This month brought the arrival of a large group of animals. With a smaller (but incredibly hardworking) team on site, it’s been all hands-on deck. Some of our new residents require intensive care, which has kept everyone busy… but even amidst the hustle, we’ve made time for a few well-deserved festive moments.
Animals
Male capybara Basco is still not feeling his best. Ongoing intestinal issues have caused weight loss, though his appetite and affection haven’t wavered. With the help of veterinarians and capybara specialists, we’ve begun a new treatment plan and are keeping a close eye on his progress — every encouraging sign counts.
After a difficult period recovering from a miscarriage, Coya, one of our adult woolly monkeys, took a big step forward. She has now rejoined the outside woolly group after healing up in the outdoor enclosure near the family house. She’s slowly finding her place again and rebuilding her confidence, and one thing is clear: she’s thrilled to be back in the trees!
Young animals require vigilant care, and species like howler monkeys are especially sensitive. Recently, one-eyed Waldo, a young male howler, was brought to the clinic for a check-up after showing signs of being unwell. Thankfully, after a short stay and some tender loving care, he was reunited with Maya and Ysaia, his fellow young howlers. He’s easing back into jungle life and reclaiming his grumpy reputation when served leafy greens!
Quarantine
47 new faces
We recently welcomed 47 animals, all confiscated from the illegal wildlife trade. The group included:
- 25 parrots (many still very young and weak)
- 1 yellow-spotted river turtle
- 11 yellow-footed tortoises
- 1 capybara
- 6 anacondas
- 3 red-tailed boas
Many parrots arrived in critical condition: undernourished, fragile, and with unknown pasts. Despite the tireless efforts of our team, some didn’t survive. Still, there’s hope. The anacondas, red-tailed boas, tortoises, and turtles are recovering well and are expected to be released soon. The parrots remain in quarantine longer — their recovery will determine what’s next. As always, we’re grateful to offer these animals a second chance, but it’s heartbreaking that their stories begin this way.
Susy Utzinger Orphan Animal Hospital (SUSTOAH)
Meet Charra, a young female capybara who was raised to be a pet. Though she’s in good health, she’s also very tame, which makes her an ideal companion for Basco. She’s now busy exploring the clinic’s outdoor area… and enthusiastically mowing down every patch of grass she can find! Who knows, in the future, when it’s safe and a group can be formed, she may be part of a rewilding plan.
Inside the clinic, Anora (female squirrel monkey), along with Shana and Kalu (a young female and male large-headed capuchin), have been thriving. They’re growing stronger each day and will soon take their next big step – moving to an outdoor enclosure for their first close encounters with the EV monkey family.
Construction
With our team being a little smaller this month, construction work on the new bodega extension (for food preparation and storage) had to be paused, but for good reason! Everyone jumped in to help care for the newest arrivals, especially the fragile young birds. From preparing enclosures and cages to cleaning and handfeeding, it’s been all hands (and hearts) on deck.
As Esperanza Verde continues to grow, maintaining all our enclosures is becoming a full-time mission in itself. This month’s big task? Draining and deep-cleaning the turtle pond — a perfect chance to do quick health checks and get updated weights on our hard-shelled residents. The turtles? Not too thrilled. But very shiny afterwards!
Volunteers & Jungle life
This month, we said a warm goodbye to Stef, our assistant-veterinarian from the Netherlands. Stef is off to new adventures in Kosovo, and we’re so grateful for all the dedication, expertise, and care he brought to the animals during his time with us.
While one chapter closes, another begins: Maud has returned! After volunteering with us in 2024, she’s now stepping into the role of assistant manager, with Alex showing her the ropes (and maybe a few jungle secrets). We’re so happy to welcome you back to the EV family, Maud!
Earlier this month, Douwe and Olivia travelled to Iquitos to meet with eight other wildlife rescue centres from across the Peruvian Amazon. Together, they shared experiences, strengthened alliances, and discussed solutions to common challenges — from rescue logistics to government policy. By working as one, we can create long-term change in the fight against wildlife trafficking.
Thankfully, Douwe and Olivia made it back just in time for our Easter celebration! We hosted our traditional egg hunt, followed by a delicious lunch shared by all. And because one egg hunt is never enough…our awesome intern Merel surprised the volunteers with a second round at the volunteer house after work. Chocolate was found, joy was shared, and we’re pretty sure some eggs are still hiding!
Join the Team – We Need You!
We’ve had a few last-minute cancellations, so we’re currently looking for more volunteers to join us in May and June!
Have you been here before and miss the sounds of the jungle? Or do you know someone who’d love to work with wildlife in the heart of the Amazon?
Email us at info@esperanzaverdeperu.com — come and be part of something wild and wonderful.
Warning: side effects may include developing expert-level howler monkey impressions and starting every story with “When I worked in the Peruvian jungle…”
¡Hasta Proxima!
