What Is a Wildlife Rescue Center? More Than a Shelter — A Second Chance

We often hear about animals rescued from illegal wildlife trafficking, forest fires, or road accidents. But where do these animals go? The short answer is: to a wildlife rescue center, or in some cases, a zoo.

However, a wildlife rescue center should never be considered a permanent home for animals that are often mistaken for exotic pets. These are specialized technical facilities designed with one clear objective: rehabilitation and release back into the wild.

Only when release is impossible — due to permanent physical or psychological conditions — does the wildlife rescue center provide lifelong care under the best possible conditions.

The Heart of Jardín Alado Wildlife Rescue Center: Its 3 Core Pillars

Our center operates under a philosophy of minimal human intervention and maximum biological effectiveness. Its mission is built upon three essential pillars:

1. Intake and Quarantine

No animal enters our wildlife rescue center — whether rescued by authorities or concerned citizens — without first completing a strict quarantine phase.

This process takes place at TUERI, the wildlife veterinary center of USFQ, where specialists assess the animal’s health and prevent the spread of disease.

2. Physical and Behavioral Rehabilitation

At a wildlife rescue center, healing a fracture is only the beginning. The animal must:

• Regain physical strength, muscle tone, and agility.
  
• Preserve and strengthen survival instincts, such as finding food and recognizing predators.
  

Unfortunately, not all animals can be successfully reintroduced into the wild.

3. Release or Environmental Education

The true success of a wildlife rescue center is measured by how many animals return safely to their natural habitat.

If an animal has permanent injuries that prevent independent survival, it becomes part of environmental education programs. Through these programs, the center raises awareness about wildlife conservation and the protection of Ecuador’s biodiversity.

Important Note

Jardín Alado is not a place to “pet” wild animals.

It is a space dedicated to learning about Ecuador’s wildlife and understanding what not to do in order to protect these species, allowing them to live freely in nature.

What Should You Do If You Find an Injured Wild Animal?

If you encounter a wild animal that appears to need help, the golden rule is simple: call emergency services (911) and contact professionals.

1. Do not attempt to feed or give water without professional guidance.
2. Keep your distance to avoid causing additional stress.
3. Contact local environmental authorities or the nearest wildlife rescue center.

Join Fundación Mateus and Protect Birds of Prey

Wild bird rehabilitation requires long-term commitment, specialized knowledge, and ongoing support. At Fundación Mateus, we work every day to rescue, care for, and return these birds to their natural environment.

You can support this work by making a donation to directly fund rescue and rehabilitation programs, visiting Jardín Alado to learn more about what we do, or joining us as a volunteer and actively contributing to wildlife conservation.

Every contribution helps ensure that more rescued birds have the opportunity to recover and return to the wild.