RRN staff treating a sea turtle

Injured Galápagos Animals Treated Promptly and Released

The Galapagos National Park Directorate provides 24-hour assistance for injured and sick wildlife in the Galapagos Islands as part of the Rapid Response Network (RRN).

Galapagos Conservancy has supported this rescue network since March 2002. It promotes and supports conservation efforts on the Galapagos Islands. Dr. Jorge Carrion is the conservation director at Conservando Galapagos and a partner in Galapagos Conservancy. He stated that “we are proud of working hand-in-hand to the GNPD and we aspire permanently to the short term recovery and, if feasible, the reintroduction affected species into their natural environment.”

Galapagos Conservancy supported the purchase of veterinary medicine, medical supplies, and rescue equipment to aid in the rescue and recovery efforts for affected species. It was also possible to adapt the marine animal hospital facilities and the necropsy area for the deceased.

  • In 2022, 163 animals were reported as being in apparent adverse circumstances (injured or sick, or dead).
  • 73% of the animals (119 animals) were directly or indirectly affected.
  • 48 animals were treated by the RRN. 22 of them were able to recover and were released.

Experts performed a post-mortem examination of 26 animals in order to determine the cause of death. They found that vehicle collisions and canine attacks were the most common causes for animal injuries due to human activity.

Carrion stated, “We thank our collaborators, lovers of Galapagos biodiversity. whose donations enable me to provide permanent assistance for injured or sick wildlife of Archipelago and to take other timely steps to preserve this legacy.”

RRN staff treating a Blue Footed Booby
RRN staff treating a Blue Footed Booby © Galápagos National Park Directorate

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