It is estimated that 38 million wild animals are illegally taken from the wild every year. Faced with such a sad figure, in São Paulo we have an initiative that seeks to change this scenario: the Refúgio das Aves, which takes in and recovers animals that have been victims of trafficking.
With a team of biologists, veterinarians and other specialists, the space seeks to rehabilitate the animals for life in the wild. In other words, after a period of careful care, they are “ discharged” and returned to the wild, where they have a new chance to be free in their natural habitat.
Incredible, isn’t it? The coolest thing is that the Refúgio das Aves is open to the public, and better still: less than 2 hours from São Paulo. Check out everything we know about the visit below!
Visit the Bird Refuge!
The Refúgio das Aves is located in Parque Três Pescadores, in Aparecida, about 155 km from the capital. Inaugurated in mid-2024, it occupies an area of almost 30,000 m² and, despite being recent, has quickly become one of the city’s most important attractions.
The space receives specimens rescued by environmental authorities and victims of animal trafficking. It currently houses around 250 animals, mostly birds, such as macaws from the Atlantic Forest, which are at risk of extinction. But also iguanas, jabutis, peixeis and cotias, which find a new temporary home there until they return to the wild.
When you visit the Refúgio das Aves, you can take a closer look at the animals’ rehabilitation work, as well as take part in guided tours and learn more about them from the local team.
How to visit?
The Três Pescadores Park is located at Porto Itaguaçu, s/n, in the São Geraldo neighborhood (Aparecida/SP). The park is open Monday to Thursday from 9am to 5pm, Friday and Saturday from 8am to 5.30pm and Sunday from 8am to 4.30pm. Admission to the park, which gives access to the Refúgio das Aves, starts at R$9. More information on the park’s official website.