Concerns Raised Over Animal Welfare at Cambalache Wildlife Center
cambalache Wildlife Center is facing scrutiny regarding its animal welfare practices, with allegations of potential legal violations and a โฃlackโค of โคestablished protocolsโ for animal management. While center officials defend their โefforts to rehabilitate and rehome rescued animals, concerns have been raised about the fate of animals that cannot be exported or placed in suitable environments.
According to statements made byโข a center representative,โข animals arriving at Cambalache coudl be legally euthanizedโ if they cannot be successfully rehomed. Specifically, snakes, caimans, and potentially 13 young monkeys face this possibility if suitable placement isn’t found. the representative emphasized that the center employs dedicated staff โcommitted to providing a “second life โขopportunity” for these โanimals.
However, Animal Link, an animal welfare organization, alleges that Cambalache may be violating Law 154-2008 due to “aggravated negligence and institutional abuse.” They alsoโข claim the โฃcenter is potentially โin breach of an agreement made with the Federal Justice Department โฃfollowing the closure of the Mayagรผez Zoo.This agreement stipulated strict adherence to local and federal animal welfare statutes.
A key point of contention is the absence of โformal protocols for managing the species received atโ Cambalache.A โlawyer for Animal Link โขstated that despite ample timeโข since previous irregularities were identified in 2023, conditions have not demonstrably improved.The lawyer emphasized that the establishment of โฃsuch protocols was a condition for granting immunity to the โDepartment of Natural Resources and Environmental resources (DRNA) and preventing further legal action.
Center officials acknowledge the lack of protocols but state theyโข are awaiting โฃthe appointment of aโ biologist and veterinarian -โข potentially withinโฃ the coming week – to develop and implement โขthem.They alsoโค noted that any protocol must โbe agreed upon by โthe existing securityโ staff who will be responsible for its execution.
Regarding allegations of โคunsanitary conditions,โข the center โrepresentative refuted the claims, stating that freezers are โขavailable for storing animal remains and food. They also acknowledged that the center is currently undergoing reconstruction, resulting in less-than-ideal conditions. They maintain that animalsโข are โprovided with appropriate food and cageโข sizes.
When questioned about reports of sick and dead animals due to poor living โขconditions,the center representative stated that contracted veterinarians hadโข not reported any such issues,leading them to believe these reports โare unfounded.โ
DRNA currently receives regular animal inventory reports from Cambalache – submitted every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday – detailing the dozens of animals currently housed at the center, including snakes, birds, monkeys, and turtles.
Animal Link intends to submit itsโ findings to the Federal Justice Department, continuing โits efforts to ensure adequate animal welfare standards areโฃ maintained at Cambalache.