Meet two tapirs who have been rescued from fires in the Pantanal.
The Pantanal, the world’s largest tropical wetland, is facing an ever-growing threat—wildfires due to the worsening climate crises. These blazes not only devastate native vegetation but also force countless animals into dangerous and unfamiliar territories, often leading them into urban areas and onto busy highways (an example of this from the January wildfires in Los Angeles was captured on video).
Among the many victims of the Pantanal fires were two tapirs: Melancia and Valente.
Both tapirs were found with severe burns, a tragic reminder of the destruction left behind by the fires. Rescuing them was just the beginning of a long and arduous journey toward recovery. Thanks to the dedication of the team at Onçafari and the support of World Animal Protection’s Brazil office, they are receiving cutting-edge treatment, including an innovative therapy to help heal their burns.
Image credit: Fernando Faciole
Valente, whose name means “brave” in Portuguese, has certainly lived up to his name. His recovery has been nothing short of remarkable, and he is now nearly ready to return to his natural habitat. Soon, he will be able to roam free again, a symbol of resilience and hope.
Image credit: Onçafari
Melancia, on the other hand, still has a longer road to travel. While her physical wounds are healing, she needs more time to regain strength and relearn essential survival behaviors before she can be safely released. Her journey reminds us that true recovery extends beyond the physical—it requires patience, care, and a deep understanding of what it means to be wild.
Rick Arrais, Lead Veterinarian at Onçafari, has been instrumental in their care. His words offer an intimate glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of rehabilitating wildlife in a region under siege from fires:
“I have never seen fires so fast and so strong – it was a very scary, stressful situation – nothing could hold back the flames… Valente’s need for care was so great he immediately accepted our presence. We could see he was in great pain and really dehydrated.
“As soon as we released [Melanica], we could see she was starting to behave like a wild tapir. Her behavior seemed to be saying, ‘I’m in my place. I’m at home again’. But normally she would be with her mother for at least a year and half, so she needs to learn to survive in the wild on her own.”
Melancia and Valente’s story is a testament to why our work—and your support—matters. Each successful rescue and rehabilitation effort is a victory, but the ultimate goal is to prevent these tragedies from happening in the first place. Through advocacy, conservation efforts, and pushing for stronger protections for the Pantanal, we can help ensure that fewer animals suffer in the wake of environmental disasters.
Here in the United States, World Animal Protection recently partnered with several organizations working to help animals impacted by the Los Angeles wildfires by providing critical medical care, rehabilitation, and—in the case of companion animals—being reunited with their families.
Pasadena Humane, Best Friends, San Diego Humane Society, Bunny World Foundation, and Wetlands and Wildlife Care Center, five organizations receiving critical funding from our Disaster Response Fund, have collectively helped thousands of animals, including wild animals, in Los Angeles and the surrounding areas.
To support our work around the world including helping animals during climate disasters, please make a donation today.