Wildlife Rescue in Calima El Darién Following Anonymous Tip

An anonymous tip to the CVC (Corporación Autónoma Regional del Valle del Cauca) led to the rescue of nine wild animals being illegally kept on a private property in Calima El Darién, Colombia, on March 4, 2026. The rescued animals include an ocelot, three macaws, two yellow-fronted parrots, a white-faced monkey and two churuco monkeys.

Details of the Rescue Operation

The CVC received a report through its environmental hotline, #550, prompting an investigation that uncovered the illegal captivity of the animals. Upon arrival, CVC officials found the animals caged and receiving an inadequate diet. The operation was conducted in collaboration with the National Police.

Animal Care and Rehabilitation

The rescued animals have been transferred to the Care and Assessment Center (CAV) in San Emigdio. Veterinary doctors are conducting thorough health assessments, behavioral evaluations, and nutritional plans to initiate rehabilitation protocols. The ultimate goal is to return the animals to their natural habitat, although the CVC acknowledges that the chances of successful reintroduction are lower for animals that have spent significant time in captivity.

Legal Consequences and Public Appeal

Jhon Rolando Rodolfo Salamanca Bohorquez, territorial director (E) of the East Pacific regional CVC, stated that the alleged offender will face environmental sanctioning processes. The CVC is urging citizens to report any instances of illegal wildlife possession or mistreatment through its citizen service channels.

Importance of Reporting Wildlife Crimes

“Each animal taken from its habitat to keep them as pets or on display is a crime,” Salamanca Bohorquez emphasized. The CVC hopes this incident serves as a warning against treating wildlife as domestic animals.

About the CVC

The Centro de Educación Ambiental Calima, a part of the CVC, is open to the public Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. To 4:00 p.m. It is located in the urban area of Calima El Darién, at Calle 6 No. 9-61, Barrio Obrero, three blocks from the Colegio Gimnasio del Calima. Learn more about the CVC and its environmental education center.