Amazon Rainforest Conservation Expedition -- Adopt-A-School
 Each year, the Detroit Zoological Society facilitates a Conservation Expedition to the Peruvian rainforest. This spring I had the privilege of going on this incredible, life-changing journey. Accompanied by 15 volunteers from the local area and across the country, we spent two weeks delivering school supplies to rural communities along the Amazon River. The experience was incredibly rewarding for everyone involved. In addition to the emotional connections we made to the people, we were surrounded by the unparalleled beauty of the rainforest.
My first day on the Amazon I wasn’t sure what I had gotten myself into. It was my first visit to a third world country and I had no idea what to expect. By the second day it felt like home. Our guides took wonderful care of us and were eager to share the secrets of the rainforest. On the second night, a guide took a group of us out on the Napo River in a single motor boat. We rode out to the middle of the river and he cut the engine. Surrounded by the sounds of tree frogs and insects, we were left speechless as we stared up at the gorgeous canopy of stars above us. Each day consisted of organizing or delivering school supplies to the communities along the rivers. We were greeted by smiles, laughter, hugs and applause at the riverbanks. Eager residents helped unload the boats and carry the books, paper, and supplies to the schools where we passed them out to each student. All the schools had prepared special shows for us and were excited to perform for their visitors. We danced along as asked, sharing their joy of the occasion despite the heat. Some children made necklaces from seeds or small wood carvings to thank us and remember them by. Despite our busy schedule, we had ample time to participate in tours of the rainforest, including experiencing the world’s longest canopy walkway high among the tree tops. Evenings consisted of boat tours down the jungle’s rivers looking for sleeping birds, nocturnal mammals and spiders. Each night we tucked ourselves into our mosquito netting and were lulled to sleep by a chorus of rainforest wildlife. The Adopt-A-School program is funded by donations that arrive from all over the world. Community groups, schools, clubs, religious groups and individuals make generous contributions each year to CONAPAC, Conservacion de la Naturaleza Amazonica del Perú. The donations are accepted by the Detroit Zoological Society on behalf of the Peruvian-based organization. Our Development Department acknowledges the donations and provides a thank-you note that doubles as a receipt to file for a tax deduction. 100% of your donation is used by CONAPAC staff to buy school supplies in Iquitos, Peru, supporting the local economy, eliminating shipping costs and reducing purchasing costs considerably. For more information on the program or to make a donation, please contact Claire Carignan at ccarignan@dzs.org.
| 
