Every year, ARCAS receives 250-300 wild animals at its rescue center in Peten, Guatemala, including monkeys, coatis, and other mammals affected by the illegal wildlife trade and other human-related threats. Many arrive as vulnerable young animals requiring intensive care and a long rehabilitation process. This 18-month, $50,000 project will support their care, rehabilitation, and preparation for release, giving them the best possible chance to return to the wild.
In Guatemala, monkeys, coatis, and other wild mammals are regularly rescued from illegal trafficking, captivity, and other human-related threats. ARCAS Peten receives 250-300 wild animals each year, many of them vulnerable young animals that cannot immediately return to the wild. They may require months or years of specialized care, creating a constant need for food, veterinary attention, safe enclosures, and rehabilitation.
ARCAS will provide rescued wildlife with specialized nutrition, veterinary care, safe enclosures, enrichment, and individualized rehabilitation at its Peten Rescue Center. Young animals will receive the care needed to grow and develop natural behaviors while minimizing human dependence. Each animal's progress will be monitored, with the goal of preparing suitable individuals for release within an average of one to two years.
This project will strengthen ARCAS's capacity to rehabilitate hundreds of wild animals and return suitable individuals to their natural habitats. Successful releases help restore native wildlife populations and protect Guatemala's biodiversity. By giving rescued animals the opportunity to regain natural behaviors and return to the wild, the project also helps reduce the lasting impact of illegal trafficking and human-wildlife conflict.
This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).
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