for two young boys, is the coolest thing ever!
We had been slightly concerned when we arranged this trip that, whilst the children have a passion for wildlife, it had tended to be for the larger animals like lions, tigers and rhinos, so we weren’t sure if this would extend to birds, reptiles and insects. We have been very pleased to find that this visit has aroused a real interest in the smaller species though and Louis and Frankie, have been very content to rummage around in the leaves on guided walks to find the smallest of insects and walk long trails to the location of a moth light at dawn to find out which moths were attracted to it.
From the busy city of Rio to the tranquil setting of REGUA the boys have enjoyed a sense of freedom and independence here at the reserve which feels reminiscent of England when you used to be able to leave your door open and kids could play outside on the street. (not that I'm that old!) The Brazilians are very family-oriented and extremely welcoming to children and like to involve them in all activities.
Aside from nature walks both in the day and at night (see Animals we have seen tab) we’ve experienced all sorts of other fun things, including a night ride in a little rowing boat to hunt for caimen; picnics and swims in local rivers and waterfalls; visits to local villages and the local school (see Guapiacu school visit) and a lot of football and table tennis.
The photos give a flavour of our time there, and also show a few of the animals, moths and butterflies that we photographed, including a Wolf Spider, White Moth, Humming Bird, red bananas and orange lemons, trees that know how to protect themselves against other strangler vines, a beautiful stripey owl that we rescued after it inadvertantly flew into the lab and couldn't get out, as well as lots of the boys' friends.
The photos give a flavour of our time there, and also show a few of the animals, moths and butterflies that we photographed, including a Wolf Spider, White Moth, Humming Bird, red bananas and orange lemons, trees that know how to protect themselves against other strangler vines, a beautiful stripey owl that we rescued after it inadvertantly flew into the lab and couldn't get out, as well as lots of the boys' friends.
If we are lucky enough to get out to Rio again for the World Cup or Olympics, then a visit back here will be high on the agenda!
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