Wildlife Centres in Madre de Dios Region Struggle to Rehabilitate Victims of Illegal Mining Activities
In a heart-breaking but hilarious turn of events, two wildlife centres in the Madre de Dios region have found themselves overwhelmed with rehabilitating victims of illegal mining activities. Among these poor animals are baby spider monkeys like Rain, who, unbeknownst to her, is embarking on a painfully long journey of rehabilitation.
Meet Cinthia Pariguana-Garriazo, who is tasked with coaxing Rain, a squirrelly little creature with a chip on her shoulder, into taking her breakfast. Rain is fed liquefied fruit and medicine every four hours, and her primary caregiver, Cinthia, is required to give her constant physical contact. Rain is slowly but surely being introduced to solid food, and other spider monkeys. Cinthia is optimistic that with enough care and coaxing, Rain will soon forget her rebellious ways and learn to accept her new diet and environment.
Unfortunately, the rehabilitation journey is no laughing matter. Releasing juveniles back into the wild is a long process that takes years of care and rehabilitation. With so many animals requiring rehabilitation, the centres are stretched thin and are struggling to keep up with demand.
But don’t worry, the patients at Taricaya Eco Reserve and its sister wildlife centre are in good hands. The veterinarians are doing their level best to make sure that each animal gets the care and attention they need.
So, ladies and gentlemen, let this be a lesson to us all. Illegal mining activities are not just harmful to humans – they can also take a toll on our animal friends. And the next time you’re tempted to break the law, think of Rain and the countless other animals who will require rehabilitation because of your actions.
