Wildlife Rescue Centre in Cerro Alux

Dear Supporters,

We are delighted to share this progress report on our ongoing crowdfunding campaign aimed at establishing a state-of-the-art rescue center and offices in the Cerro Alux Reserve, situated on the outskirts of Guatemala City.

The Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Association (ARCAS), a leading Guatemalan NGO dedicated to wildlife rescue and biodiversity conservation, was founded in 1989. Our journey began with the creation of a wildlife rescue center in the northern Peten region. Over the years, our impact has expanded, necessitating additional facilities at our central offices in the Cerro Alux area of Guatemala City and at the Hawaii Park on the Pacific coast.

Currently, our central office and rescue center in San Lucas face spatial constraints, compelling us to use holding cages for rescued wildlife. Legal obligations, such as awaiting trial outcomes for smugglers, often lead to extended stays in these enclosures. Moreover, the influx of highland animals, including foxes, hawks, and owls, requires larger enclosures and flight cages for proper rehabilitation.

This fundraising project seeks to address these challenges by constructing larger holding enclosures, a quarantine area, and a clinic for our rescued animals. Additionally, the campaign aims to build new offices, allowing us to reduce overhead expenses associated with rent.

 The Cerro Alux site, situated in the 5000-hectare Cordillera Alux Watershed Protection Area, offers multiple advantages. Beyond meeting the urgent needs of our rescued animals, it enables ARCAS to actively participate in the administration and research efforts of this crucial and threatened protected area. Moreover, the proximity to Senderos de Alux Park, a popular natural area, provides opportunities for environmental education and research.

Before launching the campaign, we secured a long-term, low-cost lease for a 2000-square-meter plot from the San Lucas municipality. We completed essential paperwork, including environmental impact assessments and building permits, and established crucial infrastructure such as electricity, water systems, and a perimeter wall.

Funds generated from this project have already propelled us forward in 2023, resulting in the completion of a guardhouse and an animal clinic. Over the next few months, we are slated to construct offices and wildlife enclosures, with the goal of moving into the new facilities by the end of 2024. We eagerly anticipate the enhanced care we can provide to our wildlife residents, as well as the improved long-term facilities for our dedicated staff and volunteers.

A heartfelt thank you to all our friends and donors around the world for making this dream a reality, and for contributing to the conservation of Guatemala's rich biodiversity.

With gratitude,

The ARCAS Team

Links:

• ARCAS website

ARCAS was established in 1990 to rescue, rehabilitate, release and conserve Guatemalan wildlife.  It has three rescue centers where it receives confiscated, injured or otherwise rescued wildlife:  in Peten on the edge of the Maya Biosphere Reserve; in Hawaii on the Pacific coast of Guatemala; and at its central offices in San Lucas, on the outskirts of Guatemala City.  In recent years, it has received more and more rescued animals in San Lucas, and its limited, rented office facilities there have struggled to accommodate the animals it receives in humane conditions where they can be successfully rehabilitated. 

Under this project, ARCAS is continuing its quest to build its own office and improve the facilities for confiscated animals it receives in San Lucas.  In 2018, it obtained usufruct rights from the Municipality of San Lucas for a piece of land in the Cerro Alux Reserve. At the new Alux site, wildlife undergoing rehabilitation or being held for legal reasons will be able to enjoy larger enclosures, flight cages and a beautiful, natural setting.  Due to the Covid pandemic, this project was put on hold, but in 2022 we re-initiated it and to date, have built a perimetral wall, installed water and electricity and built a guardhouse.  Soon, we will begin building our offices, wildlife clinic and rehabilitation enclosures.  We especially need large flight enclosures for the numerous highland owls and raptors we receive.  Many of the animals received at the Sal Lucas facility have been confiscated from traffickers and for legal reasons, must be held for months or often years until legal proceedings have concluded.  

Our many thanks to all who have helped us to date on this very important project, especially Glenda Salazar, Michael Bostelmann, Greg Free,  Ben Tamarin, Aurelie Canale, Sarah Helwig, Miguel DeDiego, Patty Finch, Susan Crawford, Stephen Zambarano, Stuart and Katie Hunt, Kathleen Mo Taylor, Fay Gonzalez, Christine Vanderkaap, Bill and Liz Sharp,, Karen Almonaci, Eric Clarke, Harold & Elegia Heintz, Guy Mazula, Carol Singleton, Lorena Velasquez, Claire Helwig, Benjamin Tamarin and Lorena Velasquez.

If you can help us, please make a donation during the upcoming Giving Tuesday campaign this November.   Help us save the wildlife of Guatemala!

Links:

• ARCAS publications page