Santo André wildlife center treats 317 animals in six months

The Santo André Wildlife Recovery Center in Santiago do Cacém treated 317 animals during the first half of 2026. This figure represents 62% of the total number of animals treated throughout the entire year of 2025, highlighting the center's growing role in preserving regional fauna.

An initiative by Quercus, the center focuses on recovering injured or sick animals, primarily birds, to reintroduce them into their natural habitats. Most animals are brought to the facility by citizens, the Republican National Guard, and the Institute for Nature Conservation and Forests.

The center relies on approximately 70 annual volunteers and strategic partnerships with universities and laboratories, including internships for biology and veterinary medicine students. Despite these successes, the facility faces significant financial challenges, requiring roughly 75,000 euros annually to cover personnel and consumable costs.