Jungla de Panama Wildlife Refuge
Jungla de Panama Wildlife Refuge
Jungla de Panama Wildlife Refuge
4.5
10:00 - 16:00
Monday
10:00 - 16:00
Tuesday
10:00 - 16:00
Wednesday
10:00 - 16:00
Thursday
10:00 - 16:00
Friday
10:00 - 16:00
Saturday
10:00 - 16:00
Sunday
10:00 - 16:00
About
Jungla de Panama is a wildlife sanctuary that cares for and rehabilitates dozens of indigenous animals in a visitor-friendly, educational environment. Open daily from 10am-3pm. Located 10 minutes outside Boquete in the cloud forest of Palmira. ***AND DON'T FORGET*** You can also stay with us! Accommodations and on site restaurant available.
Duration: < 1 hour
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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- CanadianCabot24 contributionsSuperb sanctuaryHighly recommend this place! Animals well taken care of and young lady giving us the tour in English sure has a passion for these creatures! A lot of work and resources goes into taking care of the clientele and they deliver. I loved the birds. Never have I ever stroked an owl’s head before or had a 60 year old Scarlet Macaw perch on my arm eating sunflower seeds. The family deserves much credit for devoting their lives to taking care of these neglected and abused creatures.Visited February 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 22 February 2024
- AnnArborMHTGenoa, Italy1,644 contributionsDelightful visit and tour!I agree with all the positive comments from TA reviewers regarding this wildlife refuge. We really enjoyed our visit here and the tour given by Daniella. She and her family are very passionate about this well maintained wildlife refuge. Whether you agree with their philosophy or not, it remains undeniable that they have the best interests of the birds, goats, monkeys and animals at heart and treat them with great respect. The tour is very flexible; stay as short or as long as you want. Daniella was very knowledgeable about the birds and animals; telling us about their needs and care. The refuge is just outside of town; easy to find and well worth a visit. You will help to support the care and feeding of these delightful animals and birds. Highly recommended.Visited April 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 26 April 2024
- Gena B11 contributionsLa Jungla - A special place for people who love animals.Every animal at La Jungla has a story. Some were injured, some abused, and some abandoned. Here they are cared for and loved. Some of the animals are just your typical pets, like cats and dogs, while others are wild, like the monkeys and parrots. If a wild animal is rehabbed, it will be set free. Others would never be able to survive on their own, so they become part of the family. Your guide will introduce you to each animal and tell you their story of how they became part of La Jungla. The humans at La Jungla are all very special people who truly care about the animals.So glad you visitedWritten 20 July 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited April 2024Travelled soloWritten 1 May 2024
- Dan CMedford, Massachusetts1 contributionBest experienceThis was unexpectedly the most fun. The refuge has monkey, owls, parrots, goats. I love those mission to rehab the animals and put them back into the wild. When they can set them free for health or trauma issues they will keep them and give them a good home. If you love animals you should definitely visit the refuge. The staff clearly loves what they doVisited November 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 12 November 2024
- Marlen G7 contributionsA big heart for animalsWe stopped by the Wildlife Refuge relatively spontaneously today for two of us. Although we hadn't booked a tour before, we were received in a friendly manner and got a wonderful guided tour in English for $25 per person. The daughter explained to us the story of every single animal. That was incredibly interesting and you learned so much new stuff. Since the animals are taken in due to illness or similar and attempts are made to release them back into the wild at some point, there are of course always different animals there. Today we had two different species of monkeys, different parrots, an owl and goats on site. You were allowed to feed the animals and sometimes pet them. Attention was always paid to the welfare of the animals. I thought it was wonderful. This family has radiated so much love and is doing such a good thing, which I was only too happy to support with at least $25.Visited December 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 28 December 2024
- Bobbi W18 contributionsGreat for animal loversWe really enjoyed our time at this refuge. I absolutely LOVED being able to get close to the animals (many are unable to be re-released back into the wild due to injuries or bad human behavior) and even feeding some. We spent a couple of hours there just enjoying the animals and the peaceful environment.Visited January 2025Travelled as a coupleWritten 9 January 2025
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
254 reviews
Excellent
176
Very good
38
Average
10
Poor
15
Terrible
15
J.A.
1 contribution
Nov 2022 • Couples
We're staying in Boquete, so we booked a tour for the two of us and went there today. It was the most amazing experience! The son was our guide and did a great job in educating us about the animals and their story. The family is doing an incredible job taking care of all the rescued animals and you immediately sense their love and dedication for their job and the animals.
We got to feed and pet them which was awesome and we were even offered to stay after the 1 hour long tour to keep interacting with the animals if we'd like. Never have been so close to wildlife before, we got everything we expected and much more.
