In an emotional act of double liberation, the protected natural area of ‘Mogote Bayo’ and the private reserve ‘Don Félix y Sacha Juan’, in Villa de Merlo (San Luis), experienced a unique moment with the release of 27 rehabilitated birds.
The birds had been at the La Florida Wildlife Conservation Center (CCVS) after being rescued from captivity and illegal trafficking.
Among the released birds are 11 ‘king of the forest’, 10 ‘red-crested cardinals’, three ‘fire little birds’, two ‘little ties’, one ‘seven-veiled bird’, and one ‘golden beak’ that returned to their natural habitat.
Participation in the release of rehabilitated birds
In the ‘Don Félix y Sacha Juan’ private reserve, cardinals and fire little birds were released from their cages in a moment witnessed by the Secretary of Environment and Sustainable Development, Federico Cacace; the owner of the private reserve, Liliana Murga; the head of the environmental department of Merlo, Francisco Leiva; birdwatching specialist Raúl Balla; the deputy director of Protected Natural Areas, Giuliana Torti; and the CCVS veterinarian, Julieta Poggi.
“We celebrate a new release, especially because these specimens were recovered in our Conservation Center and today they can return to their natural habitat. It is important to recognize that effort because it is not always achieved; sometimes animals cannot return, and that is why we need people to know each of their stories and why some of them are part of the permanent stock of the La Florida Fauna Reserve,” emphasized Cacace.
Environmental awareness and education
“More than 90% of the specimens come from captivity and illegal trafficking. The fact that today they have a second chance and can return to their habitat is a sign that we need more environmental awareness and education to understand the vital role of our native fauna, which is not meant to live in cages,” stated Torti.
Subsequently, it was time for the king of the forest to fly, a vulnerable species coveted by traffickers for its song. Their release took place in ‘Mogote Bayo’, alongside adventurous tourists and local park ranger Julio Sosa.
The Secretary of Environment and Sustainable Development reiterated the call to the community to take an active role in protecting wildlife.
Reports of hunting, possession, or illegal commercialization of animals can be made to the Wildlife department of the environmental department by calling 266-4452000 (extension 3372) or to the Environmental Police at 911.
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