Brazil is among the countries with the greatest biodiversity in the world, with six biomes terrestrial areas — Amazon, Caatinga, Cerrado, Pantanal, Atlantic Forest and Pampa. According to the Ministry of Environment and Climate, these biomes are home to more than 116 thousand animal species and more than 46 thousand plant species.
Due to its rich diversity in fauna, there are places prepared to receive all types of animals. Sanctuaries, as they are called, care for species that have been mistreated, trafficked or removed from their natural habitat.
These places are built according to the types of animals they house. Therefore, they can be aimed at wild, agricultural or marine species, for example. While some sanctuaries take care of the animals so that they can return to the wild, others end up taking care of the animals in order to preserve the species.
Discover below 7 sanctuaries spread across Brazil that rescue, care for and shelter these animals.
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Chico Mendes Environmental Park
Created in honor of the environmental activist and rubber tapper Chico MendesThis park is located in Rio Branco, in Acreand occupies around 57 hectares of the Amazon rainforest. Opened on July 2, 1996, the sanctuary is home to more than 276 animals, including 33 species of mammals, birds and reptiles exclusively from the Amazon fauna.
Currently, the park, which has a zoo, is managed by the State government. You can visit it for free from Tuesday to Sunday, from 7am to 5pm. Those who opt for the tour will see animals such as jaguars, jaguars, spider monkeys and even harpy eagles.
The Terra dos Bichos Sanctuary houses more than 500 animals of 19 different species in São Roque, in the interior of São Paulo. According to the NGO, the animals were saved from slaughter, trafficking and other cruel situations.
In operation for 6 years, the institution receives monitored visits from school, business and supporter groups. In addition, they also work to raise awareness and environmental education. Visits are announced through the profile on the Instagramas well as information for anyone wishing to make donations to the site.
Created by veterinarian and environmental activist Patricia FitipaldiÓ Santuário das Fadas rescues and shelters animals that are victims of mistreatment, neglect and abuse. In addition to physical treatment, the species also receives emotional treatment, as they arrive there extremely weakened.
The place has been in operation since 2008 in Itapaiva, mountainous region of Rio de Janeiroand is maintained through donations. After recovery, some animals are returned to the wild.
Ó Instituto Vida Livre is a non-governmental organization that works with species seized by inspection bodies. In addition, they also carry out voluntary rescues in various locations. Through the wild animal release areas, the institute carries out handling, management, monitoring, veterinary, examinations and post-release monitoring.
Among the animals that the sanctuary cares for are monkeys, sloths, armadillos, hedgehogs, anteaters, snakes, among others. Vida Livre operates in the capital of Rio de Janeiro.
Operating for 39 years in Itu, in the interior of São Pauloó Projeto Sujo welcomes and recovers primates that have lost their natural habitats or have been victims of animal trafficking, mistreatment and accidents. Among the species of primates that are sheltered by the organization are scented tamarins, sauás and marmosets. In addition to shelter and care, Project Mucky also combats the wildlife trade.
Installed in an area of 20 thousand square meters, the institute has 103 nurseries. They are not open to public visitation.
Ó Santuário Vale da Rainha was created in 2011 by the couple Patrícia and Vitor, in Minas Gerais. Currently, the place houses more than 100 animals that have been victims of abuse. The “Animal Masters”, as they are called by the NGO, are rescued and rehabilitated. The place also offers environmental awareness, yoga and meditation classes to the public.
UM Elephant Sanctuary Association Brazil (SEB) is located in Chapada dos Guimarães, in Mato Grossoand works to rescue captive elephants at risk. The organization helps with the physical and emotional recovery of these animals.
The sanctuary has five Asian elephants rescued after decades of work in circuses and zoos. Maia, Rana, Mara, Bambi and Guillermina were relocated to Mato Grosso because of the ideal climate and topography, and the region offers pristine water resources and vegetation, making it an ideal habitat for them. These factors allow these animals to remain free throughout the year. The place is not open to visitors.
