Limited Resources

In all of Ecuador, very few police officers are assigned to illegal wildlife trafficking. Wildlife crime and animal protection continues to be a very low priority for the government. Therefore, care of confiscated animals is often insufficient and awareness of the issue and the many implications that come with it is not common among citizens.

Animal Cruelty

Over 80% of these animals die before they reach their destination, and those who do live generally face lives of deprivation. The actual travel of these animals is often unbelievably cruel. Animals have their mouths and beaks taped shut, are restrained in dangerous positions for hours, lying in their own waste. Birds may have their eyes perforated so they do not sing in reaction to light.

C.I.T.E.S

While many international governments have joined CITES (the Convention on International on Trade in Endangered Species), which helps to regulate wildlife trade, these intentions often are inadequately funded and staffed. Also, the question remains as to what to do with the animals once confiscated from traffickers.

Rehabilitation

Simply releasing trafficked animals is too often a death sentence as the animals are weak and ill, or too young to care of themselves. Thus, Merazonia's dedication to the rehabilitation of these animals is a fundamental part of the fight to end animal cruelty and trafficking. Here at Merazonia we provide a centre of rehabilitation for rescued trafficked animals, as well as for the many animals in Ecuador who have sadly ended up in human homes.