Temaikèn Foundation
The illegal wildlife trade is a major threat to biodiversity in Argentina with demand mostly in live animals. The trade is focused at the borders of Bolivia, Paraguay, Brazil, and Chile with major destinations believed to be the European Union and the Middle East. Argentina is 2.78 million km2 large with 23 jurisdictions, 17 of which partner with the Temaikèn Foundation, but poor law enforcement in parts of the country limits addressing the problem.
Located on the outskirts of Buenos Aires, one of the world’s most populated cities, Temaikèn Foundation is the only Association of Zoos and Aquariums-accredited facility in Argentina. Temaikèn staff, in addition to providing the best possible animal care, are active in the rescue, rehabilitation, and reintroduction of Argentine wildlife, including helping in cases of confiscation. Temaikèn is also the first Latin American member of AZA’s Wildlife Trafficking Alliance.
In a collaborative effort with law enforcement and the justice system, confiscated animals are sent to Temaikèn, which over the years has helped rescue and rehabilitate more than 15,000 animals and is working to strengthen a network of rescue and recovery centers across the country.
Rescuing and Rehabilitating Animals
Staff at Temaikèn’s Centro de Recuperación de Especies (CRET) have helped rescue and rehabilitate thousands of animals, including many that were confiscated from traffickers. In addition to having a veterinary hospital with equipment for complex cases, CRET has 18-hectares with enclosures designed for the rehabilitation of species of high conservation value.
When the animals arrive at CRET, they are given the care they need to recover and staff work to reintegrate them into the wild whenever possible. A prioritization and triage system developed in conjunction with authorities is used when animals arrive in order to ensure the best possible outcome in each case.
The Value of Teamwork
The yellow cardinal, a songbird that lives almost exclusively in Argentina, provides an example of how the Rescue Center is working to strengthen a network of rescue and recovery centers throughout Argentina that will help ensure that animals can be rescued and rehabilitated no matter where they are. With colorful plumage and a beautiful song, it is a target of the illegal pet trade. When the trade is coupled with the destruction of its natural habitat―the clear cutting of the Espinal Forest―the population of this iconic bird has come under severe pressure and is decreasing dramatically. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), it is estimated that only 2,000 adults remain in the wild. Temaikèn Foundation is part of the Yellow Cardinal Alliance, a collaboration of government agencies, research institutions, zoos, and CSOs, joining forces to ensure that wild populations of yellow cardinals can recover. Current estimates indicate that three percent of the population of cardinals are being cared for at the CRET facility.
Education: Raising Awareness
In order to raise awareness of illegal wildlife trade and promote action, Temaikèn staff educates different audiences in the Biopark and within its area of influence, the Paraná River Delta.
- General public: Caretakers at the veterinary hospital and the Guardians of Nature team talk with guests about how animals arrive at the Biopark, the complex rehabilitation process they undergo, and then reflect on how people can help solve the problem.
Recovery Stories, a space dedicated to wildlife trafficking, with signs telling the stories of animals that have been received at CRET can be easily accessed by Temaikèn’s 500,000 annual visitors. The journey guests are taken on ends at the veterinary hospital, where they can see the ambassador animals in their winter environments and learn why they cannot return to the wild. - Students/educational visits (more than 38,000 children per year): For the last decade, staff have focused on the distinction between domestic and wild animals, illegal pets and wildlife trafficking. This focus has provided a gateway for people to reflect on everyone’s role as responsible citizens regarding wildlife and wild places.
- Audiences at fairs, festivals and events: Staff created SOS Fauna, an activity where the audience plays a role creating the message. Volunteers dress up as local endangered wild animals in a particular situation that threatens their well-being, while another volunteer must try to figure out what to do to save or protect them.
- WTA’s Spanish-language Not a Pet campaign: The local launch targeted a broad audience of journalists, Zoo visitors, educators, and social media followers. Being part of the Wildlife Trafficking Alliance has helped staff broaden the range of messages and touch on themes such as exotic pets and responsible tourism.
- Ambassador Animals: The Biopark has been integrating victims of trafficking and illegal pet ownership into its population. These animals play a fundamental role in raising awareness on the illegal trade in wildlife. Examples of native species include Caraya monkeys, capybaras, pumas, birds such as macaws and toucans, and turtles.
The Future of Argentina’s Wildlife
Temaikèn Foundation’s Rescue Center seeks to make a difference in the fight against wildlife trafficking in Argentina. With a goal of saving lives and protecting biodiversity, its team works to be an example of how zoos and aquariums can be valuable partners in the fight against the illegal trade in wildlife.
Photos credit: © Temaikèn
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