Of course you cannot expect it to be like a zoo with 100+ species (if you do and are disappointed, it's your own fault). We felt that it's definitely worth the price, even left another donation after the tour as it's for a good cause and we wanted to help out even if just a little.
Thank you for this unique encounter, we wish you and the animals all the best!
We got to feed and pet them which was awesome and we were even offered to stay after the 1 hour long tour to keep interacting with the animals if we'd like. Never have been so close to wildlife before, we got everything we expected and much more.
Of course you cannot expect it to be like a zoo with 100+ species (if you do and are disappointed, it's your own fault). We felt that it's definitely worth the price, even left another donation after the tour as it's for a good cause and we wanted to help out even if just a little.
Thank you for this unique encounter, we wish you and the animals all the best!
Written 17 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chris S
24 contributions
Aug 2022 • Couples
Dorothy, her daughter Danielle and the rest of their friends and family are God's gift to the local wildlife and they need your support.
Come and visit and learn the story of how this wildlife refuge was started and how many wounded and abused animals they have restored to health and returned to their native habitat.
Danielle is enchanting and charming as she introduces you to every animal currently in the refuge and tells the bitter sweet story of their condition upon arrival up to their release. Many of the birds are unable to survive in the wild and have lived in the refuge for years. You can see and feel the love that is shared between the family and the animals.
Besides the personal stories you learn all about how each species lives in their natural habitat.
If you are an animal lover or want to know more about wildlife in a tropical rain forest, then this place is a must see.
And remember, whether you pay for the full tour or just want to make a small donation and walk around, your contribution will pay for the food and medicine to help this facility in their ongoing mission to protect and preserve our local wildlife!
Come and visit and learn the story of how this wildlife refuge was started and how many wounded and abused animals they have restored to health and returned to their native habitat.
Danielle is enchanting and charming as she introduces you to every animal currently in the refuge and tells the bitter sweet story of their condition upon arrival up to their release. Many of the birds are unable to survive in the wild and have lived in the refuge for years. You can see and feel the love that is shared between the family and the animals.
Besides the personal stories you learn all about how each species lives in their natural habitat.
If you are an animal lover or want to know more about wildlife in a tropical rain forest, then this place is a must see.
And remember, whether you pay for the full tour or just want to make a small donation and walk around, your contribution will pay for the food and medicine to help this facility in their ongoing mission to protect and preserve our local wildlife!
Written 26 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Caroline T
12 contributions
Sept 2023 • Family
Drake provided an awesome educational tour that had a casual vibe, and he is bilingual in English & Spanish. Jungla is a small family-run local wildlife and farm animal rescue, all animals were rescued by Drake & his family. There were 5 enclosures we got to visit and some friendly dogs and cats who joined us while we were on the property. My family loves animals so it was great experience to learn each ones rescue story and meet them somewhat close. I highly recommend a tour & leaving a donation to the family that works hard to give these animals a second chance at life. If you’re in Boquete, it’s very close to town, we actually just stopped by the day before to book a tour for the next day—like many things in Panama, the process was very casual. So if you can’t/don’t want to book online just stop by!
Written 26 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kirstin M
12 contributions
Jan 2025 • Solo
If this organization helps local wildlife, then I feel better about paying the fee of $25 per person. Otherwise, not worth it. There is very little information provided about the animals on site or the purpose of this organization. There were only a handful of animals and the tour took far less than an hour. That said, the young lady that gave the tour was very friendly and did a good job.
Hiring one of the eco-guides to see animals in the wild would be a better option.
Hiring one of the eco-guides to see animals in the wild would be a better option.
Written 23 January 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Camillejag
6 contributions
May 2022 • Couples
We went to La jungla with my boyfriend and really appreciated our afternoon.
La jungla is a place where animals are really being taking care of and not a zoo.
They rescue animals that should not have been domesticated and are then abandoned by their irresponsible owners as well as injured animals that they set free again after being healed.
We really loved our time there because we got to know the story of every single animal there, why they are there, what are their daily needs and funny stories like Pedro the owl that had a girlfriend visiting him every night!
You can say that animals are happy there because they obviously don't want to leave and come to interact with you which is a great experience!
I highly recommend the visit to the Jungla to see happy animals and get close to them which could not have been possible in another place!
La jungla is a place where animals are really being taking care of and not a zoo.
They rescue animals that should not have been domesticated and are then abandoned by their irresponsible owners as well as injured animals that they set free again after being healed.
We really loved our time there because we got to know the story of every single animal there, why they are there, what are their daily needs and funny stories like Pedro the owl that had a girlfriend visiting him every night!
You can say that animals are happy there because they obviously don't want to leave and come to interact with you which is a great experience!
