Safety first – even baby animals can scratch or bite. If you handle a wild animal, always wear gloves (or other hand covering) and eye protection! It’s crucial to prioritize safety and understand animal behaviour. Never approach a wild animal unless you’re certain you can do so safely.
If you’re uncertain about how to proceed or need assistance, reach out to the nearest wildlife centre or contact us for guidance or UPA.
What to do if you find an orphaned or injured baby wild animal?
Whether an animal is orphaned and needs your help depends on their age, species and behaviour. Some young animals, like fawns or rabbits, may be left alone while the mother forages nearby, so it’s best to observe from a distance first. For featherless or nearly featherless baby birds that have fallen from their nest, gently return them if it’s safe for you to do so. Contrary to popular belief, most birds will not abandon their chicks simply because they’ve been touched.
Why should you not attempt to raise an orphaned wild animal?
Keeping a wild animal as a pet is illegal, even if you plan to release it. Raising one from infancy is extremely challenging and requires specialized knowledge. For example, raising a wild bird requires intensive care over 2 to 4 months, with feedings every 20 to 30 minutes from dawn to dusk (approximately 14 hours daily). Skipping feedings or providing an improper diet during this crucial period can lead to irreversible deformities, which may not be apparent until the bird reaches juvenile age.
Each animal species has unique dietary needs, and young animals must learn to recognize, find, and consume these foods for survival in the wild. After they begin self-feeding, they require several weeks in a spacious, protected outdoor aviary or cage to develop the muscles and skills necessary to thrive in their natural habitat.
Wildlife rehabilitators possess the necessary licenses, extensive knowledge of nutritional needs, and facilities to care for wild patients. All sick, injured, or orphaned wild animals should be taken to a licensed wildlife care centre, such as Esperanza Verde.
How can you take action if you encounter someone involved in the illegal trade of wild animals?
Wild species should not be treated as merchandise. The trade of wild animals is prohibited. Unfortunately it’s a common scene in markets and streets: wild animals (Amazonian birds, various species of monkeys, and even small mammals) being offered for sale as if they were pets and being kept in extremely poor captivity conditions.
Who can you contact:
- The nearest Technical Forest and Wildlife Administration (ATFFS) or Regional Government, department of Flora and Fauna (GERFSS) in your area.
- The National Forest and Wildlife Service (Serfor)
- The Environmental department of the National Police of Peru. You can report by calling 964809122 – 926938340 – 997357491 – 953758590 or by emailing: dirmeamb.ceopol@policia.gob.pe. The investigation area should act on the matter.
- Make the appropriate complaint to the Public Ministry or the Fiscal of your area.
For guidance, you can reach out to UPA (United for Animals) in Lima. Established in 2004, this organization is dedicated to the health and relocation of animals. They have a volunteer team that assists both domestic and wild animals—terrestrial, aquatic, and aerial—rescued from captivity, abuse, and illegal markets. UPA works closely with nine recognized wildlife rescue centres in Peru, organizing meetings to enhance collaboration and streamline communication with local authorities. This coordination helps improve the care and management of rescued wildlife. https://unidosporlosanimales.org.pe/