Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation

Story 1: An unusual bird

In the vicinity of a school a group of children encountered an unusual visitor: a young Potoo, a species few had ever seen so closely. With its plumage incomplete, the bird was vulnerable and unable to defend itself. Some children, unaware of the damage they could cause, began to surround it, while others quickly understood the visitor's fragility and ran for help. A teacher came to the rescue and contacted the environmental authorities, who sent the animal to the Tivu refuge, where our team of conservation experts took care of it. Upon examination, we were relieved to see that there were no injuries. However, its plumage was not yet fully developed, which meant that it needed time and specialized care to achieve the strength and balance necessary to survive in the wild. The bird has progressed very well and is nearing its next flight, at which time we will reintroduce it to its natural habitat. This story reminds us of the power of collaboration between the community and conservation professionals. Thanks to the intervention of a teacher and the protective curiosity of the children, this Potoo is about to resume its place in the wild. This rescue inspires us and reinforces our mission: to give nature a voice and protect the wildlife around us.

Story 2: The turtle that walked free again

Sometimes, fate crosses our path in unexpected ways. So, it was for a young man walking down a city street when something caught his attention: a small object bounced off the sidewalk as a car passed by. As he approached, he realized that it was not a stone, but a Savanah Turtle that, after the blow, was trying to move slowly. Worried and with no space to keep it, he decided to seek help and contacted us. Upon examination, Tivu's specialists noticed that it had probably escaped from an environment where it had not received proper care. Her mouth had an overgrowth that prevented her from feeding properly, which could have weakened her over time. Thanks to the compassion of the young rescuer and the work of Tivu, the Savannah Tortoise has been able to recover and in the next few days we will reintroduce her to her natural environment.  This is Tivu's mission: not only to rescue, but to inspire others to protect and value every being that is part of our biodiversity.

Story 3: A Porcupine that returned to the wild

One morning, alerts came to Tivu rescue center: a Tree Porcupine had been found in a desperate situation, cornered by dogs and some people, its life was in danger. The community, worried, turned to social networks, asking for help to save this creature. When Tivu saw the growing number of messages and calls, we understood the urgency of the situation. We asked for support from the local authorities and the environmental police, who quickly went to the site, rescued him, and transferred him to our rehabilitation center. The animal, with no visible wounds, but extremely thin and with signs of skin problems, probably caused by stress and exposure to fires that ravaged the region months ago. Despite his fragile appearance, there was a nobility about him, a calmness that captivated the entire team. For ten days, our staff provided him with the necessary care, with a proper diet and treatment for his skin. With each day, the porcupine gained strength, preparing for his return to the forest. On the tenth day, it was time to release it into a protected natural area, where it was finally able to return to life and the environment where it belongs. The tree porcupine is a rare species, difficult to see and uniquely noble. Stories like this inspire us to continue protecting and respecting each one of these beings, which play a fundamental role in the balance of our ecosystems.

Story 4: A new chance for a Gray Fox

On the outskirts of the city, a small Gray Fox was found injured and unable to walk. Concerned people reported it to environmental authorities. The fox was rescued and taken to Tivu. Upon arrival, we immediately saw the seriousness of his situation. The fox, a juvenile specimen, presented a complicated fracture in one of its legs, possibly caused by the impact of a motorcycle. Without wasting any time, we took an x-ray to assess the damage. When we discovered the fracture, we faced a challenge: we did not have the necessary equipment for a complete correction, but we did not give up. With dedication, we stabilized his leg and kept him comfortable and safe, hoping that he would recover. Day by day, the little fox gradually grew stronger, and although it was not perfect, we managed to save it, giving him back the ability to walk and fend for himself. Finally, it was time to release it, allowing it to return to the wild, where its strength and adaptability could give it a new chance. This Gray Fox reminds us of the importance of not giving up, of giving everything for every being that comes into our hands. At Tivu, every life counts, and every effort is worth it when we see an animal return to freedom.

Links:

• Tivu Center for Wildlife rescue