After two years in captivity, Lumbaqui, an Andean bear, returned to its natural habitat in the Cayambe-Coca National Park

From the Ilitío Rescue Center, located in the province of Cotopaxi towards the Cayambe-Coca National Park, a juvenile Andean bear was released (Tremarctos ornatus) 2 years and 7 months to their natural habitat.

This activity had the support of Fundación Cóndor Andino, Guayllabamba Zoo, members of the Environmental Police Unit and as a witness of honor the Ministry of the Environment, Water and Ecological Transition.

Ecuador: two decades of liberation of the Andean bear

The wildlife specimen was named Lumbaqui, after the area where it was found when it was a three-month-old bear cub, in the province of Sucumbíos. The Andean bear was separated from its mother by peasants from the sector, however, technical personnel from this State portfolio together with the Environmental Police Unit rescued the bear and transferred it to the Ilitío Center.

For two years, Lumbaqui remained under strict technical wildlife management protocols and they have successfully prepared him for the return to his respective home. In addition, this specimen received continuous veterinary medical monitoring by specialists in wildlife, which included laboratory tests that guaranteed its good health and underwent corrective surgery for a congenital defect.

“Each release we are a part of represents one more achievement for conservation. We are aware that with these actions our natural heritage is once again keeping its harmony and balance. We are very happy with this event that inspires us to continue working together with private companies to collaborate with the efforts made by the rescue centers with donations or support in their needs, likewise, we call on citizens to respect life wild and understand their freedom,” said José Dávalos, Vice Minister of the Environment.

An Andean bear needs between 5,000 and 30,000 hectares to live in the páramo

For his part, Sebastián Kohn, president and researcher of the Fundación Cóndor Andino, pointed out that the work they carry out for the conservation of representative species of the country is of great importance: “We fight for good management of wildlife, and in the case We are proud to have carried out this liberation, after a significant effort and funding. We want to continue working together to be able to achieve peace of mind and safety in the environment”.

In the recovery and adaptation season, the bear demonstrated high intelligence and highly developed innate abilities captured on video by the center’s monitoring system. Now, being in good health, the specialists considered that Lumbaqui developed skills and behaviors necessary to survive in the natural environment as an ideal candidate for his return to freedom in the wild. (YO)