Guatemala - December 17, 2025 Twenty-five mammals and nine wild birds, many classified as endangered or vulnerable nationally, were released back into their natural habitat in the Guatemalan jungle after being rescued and rehabilitated following negative interactions with humans. The release took place in Yaxha Nakum Naranjo National Park in November and was carried out by Asociacion Rescate y Conservacion de Vida Silvestre (ARCAS) and Humane World for Animals Costa Rica. The animals included opossums, Yucatan squirrels, an anteater, pygmy and brown owls, coatis, gray hawks, and coyotes. Many arrived at the ARCAS rescue center as babies or juveniles. Four opossum babies, for example, lost their mother after she was hit by a car. Another squirrel had teeth development issues from being fed inadequate food while kept as a pet. A juvenile coyote, malnourished and with superficial lesions, recovered fully after treatment with antiparasitic care, nutrition, and skin therapy. An adult coati, previously kept as a pet, quickly reverted to wild behavior, making its release possible. The tamandua, or anteater, thrived thanks to isolation from humans and a spacious enclosure. Andrea Borel, executive director of Humane World for Animals Costa Rica, said, “Many animals are captured and kept as pets in inadequate conditions and given food inappropriate for their needs, leading to malnutrition and other health problems… which requires long periods of rehabilitation so that they can learn the skills necessary to survive in the wild.” Fernando Martinez, director of ARCAS Peten, added, “Each release is the culmination of a process… that begins when an animal arrives at our rescue center. It always involves the animal going through different stages and being able to adapt and survive in their natural habitat.” The rehabilitation process teaches animals to fly, jump, run, hide from predators, and hunt, strengthening endangered species populations and ensuring their return to the wild. The release was authorized by Guatemala’s National Council of Protected Areas (CONAP).