Through a C-208 Caravan aircraft of the Colombian Air Force, the animals were taken from the Air Combat Command No.5 in Rionegro, Antioquia, to the Apiay -CACOM 2 Air Base in Villavicencio, Meta; they are 10 wild animals of the Colombian fauna victims of illegal possession.
On this journey of more than 500 kilometers, the animals were accompanied by professionals belonging to Corantioquia, a biologist and a veterinarian, in charge of monitoring them to ensure they arrived in good health conditions and be taken to their new home, with the joint objective of providing wellbeing to animals that have suffered the problem of illegal trafficking of specimens.
Thanks to the inter-institutional coordination conducted by the Colombian Air Force, the Regional Autonomous Corporation of the Center of Antioquia - Corantioquia, the CES University, the Los Ocarros Biopark, the Meta Governorate and the Corporation for the Sustainable Development of the La Macarena – Cormacarena Special Management Area, the animals arrived at the Los Ocarros Biopark.
A tayra (Eira Barbara), four royal parrots (Amazona farinosa), two yaguarundis (Puma yagouaroundi), two blue-headed parrots (Pionus menstruus) and a military macaw (Ara militaris), are the wild animals that arrived at the facilities of Corantioquia, found by the Attorney General's Office, or rescued or voluntarily given by their owners; now they will have a second chance at life.
These are wild animals that should never have left the forest, now that they were violently extracted and, due to their degree taming and loss of natural abilities, such as shelter location and identification of food, predators, among others, they can no longer return to their habitat.
Without these skills, which they learn of their mother and family, animals cannot survive in nature, this is how conservation institutions such as zoos and bioparks are of great importance for cases like these, because they have the staff and the specialized knowledge necessary to give these individuals a healthy and safe life. In addition, in this way, it is possible to provide education and awareness about the importance of wildlife in the inhabitants and visitors, for conservation and protection.
The Colombian Air Force will continue to contribute to the preservation and conservation of natural resources and wildlife, with its Resources for missions like this one, which leads the specimens to have a better quality of life.
Source: Colombian Air Force
