From birth, Sambi never experienced life in freedom. Raised in an apartment in the heart of Buenos Aires City, far from her natural habitat, this puma cub lived surrounded by walls and furniture, without the space or proper conditions for her development. Her destiny changed when she was abandoned and tied to the door of the Palermo Ecopark.
Her story is a reflection of the negative impact of pet ownership and illegal possession of wildlife. Before reaching a safe refuge, she went through several hands: first removed from a house by an influencer and then handed over to a young woman who promised to build her a sanctuary that never materialized.
The case reached the Justice system, which ordered her transfer to Proyecto Carayá, in La Cumbre, Córdoba, a center for the rescue and rehabilitation of wild animals. There, Sambi found a home where she will receive the necessary care, although her life will not be without challenges. This is because the puma cub has a chronic kidney problem that will require constant monitoring, but for the first time, she will be in a suitable environment for her well-being.
The puma and its natural habitat: key to its conservation
The puma (Puma concolor) is a native feline of America that inhabits a wide variety of ecosystems, from Andean forests and subtropical jungles to Patagonian steppes and Chaco woodland. It is a territorial and solitary animal that requires vast spaces to hunt and move freely.
To ensure the survival of pumas in their natural environment, the conservation of extensive and well-connected habitats is essential, with an abundance of natural prey, such as guanacos, small deer, and rodents. Territory fragmentation due to urban expansion, poaching, and conflicts with livestock are the main threats facing this species in Argentina.
Sambi’s case highlights the risks of wildlife trafficking and pet ownership. Pumas are not domestic animals, and keeping them in captivity not only affects their well-being but also compromises their survival ability in nature. Environmental education and respect for wildlife are essential to prevent stories like Sambi’s from recurring.
Source: Vía País.
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