What We Do

1.

Our rewilding efforts are focused on the rescue, rehabilitation, and reintroduction of keystone species of wildlife in the Peruvian Amazon. We specialize in species that are most common in the illegal trade, have no other centers specialized in their rehabilitation, and are of high importance to local ecosystems.

2.

We specialize in population dynamics, statistical ecology, reproductive ecology, and dietary ecology, primarily in mammals and herpetofauna. All of our studies are designed to increase empirical understanding of wildlife and their habitats and create novel information useful to applied conservation strategies both locally and across the Amazon.

3.

Our applied conservation efforts are designed to directly protect vulnerable primary ecosystems, preserve and regenerate the surrounding matrix habitat, and create sustainable systems for conservation involving both regional government and local stakeholders.

Accomplishments

Carnivore ReWilding

Became the first and only wildlife rescue and rehabilitation center in Peru to specialize in carnivores – specifically felids and other mesopredators

Cutting-Edge Conservation

A leading nonprofit at the national level, Hoja works alongside local and federal governments to rescue wildlife, prevent trafficking, and improve wildlife welfare across Peru

Direct Ecosystem Protection

Acquired and actively protect over 3000 hectares of proprietary lands, part of a 30,000 hectare conservation corridor of protected primary rainforest

Sustainable, Purpose-built Infrastructure

Designed & built a research station and wildlife rehab center - both embedded in remote primary rainforest powered by renewable energy & innovative sustainability systems

In-Depth Ecology

Created the single largest database of Amazonian mammals in the world using extensive camera trap grids

Educating & Empowering

Assisted dozens of local and international students in their studies and to gain practical conservation experience, supporting the next generation of conservationists

Grassroots Impact

Created dozens of local jobs, stimulating a conservation-based economy

Monitoring Anthropogenic Impact

Published some of the first works about felid population dynamics in Peru and human impacts on rainforest mammals

Making Reintroduction History

Accomplished the first ever reintroductions of ocelot (2019) and margay (2021)

WE won an emmy

Hoja Nueva is at the heart of Amazon Studios’ ‘Wildcat’ which just took home an Emmy for Outstanding Nature Documentary. We couldn’t be more thrilled for the entire Wildcat team, and we are hopeful that this win brings more support to our cause.

Support our mission

Help us rescue and rehabilitate wild cats

Direct donations are the best way to ensure that we can continue with our important work. Check out the “support our work” page for other ways to help our cause, and other methods to donate!

Habitat & Species Preservation

We work alongside local partners and stakeholders to protect a corridor of 30,000 hectares in Las Piedras, Peru – 2,680 of which are owned by hoja nueva. Although we’ve helped rescue >500 animals across the country, 272 have entered the Khan ReWilding Center, 198 of which have been successfully released.

Acres Protected

Animals Rescued

Animals Released

The Team

Diverse Expertise

Samantha Zwicker

Founder, CoDirector - Ecologist

Dylan Singer

Co-Director - Biologist

Jared Guevara

Rescue Center Manager

Jared Guevara

Rescue Center Manager

Eva Chomba

Lead Veterinarian

Kelly Mariela Mucha

Wildlife Rehabilitation Specialist

Onesimo Jumanga

Operations Technician

See more of the team

News and Events

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