Nestled deep in the Amazon Rainforest, the Peru Wildlife Sanctuary is a refuge for the region's most vulnerable creatures. As deforestation, poaching, wildfires, and habitat destruction threaten countless species, many animals arrive at the sanctuary after enduring unimaginable hardships. But here, they receive the care and rehabilitation they need, some on the path to release, others finding a permanent and loving home. Meet some of the sanctuary's incredible residents:
NEWT THE MANATEE
Named after Olivia Newton-John, Newt arrived at the sanctuary in January 2023, just two months old. The Wildlife Authorities of the Amazon were swift in their response and took rapid action to save Newt after the local fishing community caught him along the Amazon River and realised he was alone. With no mother in sight, he was transferred to the sanctuary. Sadly, Newt arrived with several wounds to his fins and tail, likely caused by the nets. Now, Newt is two years old, all healed from his wounds and has begun weening from his milk. He should graduate to the pre-release lake on the sanctuary grounds this year!
MAKI THE SOUTHERN TAMANDUA
Maki was only a few days old when she was rescued in August 2023, her umbilical cord still attached. Needing round-the-clock feeding, the sanctuary team devoted themselves to her care. She was affectionately named "Maki", the Peruvian word for sushi, because she would curl up like a little roll during feeding time. Now much bigger and full of personality, Maki goes on daily exploration walks with staff and volunteers, learning to climb and forage for ants and termites just like she would in the wild.
BIG DADDY, SLOTH
Big Daddy, a two-toed sloth, arrived in early 2024 from another rescue centre. Already healthy and independent, he quickly won over the team with his love for snacks and his charming personality. Unfortunately, he was diagnosed with a heart condition requiring daily medication, which means he cannot be released. But at the sanctuary, he has found a forever home where he receives the best care and plenty of love.
LUCAS THE BLUE-AND-GOLD MACAW
Once a pet in a restaurant, Lucas suffered from a poor diet and, tragically, was attacked by a dog, leaving him with permanent wing injuries. Confiscated by wildlife authorities and brought to the sanctuary, he can no longer fly. However, the sanctuary team built him a custom climbing frame, allowing him to stay active and experience a sense of freedom every morning.
SONNY THE GIANT ANTEATER
Sonny was left at the sanctuary in May 2023 without a back story, weak from hunger and sporting a head wound. Estimated to be around seven months old at the time, she has since made a full recovery. Giant anteaters consume up to 30,000 ants and termites daily in the wild, and it took time to perfect her diet, testing out many different foods. Now fully grown and thriving, Sonny recently moved to a larger enclosure where she is learning and practising behaviours she'll need for a future release.
GEORGIE, SAKI MONKEY
At just two months old and weighing only 390g, Georgie was brought to the sanctuary by a family who claimed to have saved him from Belen market - a notorious wildlife market trading living and dead animals illegally. They took him in after witnessing his mother's killing, but after a month in captivity, he was attacked by a dog, arriving at the sanctuary unconscious. Luckily, there was no neurological damage, and he recovered quickly. Georgie has since formed a close bond with another young saki monkey named Gina, who arrived at the sanctuary a month later. The pair are growing and thriving together.
MERAKI THE ONCILLA
Meraki, a small wild cat, was just six months old when she arrived in December 2020, having been a victim of the illegal pet trade. Overly humanised and distressed when left alone, she was deemed unfit for release. However, thanks to a generous donor, she now enjoys a custom-built enclosure where she spends her days lounging in her favourite hammock, safe and comfortable.
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The Peru Wildlife Sanctuary is more than just a rescue centre; it is a second chance for animals that have suffered at the hands of human activity. Be part of their story as a volunteer at the Peru Wildlife Sanctuary and play a vital role in the animal's journey, whether by helping rehabilitate wildlife for release or providing exceptional care to those who will call the sanctuary their forever home.
