Doesn’t the name El Jardín Alado just make you want to spread your own wings? El Jardín Alado is more than just a place. It is a sanctuary. It is dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of Ecuador’s magnificent birds of prey.
El Jardín Alado is located in the Tumbaco Valley northeast of Quito. Here, you can witness the splendor of rescued animals. They live in a warm natural space. Some are even successfully reintroduced to their natural habitat. This special place is on the slopes of the Ilaló volcano. This inactive volcano has panoramic views of Quito.
El Jardín Alado is a rescue center. It focuses on rehabilitating, caring for, and protecting wildlife. Especially birds of prey benefit from their work. These birds were once deprived of their freedom. Now they receive the specific care to improve their quality of life. The ultimate goal is to return them to their natural habitat.
Currently, El Jardín Alado cares for about 30 birds of prey. They range from small kestrels to adult black eagles. There are also around 35 parrots and macaws of different species.
The birds come to El Jardín Alado through various channels. The Wildlife Hospital Tueri of the San Francisco de Quito University and the Environmental Police are important partners. Sometimes the local community brings injured or mistreated birds to the center.
One of the biggest challenges in rehabilitating these birds is something called “imprinting”. This is when a bird raised by humans becomes too dependent. It loses its natural instincts for hunting and survival. El Jardín Alado’s team works to reverse this. They use daily training exercises. These include jumps and flights from fist to fist. This helps the birds regain their skills and confidence.
The highlight of a visit to El Jardín Alado is the birds of prey show. Here, you can witness the beauty and majesty of eagles, owls, hawks and more. The flight times are carefully scheduled. This takes place at 11:30 am. A trainer guides the presentation. They explain each bird’s story and demonstrate their unique abilities.
The team at El Jardín Alado understands the vital role vultures play. They clean up waste in the ecosystem. They are working hard to change these misconceptions.
El Jardín Alado also focuses on education. It teaches people about the importance of these animals in the ecosystem. The hope is to dispel myths. They also want to promote conservation.
El Jardín Alado is more than just a tourist attraction. It is a place of hope and second chances. It’s a place where injured birds receive expert care. It is a place where they can heal and rediscover their wild nature. By visiting El Jardín Alado, you are supporting this important work. You are contributing to the protection of Ecuador’s incredible birdlife. You are part of something bigger than yourself. You help to preserve the natural world for future generations.