Over the past month, four veterinary students from the University of Copenhagen treated and cared for livestock in the Paso del Istmo Biological Corridor. The students worked closely with Nicaraguan veterinarian Marcos Calero to treat more than 130 horses, cows and dogs in more than fourteen different communities. Notable cases include a mule with a severe leg wound that is now on the road to recovery and a dog severely maimed by a machete that will be transported to Canada for advanced surgeries. It was an experience that one student said, “I will carry with me for the rest of my life.”   

Their visit is part of our jaguar conservation program to provide support to ranchers and community members whose livestock was affected by jaguar attacks in 2014. By working with ranchers to improve the health and management of their livestock we hope to reduce the risk of future attacks by large carnivores. The program also aims to increase awareness about the humane treatment and care of animals and to teach ranchers about affordable options for such care. Because disease can spread from domestic animals to wildlife and human populations, it is important to maintain the health of domestic animals.

We are grateful for the generous support of the Henry and Iris Englund Foundation, who helped support these four volunteers. This Danish foundation, together with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, Los Angeles Zoo, and the Woodland Park Zoo, make our jaguar program possible.