Wild Species Rescued in Western Panama

The rescue of a pelican, a crocodile and a sloth was the result of the actions of the technicians of the rescue brigade of the Protected Areas and Biodiversity section of the Ministry of Environment (MiAmbiente) in Western Panama.

The pelican was found on El Palmar beach in San Carlos and had an injured wing, so it could not fly and was taken to the veterinarian for a timely diagnosis.  Meanwhile, thanks to a call from a resident, a baby crocodile was rescued in Los Guayabitos in Barrio Balboa de La Chorrera, next to the fairgrounds.  The reptile represented a danger due to its proximity to residences.  The specimen was in good health and was released within the Emperador Río Cocolí polygons, in the district of Arraiján.  The 2-toed sloth (Folivores or Filófagos) was found on the heights of the Huacas de Vacamonte de Arraiján and showed signs of disorientation, as a result of the noise and the loss of its habitat.

According to the authorities, the contribution of the community in the rescue and relocation of endangered fauna must be recognized, since its timely report alerts the MiAmbiente technicians to find the location in time, provide first aid and carry out transfer to clinics or a new habitat in protected areas.  Lilibeth Barba, from Protected Areas and Biodiversity stated that sloths, porcupines, snakes, owls, hawks, turtles, iguanas, monkeys, big cats, crocodiles and caimans, among others, represent the greatest variety of rescued and wild species.