Kuarahy and Jasy's emotional journey: After being orphaned and recovering for months, two guazú water lilies were released in Corrientes

Two young aguará guazú named Kuarahy and Jasy were released into the wild in Corrientes after spending nine months in rehabilitation at the Centro de Recuperación de Especies Temaikèn (CRET) in Escobar. The pair, who had become orphans just days old, were rescued in Corrientes and later transferred to the conservation center for care. Their release marks a milestone in efforts to protect this endangered species, which has been the focus of long-term conservation work by Temaikèn. The journey of Kuarahy and Jasy began when they were found abandoned in Corrientes with only 45 days of life. Initial intervention was carried out by the Rewilding Argentina Foundation, which transported them to the Aguará Conservation Center for primary medical attention over the course of one month. From there, they were moved to the CRET, where they underwent a rigorous rehabilitation process. The program’s coordinator, Guillermo Delfino, noted that raising two such small animals presented a major challenge, especially given their fragile condition upon arrival. However, he expressed satisfaction with the outcome, emphasizing the importance of the work being done to ensure the survival of the species. At the CRET, Kuarahy and Jasy were placed under strict human isolation protocols to help them adjust to their new environment. The fact that they were siblings proved beneficial, as their mutual companionship eased the transition and provided emotional support during the early stages of recovery. Over time, both animals showed remarkable growth, increasing in weight from an initial 1.2 kilograms to nearly 20 kilograms and reaching a height of approximately 90 centimeters. This physical transformation reflected their successful adaptation and readiness for life in the wild. The release took place in the Esteros del Iberá, a region known for its rich biodiversity and abundant natural resources. Both animals were fitted with satellite collars equipped with GPS technology, allowing continuous monitoring to track their progress and ensure their ability to survive independently. This method of tracking is part of a broader strategy used by Temaikèn to study and support the return of native wildlife to its natural habitat. Aguará guazú is classified as Vulnerable nationally by the Society for the Study of South American Mammals and as Nearly Threatened globally according to the IUCN Red List. The species faces several threats, including habitat loss, road accidents, and hunting based on misconceptions about their behavior. The release of Kuarahy and Jasy represents a tangible step toward mitigating these challenges and reinforcing the role of conservation programs in protecting local ecosystems. Temaikèn's social media account highlighted the significance of each individual animal returning to the wild, stating that "every individual that returns counts for the species, for the environment, and for all the conservation work behind it." With four successfully rehabilitated and released aguará guazú now living in the wild, the organization continues to demonstrate its commitment to preserving this unique and ecologically important species. The success of Kuarahy and Jasy’s release underscores the potential for conservation efforts to make a meaningful impact on the survival of endangered wildlife.