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Valente is the first tapir released back into the wild by Onçafari!

After eight months of treatment and rehabilitation at Caiman Pantanal, the young tapir — a survivor of the 2024 wildfires — was returned to his natural habitat. Intensive veterinary care and a combination of different techniques to treat severe burns were essential in giving Valente a second chance, along with the support of everyone who contributed to the Recupera Pantanal campaign.

Since being released, Valente has remained in dense forest areas, making it difficult to locate and assess his health. However, on May 13th, he was spotted for the first time since his release — and it was confirmed that the young tapir is healthy, strong, and moving with ease.

Valente’s journey reflects the challenges faced by our wildlife and serves as a warning about the impacts of climate change and urgency to take action. It is a story of resilience and hope, one that inspires love, care, and reinforces our commitment to biodiversity conservation.

VALENTE IN THE WILD!

Every year, approximately 475 million wild animals die in vehicle collisions on Brazilian highways. Jaguar, puma, maned wolf, tapir, capybara, and many other iconic species of our wildlife are among the countless victims. Beyond environmental losses, these vehicle collisions pose a high risk to drivers and generate enormous financial costs to society. To tackle this challenge, the NGOs Instituto de Conservação de Animais Silvestres (ICAS), Instituto de Pesquisas Ecológicas (IPÊ), Instituto Libio, Instituto Homem Pantaneiro, SOS Pantanal, and Onçafari have joined forces to create the Safe Highways for All Observatory (Observatório Rodovias Seguras para Todos). This pioneering initiative focuses on knowledge production, public policy coordination, and social mobilization to reduce the impacts of highways on biodiversity.

On May 22nd, we took part in an event celebrating the International Day for Biological Diversity organized by Vale in partnership with Instituto Ecofuturo – Suzano, Reservas Votorantim, and Reserva Caruara – Porto do Açu. It was an inspiring gathering, filled with exchange and meaningful dialogue around different strategies for biodiversity conservation across Brazilian biomes.

Our founder and CEO, Mario Haberfeld, was the special guest on Manacast, a podcast hosted by Rafaella Martins and Philippe Minerbo, partners at Manacá Partners, one of Onçafari’s partner organizations. In the conversation, Mario shares behind-the-scenes insight into Onçafari’s creation and growth — from his passion for nature to the challenges and achievements that turned the organization into a major national and international player in biodiversity conservation.

Between April and June, the maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus) enters its courtship and mating season, a time marked by subtle and special interactions. At Pousada Trijunção, during this period, we closely follow Barão and Savana, a pair that, for the third consecutive year, shares territory and the reproductive phase.

Although the maned wolf, the largest canid in South America, is known for its solitary habits, pairs like Barão and Savana show that the story is a bit more complex. They already share the same territory year-round, respecting boundaries, avoiding conflict, and even co-parenting their pups. However, during this season their encounters become more frequent: they spend more time together, walk side by side, vocalize more often, and display behaviors of bonding and connection seen only during this period. We’ve already followed two of their litters (in 2023 and 2024) and even captured the incredible parental care of the species with Barão regurgitating food to feed the pups.

We continue monitoring them closely to find out if new maned wolf pups are on the way!

Here at Onçafari, being a "Jaguar’s Friend" is a good thing! 💛

The "Jaguar’s Friend" project is one of the ways to contribute to our social initiatives and biodiversity conservation efforts. Through monthly or one-time donations, you help make a difference for Brazilian species and biomes.

I WANT TO BE A FRIEND OF THE JAGUAR

ECOTOURISM

Appreciate a unique immersive experience in the beauty and biodiversity of Brazil’s biomes.

At Caiman Pantanal, the thrill is spotting the majestic jaguar in its natural habitat and marveling at the region’s unparalleled landscapes. At Pousada Trijunção, in the heart of the Cerrado, observing the maned wolf in the wild is an unforgettable spectacle — and learning about its biology and adaptations makes the experience even richer.

How about embarking on this adventure and helping conserve our wildlife at the same time?

Email us at [email protected] to learn more about our tours!

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Sent by Onçafari
Avenida Magalhães de Castro, 4.800, 603 Torre 3
Jardim Panorama – São Paulo/SP – Brazil – ZIP Code: 05676-120

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