In a remote area near Iquitos, Peru, a group of dedicated volunteers and local biologists are helping to inspire awareness for one of the Amazon River's most charismatic species - the Amazonian manatee (Trichechus inunguis).  With funding by The Dallas World Aquarium (DWA), this project has become one of most exciting in-situ programs in South America focusing on conservation of manatee as well. The Amazon Rescue Center not only rescues and rehabilitates orphaned (The young calves had been orphaned after the mothers were killed for their meat by local tribesmen are feeded by powdered milk and cared by medical supplies, they arrive to the center in a bad condition of health and after the rehabilitation they are liberated), it also has an outstanding environmental education program that is the core of the conservation project.  Since its inception, more than 40,000 students from local schools, organizations and civic groups have learned about the importance of the conservation of Amazonian manatees and their environment.  Students are given the opportunity to visit the center and observe the manatees first-hand. Although classrooms may be somewhat rustic, the eagerness to learn and the excitement of the children make up for what may be lacking in the physical conditions of the building. The rehabilitation center is gaining popularity both as an eco-tourist attraction and as a learning center where visitors can participate in conservation-in-action, helping to save endangered Amazonian manatees.  Local hotels and restaurants have begun to support the project as well and promote the facility as a unique destination for visitors to Iquitos.

Video interviews (in spanish) available