SANTIAGO (Reuters) – In the misty forests just outside of Chile’s capital Santiago, a rescued puma prowls the lush surroundings of the Refugio Animal Cascada. This sanctuary aims to rehabilitate and provide shelter for wildlife impacted by the country’s ongoing natural disasters.
The Refugio Animal Cascada, which opened its doors two decades ago, has recently seen an influx of new residents. This rise in numbers is a result of the series of wildfires, droughts, and heavy rains that have afflicted Chile. The country’s Environment Minister, Maisa Rojas, emphasized the urgency by stating, “We are currently facing a significant global environmental crisis that manifests itself as a loss of biodiversity and native wildlife. It is a tremendous risk.”
Earlier this year, devastating wildfires ravaged Chilean forests, leaving many displaced and homeless. The destruction caused not only affected the lives of dozens of people, but it also decimated the natural habitats of woodland creatures. Wildlife activists were spurred into action, treating and caring for animals displaced by the fires. Among the injured were monitos del monte, small nocturnal marsupials, and pudus, the world’s smallest deer.
Months later, Chile’s central regions faced one of the worst weather fronts in years, leading to heavy rainfall and subsequent floods that forced mass evacuations. This further compounded the already dire situation for Chile’s wildlife.
The Refugio Animal Cascada, which translates to Waterfall Animal Refuge, now provides a home for various species, including foxes, falcons, owls, and pumas. The shelter’s director, Kendra Ivelic, explains that their mission is to rehabilitate and ultimately release these animals back into the wild whenever possible. However, some animals, due to the severity of their injuries, are unable to return to their natural habitats. Ivelic adds, “These animals, provided they can live comfortably in captivity, can serve as valuable ambassadors for their species.”
This week, the sanctuary is unveiling its new Environmental Education and Exhibition Center. The center will house native animals that cannot be released into the wild due to the effects of fires and other environmental disasters. This endeavor aims to increase public awareness and understanding of the challenges faced by Chile’s wildlife.
(Reporting by Reuters TV; Writing by Isabel Woodford; Editing by Sandra Maler)
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