Rescue Endangered Wildlife in Guatemala

A Cycle of Transformation and Hope in Nature

Thanks to the unconditional support of the GlobalGiving community, we share the final report for this work cycle dedicated to biodiversity conservation in Guatemala. The commitment and technical rigor of our team of veterinarians, biologists, park rangers, and volunteers have made it possible to heal wounds, rehabilitate vulnerable species, and restore freedom to hundreds of animals that have returned to the jungle, the place where they belong.

1. Specialized Medical Care at the Rescue Center

The intensive clinical work at our facilities has made it possible to provide personalized care to every incoming patient:

• New Admissions: Medical care and immediate attention were provided to 103 new patients.
• State-of-the-Art Equipment: The acquisition of an infusion pump and a multiparameter monitor was finalized, raising surgical precision and the recovery rate in the most critical cases.
• Neonatal Care: Specialized milk formulas and high-quality nutritional supplements were acquired to ensure the survival of newborn and orphaned individuals.
• Featured Rehabilitation Cases:
• Black Hawk-Eagle (Spizaetus tyrannus): Maintains constant care and treatment to progressively regain its visual capacity.
• Black Howler Monkey (Alouatta pigra): After admission with severe traumatic brain injury caused by a traffic accident, she achieved a successful recovery through intensive monitoring, culminating in her release in the Petén jungle.

2. Release Achievements and Scarlet Macaw Program

ARCAS’s core purpose comes to fruition when rehabilitated animals successfully return to their natural environment:

• New Releases in Yaxhá-Nakum-Naranjo National Park: Jointly and with the guidance of CONAP (National Council of Protected Areas) and the valuable support of Humane World for Animals Costa Rica, the reintroduction of several rehabilitated individuals was achieved:
• Roadside Hawk (Rupornis magnirostris)
• Lesson’s Motmot (Momotus lessonii)
• Barn Owl (Tyto alba)
• Gray Fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus)
• Geoffroy’s Spider Monkey (Ateles geoffroyi)
• Yucatan Squirrel (Sciurus yucatanensis)
• Central American Boa (Boa imperator)
• Other Key Reintroductions: Previously, the return to freedom in the Maya Biosphere Reserve and Yaxhá of 3 Black Howler Monkeys (Alouatta pigra), 5 Morelet’s Crocodiles (Crocodylus moreletii), and 1 Central American River Turtle (Dermatemys mawii) was also finalized.
• Annual Impact: 5 reintroduction events were completed, totaling nearly 200 animals returned to nature.
• Scarlet Macaw Program: Previously released Scarlet Macaws maintain a survival rate of over 60% in their habitat. Likewise, 100% survival was achieved for the 14 macaws born during the previous season, and the breeding area was readjusted through nest maintenance and diet adjustments for the upcoming cycles.

3. Territorial Protection and Preventive Action

• El Rosario National Park: In coordination with the National Army, weekly preventive patrols against illegal hunting and logging continued.
• Forest Fire Management: Firebreak maintenance and direct work with local cattle ranchers and rural schools to prevent fires.
• Research: Wildlife recording using camera traps to plan birdwatching routes managed by local communities.

4. Community Outreach, Awareness, and Partnerships

• Fourth Environment Day: An activity alongside the Environmental Technical Committee that included a bike march from San Benito to the ARCAS headquarters, educational talks, and environmental enrichment workshops.
• International Primate Day: Awareness campaigns on Geoffroy’s Spider Monkey (Ateles geoffroyi), a threatened species (CONAP Category 2 and CITES Appendix II).
• Professional Training: Practical internships for Veterinary Nursing students from PUCVM and the first contingent of the Worldwide Vets program.
• Sustainability: Progress in corporate partnerships for Corporate Social Responsibility in Guatemala.

Acknowledgments and Recognition

Behind every release is the tireless and coordinated effort of medical care, feeding, and logistics. We especially thank CONAP for its institutional support, Humane World for Animals Costa Rica for its valuable support, and each of the GlobalGiving donors for making it possible to fund the medicines, food, and field operations that turn tragic rescues into stories of freedom.