The snakes, monkeys and alligators, among other species, that are in the power of the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (DRNA) could soon have a new home after the agency received a request from the Parque Nacional Zoológico Arq. Manuel Valverde Podesta, in the Dominican Republic, for the transfer of exotic animals.
In a written communication sent last week, the zoo’s general director, Nayib Auderequested the DRNA to transfer animals that are in the Center for the Rehabilitation of Native Species and Management of Exotic Species of Puerto Ricoin Arecibo, in order to “enrich the biological collections of our park for educational and conservation purposes, thus contributing to the strengthening of the environmental education, research and animal welfare programs that we promote.”
“We are committed and assume full responsibility for the transportation and transfer of individuals from the facilities of their center to our offices, guaranteeing that the process will be carried out in compliance with all international animal welfare regulations and protocols”Aude expressed in his letter, shared by the DRNA.
Aude did not specify which species he is interested in obtaining for the Dominican park. The DRNA detailed that, in the Cambalache facilities, there are “around 35 snakes, 14 rhesus monkeys, seven alligators and multiple birds.”
The secretary of the DRNA, Waldemar Quilescelebrated the request of the National Zoological Park, as he assured that one of his priorities since he came to office has been to identify a home for the exotic species that are captured in Puerto Rico.
“This is excellent news, as it gives these animals an opportunity,” said Quiles, in a press release.
1/17 | Birds, reptiles, amphibians and more: a look at several invasive species in Puerto Rico’s ecosystem. The Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (DRNA) detailed, in some documents shared on its pages, the multiple species of invasive animals that inhabit Puerto Rico. Below we present the list of several copies that appear in that category: – Carlos Rivera Giusti/Staff
For his part, the director of the Center for the Rehabilitation of Native Species and Management of Exotic Species, Lieutenant Angel Atienzamaintained that moving the animals from the facilities in Arecibo allows them to be given “a second chance at life.” because some species are sacrificed.
“We keep looking for places to export these animals every day, that is our commitment”said Atienza.
Last month, the organization Animal Bond requested the Department of Justice investigate the conditions of the animals that remain in the center in Cambalache, given what they identified as potential violations of the Animal Welfare Law 154. In his letter to Justice, The entity detailed alleged unhygienic and overcrowded conditions of the species, deaths of sick animals, lack of adequate veterinary care and unexplained disappearance of snakes, among other situations.
Atienza rejected the accusations. The center is under reconstruction, the lieutenant acknowledged, due to the damage suffered in 2017, due to Hurricane María.
The DRNA specified, in writing, that the rehabilitation work began in August 2024, following the specifications of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA, for its acronym in English).
1 / 10 | They confirm that the boa constrictor is a threat to the Puerto Rican parrot. In the Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Laboratory of the Department of Biology at the Mayagüez campus of the University of Puerto Rico, they analyze the reticulated snakes that have invaded multiple regions of the island. Second-year Biology student Andrés Marrero and Dr. Alberto Puente work with one of the snakes. – Carlos Rivera Giusti