MACAPA, BRAZIL — An anteater was rescued Wednesday night (Aug. 12) after it was spotted walking along a street in front of a school in the northern part of Macapa, the capital of Amapa state.

The animal was rescued by Ricardo Mauricio, 30, who was on his way to the gym when he came across the anteater leaving the backyard of a home.

Fearing that the animal could be injured or killed by people in the area, Mauricio intervened to ensure its safety.

He contacted the Environmental Military Police, Brazil's Institute for the Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (Ibama), the Military Fire Department and the Municipal Civil Guard in an attempt to obtain specialized assistance.

The agencies, however, said their teams were engaged in an operation and that it could take some time for them to reach the location.

Concerned about the animal's safety, Mauricio placed the anteater in the trunk of his car and transported it himself.
He took the animal to a vegetated area near the city's airport, where he released it. The release was recorded on video.

Amazon Agency