Day 2 in Quito!

 

Hey guys!

Today was our second full day in Quito. We started the day off with breakfast at our hotel and a Spanish lecture at the USFQ campus. We then listened to a presentation on the intrinsic and external threats to the Galapagos as well as the challenges that come with them. Before our next event for the day, we stopped at a store called Ambrosia where Dr. M bought us macarons and chocolates. Thanks Dr. M! Then we visited a vet hospital where we got to see how the hospital works and what they do there. They had a building for injured wildlife that was kept separate from the general vet hospital as well. After our tour, we heard a talk from one of the students who works there about Ecuador's diverse animals and the vet hospital's mission and goals. We then heard the story of a jaguar they name D'Yaira found injured by humans in the jungle, who they rehabilitated and nursed back to life. Unfortunately, though D'Yaira had healed and was later released, she still died from the effects of her injuries. This taught us the importance of protecting wildlife and the danger that human actions can have on wildlife. Afterwards, we visited and toured a private hospital named SIME where we learned more about the healthcare system in Ecuador. Next, we went to a food court in a mall nearby for lunch. We then headed back to the USFQ campus for two more lectures. During the first one, we were introduced to the Ecuadorian research team that we're working with. The second one was on the uses and challenges Ecuador has with water as well as the levels of mercury in fish and their effects on the native people who frequently eat them as part of their diet. Those were our last lectures for the day, so we headed back to our hotel a bit before we went to a pizza restaurant for dinner. Afterwards, we stopped at a pharmacy then played cards before heading to bed. That ends are busy but fun day in Quito! 

Hasta luego,

Liana Rodila