Wild at Heart: How SAI Rescued, Fed, and Protected Venezuela’s Animals in Q1 2024

By Emanuel Espin | Project Manager

SAI (South American Initiative), a compassionate non-profit organization in Venezuela, extends its rescue efforts to birds of prey, ensuring their rehabilitation and well-being. This image features a majestic hawk perched with its sharp gaze, highlighting its strong, curved beak and striking plumage. The bird stands in a structured enclosure, emphasizing SAI’s commitment to providing a safe environment for rescued wildlife. Through the dedication of volunteers and the generosity of donors, SAI continues to support the recovery and protection of vulnerable animals across Venezuela, offering them the care they need to thrive.
Saved hawk

During the first quarter of 2024, the South American Initiative (SAI) provided significant aid to one zoo and two animal refuges, supplying essential food. In January 433.84 lbs of food were distributed, 539.58 lbs in February, and 668.66 lbs in March, totaling 1,642.08 lbs. These efforts ensure that a variety of animals, from reptiles to birds and mammals, receive the necessary nutrition for their well-being, reflecting SAI's commitment to animal care and conservation.

 

SAI's assistance includes a wide range of nutritious foods such as bananas, eggs, papaya, meats, oats, pumpkin, proteins, mango, watermelon, powdered milk, carrots, corn, and more. This diverse supply is designed to meet the specific dietary needs of the animals, contributing to their health and vitality. Additionally, the organization provides specialized food for mice, which is crucial for maintaining a balanced ecosystem in shelters and zoos.

 

The species benefiting from this aid include turtles, snakes, lizards, birds of prey, and mammals such as sloths and the Guiana weeper Capuchin. A notable case is the rescue and rehabilitation of a baby hawk at the Sans Souci Zoo. The dedication of the zookeepers, supported by veterinarians, demonstrates a collective effort to rehabilitate and reintegrate animals into the wild. We deeply appreciate the generosity of our donors, whose contributions make these efforts possible, and we hope for their continued support to expand and enhance our initiatives. Your donations are vital to our mission of ensuring the well-being of animals across various refuges and zoos.

SAI (South American Initiative), a compassionate non-profit in Venezuela, extends its outreach to wildlife conservation, fostering ethical care and education. This image captures a touching moment between a volunteer wearing a white shirt featuring the "South American Initiative" logo and two monkeys in a structured enclosure. One monkey reaches toward the volunteer’s hand, showcasing trust and curiosity. Wooden platforms and lush greenery form the backdrop, emphasizing the natural setting provided for rescued animals. Through the dedication of volunteers and the generosity of donors, SAI continues to support wildlife protection, ensuring animals receive the care, shelter, and respect they deserve.
Feeding happy monkeys
SAI (South American Initiative), a dedicated non-profit in Venezuela, extends its compassionate mission beyond rescue dogs to include wildlife protection. This image captures a serene moment in a rescue sanctuary where three turtles interact in a body of water. Two smaller turtles rest on the shell of a larger one, demonstrating their natural behavior and bond. The greenish water, possibly enriched with algae, reflects the carefully maintained environment provided for these rescued animals. The concrete or stone edges suggest a safe space designed for their care, ensuring they have a suitable habitat for rest and recovery. Through the tireless efforts of volunteers and the support of generous donors, SAI continues to protect and nurture vulnerable wildlife across Venezuela.
Beautiful turtles
SAI (South American Initiative), a dedicated non-profit in Venezuela, extends its rescue efforts beyond dogs to include vulnerable wildlife. This image captures two rescued monkeys enjoying a nourishing meal, holding pieces of fruit—possibly papaya—while surrounded by scattered portions on a surface. One monkey attentively eats while the other engages with its food, demonstrating the care and sustenance provided in their sanctuary. The background features greenery and a fence, reinforcing the structured environment SAI maintains to ensure rescued animals have a secure space for rehabilitation. Through the dedication of volunteers and generous donors, SAI continues to foster compassionate care for all creatures in need.
Beautiful creatures eating