Ecuador
We have some EXTREMELY exciting news! D’Yaria has been successfully released back into the Ecuadorian jungle; she is finally back home! This is not only a huge success for D’Yaria, but for wildlife rehabilitation in Ecuador in general. This is the first time that any release of this kind has ever happened!
Wildlife rehabilitation is an extremely difficult process – a balance between helping the animal become healthy enough to return to their home, while having the smallest amount of interaction possible so as to increase their chances of re-adapting. When D’Yaria was found on the brink of death after being shot 18 times, noone could imagine that she would be able to survive the incident, let alone ever be able to return to her jungle home.
A team of veterinarians, lead by Dr. Andres Ortega, performed two incredible spinal surgeries last year to remove the embedded bullets. These two spinal surgeries where miracles in-and-of themselves; after loosing her ability to walk after being shot, D’Yaria’s improvement after the surgery was shocking. Under the guidance of her primary veterinarian, Dr. John Castillo, and a small team of veterinarians including Darwin Animal Doctors’ partnering vet, Dr. Cris Cely, D’Yaria began healing and improving in a way that noone could have even hoped for. Before too long, D’Yaria was strong and healthy once again.
After the arrival of the tracking collar that Darwin Animal Doctors was able to provide thanks to YOUR continuing support, the greatest hope for D’Yaria became a reality – she would be able to go home.
Plans were set in place and groups came together from all over Ecuador to help support the release of D’Yaria – a moment that would change not only the life of this beautiful jaguar and not only help protect this endangered species, but would change history.
To give you an insider’s point of view on this momentous occasion, we took a moment to interview Dr. Cris Cely.
DAD; It has been a long road to recovery and to the final release for D’Yaria. As someone so involved throughout this process, how do you feel now that D’Yaria is released?
Dr. Cris; I have mixed feelings; hope, joy and fear. We can mean to do our best, but there is always a chance that something could go wrong. We can only hope that she gets to grow old and doesn’t meet evil again. But in the end, I am just extremely happy that she gets to feel freedom again; to feel the wind on her face, hear the sound of the leaves, smell the rain and see the rivers…
DAD; Can you explain how the release day went?
Dr. Cris; I don’t think there are quite words. I mean, everything went as planned. She just gunned out of the cage as we had all hoped!
DAD; Can you tell us a little about why this is such a big deal, not just for D’Yaria, but for the future of wildlife rehabilitation in Ecuador?
Dr. Cris; Well, this is the first time that something like this has ever happened. When she was found, it seemed she had no chance of survival – she was destined to die after being shot 18 times. She would never have survived if she hadn’t gotten the top quality medical care that she did right from the beginning. The medical team has made history.
DAD; What was the biggest challenge with D’Yaria’s release?
Dr. Cris; Everything was a challenge – anything and everything could go wrong from the very beginning. She could have not recovered at all… But she did. And now having her out there is a challenge too.
DAD; What are you hoping to see from this point?
Dr. Cris; I hope to see her thrive – have cubs and grow old. I hope that people will stop killing wildlife and for the Amazon to be respected.
DAD; Anything else you would like to add?
Dr. Cris; We need to try, even if we think we will fail. We need to do our best to save this planet.
DAD; Thank you Dr. Cris for taking your time to meet with us. Your endless work to save D’Yaria is inspiring and your words resound with us all – We need to do our best to save this planet. Congratulations on taking such a big step forward in doing that.
D’Yaria receives her last health checks before being transported to her release location.
D’Yaria is ready to be transported!
… on her way to freedom! That face!
I think she knows what is going on. She can smell that fresh forest air!
Last health check before freedom!!!
The release cage is set up…. and the moment it is open, D’Yaria shoots out! She is back home!!!
What incredible work from this amazingly impressive team. Congratulations everyone!
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