Mangal das Garças conducts owl exchange of murucututu in partnership with UFPA
The action aimed to contribute both to wildlife conservation and to environmental education and rehabilitation projects for wild animals.
The Mangal das Garças Zoobotanical Park, in Belém, promoted a special exchange of owls of the murucututu species (Pulsatrix perspicillata), in partnership with the Veterinary Hospital of the Federal University of Pará (HV-UFPA). The action aimed to contribute both to wildlife conservation and to environmental education and rehabilitation projects for wild animals.
The Mangal received from the institution an owl of the murucututu species named 'Iara', which suffered the amputation of one of its wings due to an accident with electric discharge. Due to the severity of the injury and the functional loss, its reintegration into the natural environment became unfeasible. Now, under the care of the park, Iara takes on a new role: contributing to environmental education programs, raising public awareness about the impacts of human activities on wildlife and the importance of conserving Amazonian species.
As part of the exchange, the Park sent to HV-UFPA the little owl 'Tapioca', also of the murucututu species, which was named by the public through a vote on social media. She was abandoned in the Mangal's premises in October 2024 and has since been monitored by professionals. Due to her full physical and behavioral conditions, Tapioca will undergo a rehabilitation process with hunting training and other essential skills for returning to her natural habitat.
“Tapioca was welcomed and underwent the initial clinical evaluation conducted by our team. She is undergoing complementary screening tests so that we can better understand her health status. Subsequently, she will begin the rehabilitation stages, always closely monitored by our veterinarians and biologists. We are committed to providing the best care so that, in the future, she has the opportunity to return to nature,” declares Cinthia Távora, veterinary technician of the Wild Animals Sector of HV/UFPA.
In addition to Iara, the Park has three other owls of the murucututu species that can be seen during the Mangal's operation, in a specially made enclosure for them, which is located within the José Márcio Ayres Reserve (butterfly house).
According to the veterinarian of Mangal das Garças, Camilo González, this action is essential for the balance between conservation and environmental education. “Iara now has a fundamental role in raising public awareness. Even though she can no longer live in the wild, she contributes to more people understanding the importance of protecting these animals. On the other hand, Tapioca is an example of recovery. With the proper training, she will have the chance to return to her natural environment, which is always our main goal,” he explained.
The murucututu owl - The murucututu is one of the largest owl species in South America, known for its penetrating gaze and deep hoot. With nocturnal habits, it primarily feeds on small mammals and small birds. Discreet and silent, it plays an important role in controlling populations of rodents and insects, being a great ally of the ecosystems in which it lives.
The exchange, which took place on the last 25th, reinforces the commitment of the State Government, through the State Secretariat of Tourism and the Social Organization Pará 2000, which manages the Park, to carry out actions to promote and conserve Amazonian biodiversity and the well-being of wild animals.
Text: Beatriz Santos/Ascom OS Pará 2000
