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To promote animal welfare and the protection of wildlife through environmental education, rehabilitation, and raising awareness about the impact of illegal trafficking and abuse.
We work to foster a harmonic coexistence between people and nature, inspiring positive and lasting changes in the way we relate to ecosystems.
To be the leading biopark in Bolivia for wildlife conservation, inspiring respect and harmony between people and nature, and fostering a future where biodiversity and sustainable development thrive together.
Agroflori was founded more than 33 years ago as a private flower nursery owned by the Antezana family, located in Quillacollo, Cochabamba. Our founder, Marcelo Antezana, worked for 24 years at Lloyd Aéreo Boliviano as a flight engineer, an experience that allowed him to witness the massive export of wild fauna and flora out of the country. At that time, the commercialization of wildlife was not yet penalized under Bolivian law.
In response to this reality, Marcelo Antezana decided to rescue primarily birds, such as parrots and macaws, that were destined to leave the country, with the aim of conserving wildlife within Bolivia. Over time, he also began receiving injured or abandoned birds that were no longer desired as pets, committing himself to providing them with care and protection.
In 1992, following the enactment of Environmental Law No. 1333, Agroflori obtained the necessary authorization to continue caring for animals and was transformed into Agroflori Bird Park. Until 2015, the refuge did not receive visitors, and Marcelo Antezana supported its operations financially. However, with the growing number of animals received from POFOMA and the Cochabamba Departmental Government, expenses increased significantly. Without external financial support, Agroflori then opened its doors to the public, charging an entrance fee dedicated to the animals’ upkeep, while strengthening its educational role through guided tours and volunteer participation.
Over the years, Agroflori expanded its work to also shelter mammals, reptiles, and amphibians, including some endemic and endangered species, reinforcing its commitment to the conservation of wildlife in Bolivia.
In 2023, Agroflori was officially recognized as a Biopark. Currently, 85% of the animals admitted come from referrals by the Forest and Environmental Protection Police (POFOMA), following reports of abuse or illegal trafficking. The biopark provides veterinary care, shelter, and permanent support exclusively for refuge animals that cannot return to the wild, while carrying out specialized rehabilitation.
“Marce” is the founder of Agroflori and one of the key figures in the biopark's development. He completed his training as an electrical systems technician and pursued the majority of his professional career at Lloyd Aéreo Boliviano (LAB), where he held the position of flight engineer.
His work in aviation allowed him to experience various cultural and environmental realities, sparking a deep interest in nature protection and the value of biodiversity. At the same time, he ventured into creative and productive activities that led him to floriculture, a field in which he consolidated his bond with the natural environment.
It was in this context that Marcelo began to welcome and care for wild birds, an experience that would mark the beginning of his commitment to animal welfare and wildlife conservation. Since then, he has trained for over 30 years in wildlife care, participating in courses, workshops, conferences, and congresses, and has strengthened his experience through partnerships with conservation and protection centers at both the national and international levels.