In a major conservation milestone, Santa Sofia Reserve, a Wildlife Reintroduction Centre in the southern Pantanal, has successfully reintroduced a dozen toco toucans into the wild. Run by Onçafari, this Brazilian centre specializes in rehabilitating native species and restoring critical habitats.
These striking birds, known for their vivid orange bills and expressive blue-ringed eyes, spent 11 months in rehabilitation before gaining their freedom.
The Journey to Freedom
The young toucans arrived at Santa Sofia in February 2024, after being rescued by local communities or seized from wildlife traffickers.
With expert care, they regained their health, honed their flying skills, and adapted to natural conditions. During the soft release phase, they could come and go freely, with access to supplementary feeding platforms—an essential step in ensuring their successful reintegration into the wild.
This rewilding effort took nearly a year and involved multiple conservation partners, demonstrating the power of collaboration in restoring Brazil’s wildlife.
The Threats Facing Toco Toucans
Toco toucans (Ramphastos toco) may be classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, but they still face significant threats.
Native to South America, these birds inhabit the Amazon, the Pantanal, and parts of the Cerrado. However, deforestation and habitat loss continue to shrink their natural range. Their striking appearance also makes them a prime target for the illegal wildlife trade, where they are captured and sold as exotic pets.
As vital seed dispersers, toucans contribute to the health of tropical forests, making their protection essential for maintaining biodiversity.
Santa Sofia Reserve: A Haven for Brazilian Wildlife
Established in 2021, Santa Sofia Reserve serves as a dedicated rewilding centre in the southern Pantanal, specializing in the rehabilitation and release of native Brazilian species. The facility features four enclosures, each designed to accommodate different species and their specific rehabilitation needs. By restoring biodiversity, the reserve plays a crucial role in conserving Brazil’s wildlife.
Our Partnership with Onçafari and Rewilding
Onçafari’s rewilding work goes beyond toucans—it also focuses on jaguars, pumas, maned wolves, and various other native species, helping them regain the skills they need to thrive in the wild. In 2021, we supported the rehabilitation of Nala the puma, one of many species that has benefited from Onçafari’s conservation efforts.
Images: Onçafari, Leonardo Sartorello
