“The Story of La Senda Verde (LSV) is a tribute to all those wonderful animals that have enriched and changed our lives.”  

 Vicky Ossio and Marcelo Levy

Founders of LSV

History

 

La Senda Verde (“green path”) was established in 2003 in the subtropical region east side of the Bolivian Andes in South America. In a country where government, authorities and decision makers move too slowly, and where the citizens need to be inspired and educated in the value of the living forest, the founders, Vicky Ossio and Marcelo Levy knew it was urgent and necessary to contribute to conservation of flora and fauna by taking hands-on action.

In 2015, LSV formed a USA non-profit organization (based in Florida) recognized as exempt from federal income tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (IRC).

In recent years, illegal animal trafficking, high deforestation, agricultural activities, pesticide use and indiscriminate burning of forests among others have increased dramatically in Bolivia. After the trafficking of weapons, drugs and people, the illegal trade in animals is the third most lucrative illicit business in the world. As a result of this situation, the population of animals in LSV has quadrupled in the last five years. LSV is currently home to more than 800 rescued animals, 64 different species.

OUR MISSION

The life of the organization

The future is uncertain. The planet, our only home, is under assault like never before. Humans are speeding extinction and altering the Natural World at an ‘Unprecedented’ pace. Wild animals are innocent victims of illegal trafficking, cruelty and habitat destruction. Only one out of ten that are taken from their habitat survives.

La Senda Verde exists to save and shelter rescued wild animals from cruelty and suffering, and inspire people to appreciate and protect nature

In an era of climate crisis and massive extinction of species, there is no time to speculate about imaginary possibilities. All evidence show that there is no time for this fatal ecological destruction to suddenly stop being destructive. It is reckless and extremely irresponsible to play with the future of the planet.

In an era of climate crisis and massive extinction of species, there is no time to speculate about imaginary possibilities. All evidence show that there is no time for this fatal ecological destruction to suddenly stop being destructive. It is reckless and extremely irresponsible to play with the future of the planet.

OUR VISION

Contribute to generate ideologies and social actions to achieve a sustainable transformation of the world, with fairness, compassion and respect for nature.

The founders

Vicky Ossio and Marcelo Levy co-founded La Senda Verde in 2003. They reside in the refuge, and have personally provided the majority of funding which LSV has received to date.

Vicky Ossio guides hands on practical work and oversees the day-to-day operations of LSV. She is also an active member of The Life Raft Group, a cancer research, fundraising and patient care not-for-profit organization.

Marcelo Levy coordinates animal welfare procedures and takes care of baby monkeys who need constant supervision and companionship to survive. Prior to founding LSV, Marcelo was an on field Coordinator for a US Aid project contractor, overseeing a number of projects, including eco-tourism planning, alternative resourcing, and counseling farmers about sustainable and environmental friendly practices. He continues giving guidance to local people and nearby communities.

Both are impassioned wildlife stewardesses that have always loved and cared about animals and nature. They are truly compassionate, devoted, and proactive activists whose main interest is the well-being of animals. They respect all living beings and think that animals have rich personal lives and can help us learn about our place in this complex and inspiring world. Committed to conservation, animal welfare and education, Vicky and Marcelo dedicate their lives to the animals that arrive at the refuge, loving and caring them.

OUR FAMILY

Senda Verde is proud to work with different sponsors, allies and partners who care deeply about animals, conservation and the planet.