Pilpintuwasi

Pilpintuwasi is a non-governmental organisation based in Padre Cocha, Peru working on nature & wildlife conservation, animal welfare.

Pilpintuwasi is a non-profit wildlife rescue, rehabilitation and conservation centre on 16 hectares near Padre Cocha on the Nanay River, a short boat ride from Iquitos in the Peruvian Amazon. It takes in animals seized from the illegal wildlife trade, as well as injured and abandoned animals brought by local residents, and cares for them long term. Where possible, the goal is release to their natural habitat. The centre is an authorised conservation facility for red-faced monkeys and holds permission for butterfly breeding. It cares for more than 20 species, including jaguars, anteaters, ocelots, tapirs, parrots, toucans, several monkey species and butterflies, some of them threatened with extinction. The sanctuary began in 2001 as a butterfly farm and grew into a rescue centre. It employs local residents, runs guided tours and environmental education for visitors, and runs a volunteer programme. It receives no government funding and relies on visitors, volunteers and private donations.