Last week, a howler monkey was hit by a vehicle in Misiones and had to undergo surgery for an open femur fracture.
The operation was carried out at the Parque Ecológico El Puma, with successful results. However, the case once again highlights the coexistence between wildlife and provincial roads.
The accident occurred near the Parque Federal Campo San Juan, where the injured howler monkey entered already wounded and was found by the authorities.
The injury was of high complexity: the bone broke, pierced tissue, and re-entered, creating a critical condition that required immediate attention.
The success of this operation is particularly relevant because the howler monkey is considered a Provincial Natural Monument in Misiones.
The surgery and recovery process of the hit howler monkey
Initially, the park’s veterinary team managed to stabilize the hit howler monkey with fluid therapy and specific medication before proceeding with the intervention.
Once the condition was compensated, a traumatological surgery was performed in which a plate and four screws were placed to repair the fracture.
After the operation, the hit howler monkey remained in absolute rest for several days, with check-ups every 12 hours, analgesics, and antibiotics.
Currently, the evolution is favorable. However, bone consolidation will take approximately two months before moving on to the next stages.
The process includes the following steps:
- Bone consolidation: approximately two months of recovery
- Socialization: evaluation for contact with another specimen
- Release project: long-term goal, conditioned on evolution
The commitment of Parque Ecológico El Puma in the recovery of wild animals
The Parque Ecológico El Puma constantly receives a wide diversity of species, mainly birds and mammals.
Here, animals are accompanied with professional help through the rehabilitation process for their subsequent reintegration into nature. The same process that is now occurring with the howler monkey.
The park’s technical team works under a central principle: assist, medicate, and feed without creating dependency on humans.
Veterinarian Sol Pzegotski explained that “it is very important that people do not have these attitudes of picking them up and keeping them”.
In this regard, she warned that reversing human imprinting is a complex process and not always successful.
Upon finding an injured wild animal, the official instruction is to immediately notify 911 or the corresponding Fauna area, without attempting to handle it.
The rehabilitation of wild fauna is a technical, complex, and prolonged process that requires specialized professionals and adequate infrastructure.
The Ministry of Ecology reaffirms the commitment to the recovery and eventual release of each specimen that meets the necessary conditions.
The philosophy of Misiones is that true conservation involves ensuring that animals continue their lives in freedom.
