After Angie found a poor little penguin covered in oil on the beach, she became friends with the local environmental NGO Chinchimen, who helped her nurse her penguin back to health. When they called up asking her if she'd be free to help with some Chungungo (Chilean sea otter) spotting off the coast, she asked us if we'd like to get involved. We had walkie talkies, grid sheets, binoculars and enthusiasm for spotting the rare Chungungo. Split into teams, Pete and I went with Angie to the top of the cliffs and spotted one straight away. Unfortunately after admiring him splashing around on his back, we lost him as he went round the headland. Oppps! We didn't see anymore that day, but we were very lucky to see one of these rare and very shy little creatures as we were told there are only 7 along the whole stretch of coastline. Chinchimen are a passionate group of people, out to protect the environment (which can take quite a bashing from loosely regulated industry) and they're doing an amazing job. Check them out on facebook and if you're going to this area of Chile you could always offer to help them spot an Chungungo or two. We all loved it and it was an honour to be invited to join in!
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