I highly recommend the visit to the Jungla to see happy animals and get close to them which could not have been possible in another place!
Written 23 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Allyson S.
Calabasas, CA13 contributions
Jan 2022
Jungla de Panama is a small wildlife refuge for injured and rehabilitation of animals. It’s definitely a fun and informative way to spend a morning or afternoon. Kids would love it,as we got to feed the monkeys, goats, owls( they actually eat hamburger) parrots and a darling little raccoon-like animal named Lolita.
There’s also an Air BNB on the property and I was fortunate enough to see inside. 2 travelers were renting it.The animals were allowed inside and sometimes spend the night.( dogs,cats,and Lolita, not the goats or monkeys.)
The fee is a donation for the animals upkeep, and they take you on a personal tour of all the animals. A$4 cab ride from downtown Boquete!
There’s also an Air BNB on the property and I was fortunate enough to see inside. 2 travelers were renting it.The animals were allowed inside and sometimes spend the night.( dogs,cats,and Lolita, not the goats or monkeys.)
The fee is a donation for the animals upkeep, and they take you on a personal tour of all the animals. A$4 cab ride from downtown Boquete!
Written 25 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chen Levkovich
Sunnyvale, CA9 contributions
Dec 2022 • Family
We visited the places with 4 teenagers. We were lucky to be guided by Dorothy. Her passion for saving the animals was very touching. She knows the history and character of each different animal.
At the time they had monkeys, owls, parrots, pony ducks chickens goats and many cats and dogs.
We had great time with Dorothy and the animals. Definitely recommended for true animal lovers (this is not a zoo which we would never visit)
At the time they had monkeys, owls, parrots, pony ducks chickens goats and many cats and dogs.
We had great time with Dorothy and the animals. Definitely recommended for true animal lovers (this is not a zoo which we would never visit)
Written 29 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Phil L
1 contribution
May 2022
Tho they have many different birds and animals there, it is not a zoo. It is an enjoyable educational experiance. The family that owns and operates it were very open and friendly. They treat injured animals and release most of those back into the wild. There is a restaurant on site and also a hostel and cabins to stay at that are reasonably priced. Phil L.
Written 22 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ramón R
3 contributions
Jun 2022 • Solo
I did the guided tour to learn the stories of the animals and see some of the animals up close. It really hold it's promise and it was interesting to learn the different situations from which animals need to be rescued either from human abuse or from natural events. They take great effort to help animals recover and get back into nature or to give they a home, when they choose to stay.
I really enjoyed the experience and can encourage everyone to come here as well. Also when you want to support an animal refuge, donation are always needed as food and medicine is expensive. Check out their homepage also for a virtual experience.
I really enjoyed the experience and can encourage everyone to come here as well. Also when you want to support an animal refuge, donation are always needed as food and medicine is expensive. Check out their homepage also for a virtual experience.
Written 23 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jrs
Madison, WI90 contributions
Dec 2023 • Family
A unique and special place. We loved meeting the animals and learning more about their histories. The animals are loved and treated as individuals. Beautiful location. Highly recommend if you love animals and/or want to learn more about some of their more tragic interactions with humans (before they were rescued).
Written 28 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Providing this is Open can you just 'turn up' or do you have to arrange in advance? And what are the costs for just visiting? Thanks.
Written 26 October 2018
Yes come anytime we have rooms and hostels available for 10 dollars and up contact me on whatsapp anytime +1 (941)249-1974 thanks Ryan
Written 26 October 2018
Hi,
I'm thinking about doing volunteer work for about a week at Jungla de Panama. I can't do anything too physically demanding though. I just mainly want to prepare food for the animals, clean enclosures and socialize the animals. Has anyone ever volunteered here and if so, could you tell me a little bit about your experience? Was it good, was it bad, were there other volunteers there, did you find it a rewarding experience, etc...? Anything you can tell me will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Written 11 March 2017
Dorothy the owner can always use food and volunteers and Jungle is about 6.5 hours away from Panama City
Written 26 August 2018
I want to visit the refuge on feb. 2017 but I want to be sure that I won't feel like I'm in a zoo...What about Pedro (owl) and Daisy, I want to know that I'm not encouraging exploitation of animals...
Written 27 January 2017
ralphthegreatruler
Portland, Oregon
Hi, I would recommend visiting Jardin Encantado instead of Jungla de Panama, which is also in Boquete. It is a beautiful rainforest animal park, as well as restaurant, spa, and place to stay. In my trips to both, I got a much better feeling about the care of the animals at Jardin Encantado.
Written 7 February 2017
Icic C
Panama City, Panama
Los dias feriados trabajan? hay que hacer alguna reservacion?
Written 16 October 2015
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