In January 2026, I had the opportunity to return to the Amazon rainforest for the third time. This journey was especially meaningful because I was able to share it with someone very special—my 14-year-old son, Filip.
Our first stop was the Amazon Shelter in Puerto Maldonado, Peru, where we met the shelter's founder, Magali, and her incredible team. The Amazon Shelter is a wildlife rescue center dedicated to rehabilitating and releasing animals affected by habitat loss, illegal wildlife trade, mining, and hunting. For more than 14 years, Magali and her team have cared for hundreds of rescued animals while educating both local communities and visitors about the importance of rainforest conservation.
Supporting their mission was one of the reasons this visit meant so much to us. We spent several weeks volunteering alongside the team, helping with daily tasks such as preparing specialized diets for the animals, cleaning enclosures, and building fences and enrichment toys—all while living in the heart of the jungle.
We are incredibly grateful to Magali and everyone at the Amazon Shelter for welcoming us into their community. The opportunity to learn from them, contribute to their conservation efforts, and spend time around these remarkable animals is an experience we will always cherish.
