Overview
- The caiman was released in a protected area of Santa Fe after months of rehabilitation at the La Esmeralda rescue center following an October transfer from Buenos Aires’ Malbrán institute.
- An interdisciplinary team reported no underlying illnesses but identified human habituation and a lack of essential survival behaviors on arrival.
- Authorities authorized release only after the animal reached appropriate weight, fed and moved autonomously, and showed species-typical behavior with minimal human contact.
- The chosen site was evaluated for habitat suitability and confirmed to pose no sanitary or genetic risks to other populations.
- The operation involved UFEMA, the CABA prosecutor’s office, the Federal Police fauna unit, and the Buenos Aires Ecopark, underscoring coordinated action against illegal wildlife possession.