Fundación Ecologica Santa Fe in Colombia, has been playing a vital role in the conversation and protection of the environment. Several efforts lead to the idea of, creating a zoological park called the “Forest of Independence”, where the foundation could conserve, protect and rehabilitate various animals, birds and reptile species. Fundación Ecologica Santa Fe, runs a special program under which it rehabilitates and returns back the Colombian monkey to its natural habitat. Most of these Colombian monkeys are confiscated from people involved in illegal wildlife trafficking. Colombia's habitat destruction from agricultural expansion and the cultivation of coca plants threatens the survival of many such species.

To increase awareness and raise funds for this effort, Ecologica Santa Fe trains local women in making these plush monkey toys and accessories. These women belong to Pintada, a village near the Pan- American highway. Being a rest stop for truck drivers, there is a large number of children in this village without fathers. Most women in this village are single mothers, and crafting these products, has given them a much needed source of income, and their children hope for a better future.

Currently, the park is spread in four hectares and exhibits about, 220 mammals, 473 birds and 229 reptiles, a total of 922 individual animals and 238 species. Most of the animals belong to the Central and South American regions. The park has managed to acheive its objectives of education, recreation and scientific knowledge, and is oriented to preserve the different ecosystems that reside inside.