# Ñandú poaching investigation in Pergamino

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/and-poaching-investigation-in-pergamino
> Updated: 2026-10-05T03:55:17.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2.

Authorities in Pergamino, Argentina, are investigating the poaching and killing of a three-year-old ñandú (rhea) at the ‘El Tauro’ rural estate. The bird, named ‘El Loco’, had been raised from an egg by estate caretaker Raúl Antonio Fleitas since December 2022.

Reports indicate the animal was hunted on August 30 by poachers using two trained greyhounds. The perpetrators allegedly filmed the act and photographed themselves with the remains before butchering the animal, subsequently sharing the images on social media. 

Following an investigation by the Pergamino prosecutor's office, police conducted raids and seized evidence, including feathers and parts of the animal. While prosecutor Nelson Mastorchio requested the arrest of suspects Matías Matkovic and Rubén Nahuel Martínez, Judge Julio Caturla rejected the request, prompting Fleitas to express “profound disappointment with the judicial system.”

## Timeline

### 2026-10-05: Pergamino: Pet rhea killed by poachers in illegal hunt

A pet rhea raised from an egg was killed by poachers using hunting dogs at a rural estate in Pergamino, Argentina. A judge rejected requests to detain the two primary suspects.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/pergamino-pet-rhea-killed-by-poachers-in-illegal-hunt

### 2026-09-25: Pergamino authorities investigate poaching of ñandú

Police in Pergamino, Argentina, are investigating the poaching and killing of a ñandú at the ‘El Tauro’ estate, after hunters filmed the act and shared images on social media.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/pergamino-authorities-investigate-poaching-of-and

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Cite as: Ñandú poaching investigation in Pergamino. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/and-poaching-investigation-in-pergamino