What is güiráoga?
What is güiráoga?
GüiráOga wildlife shelter was established to meet the need for a facility in Misiones that would care for the area’s native wildlife. The name, which translates to “The Bird’s House” in the Guaraní language, reflects the purpose of the centre.
Founded on 23 August, 1997, by naturalists and bird of prey rehabilitation specialists Jorge Anfuso and Silvia Elsegood, it is currently directed by them.
THE SITE
The 19-hectare site on which GüiráOga is located has been designated a Protected Landscape and named “Andrés Giai” in honour of the renowned naturalist (Provincial Law No. 3468). It is surrounded by protected natural areas, such as Iguazú National Park to the south, Península Provincial Park, and other protected areas in the north of Misiones, a wildlife biodiversity hotspot.
Due to its location, GüiráOga can respond quickly to authorities when it comes to rescuing animals and giving them the opportunity to recover successfully. The facilities were built in a way that avoided damaging the rainforest, so the shelter is covered by centuries-old vegetation, where up to 40 different species of trees have been identified, some measuring up to 30 meters.