AMAZONAS, BRAZIL — After spending seven months being treated as a pet in a home in the northern part of Manaus, an Amazonian tayra was rescued last Sunday (13). The animal, which had been found injured on the AM-010 highway and taken to the residence, grew, became aggressive and is now receiving care at the Zoo of the Jungle Warfare Training Center (CIGS).

According to the team from the Fauna Management Department (GFAU) of the Amazonas Environmental Protection Institute (Ipaam), the tayra was found at kilometer 30 of the AM-010 state highway, between Manaus and Rio Preto da Eva. After receiving care at the home, it began to be kept as a pet — a practice prohibited by environmental legislation.

After about seven months under human care, the animal grew and began to display more aggressive behavior. Given the situation, the resident contacted the Amazonas Environmental Protection Institute (Ipaam) to arrange its return and proper rescue.

Lt. Lauren Bazzi, a veterinarian at CIGS, said the tayra had undergone a process of “excessive humanization.”

“Excessive humanization means that it was overly domesticated. This means it lost the traits of a wild animal,” she explained.

At the zoo, the animal underwent examinations, a veterinary assessment and quarantine. It is currently healthy and adapted to its new environment.

The team provides daily care and environmental enrichment activities to encourage natural behaviors of the species.

During the period it lived as a pet, the tayra received inadequate care, particularly regarding its diet. Its transfer to CIGS reinforces efforts to conserve Amazonian wildlife and promote environmental education.

The Amazonian tayra is a wild animal and should not be kept as a pet. Environmental authorities advise that wild animals found injured or in situations of risk be taken to the appropriate authorities so they can receive proper care and, whenever possible, be placed in suitable facilities.

Amazon Agency