Wildlife Rescue Centre in Cerro Alux

Dear Friends and Supporters,

Thanks to your generosity and continued belief in our mission, we are excited to share significant progress in the development of ARCAS' new administrative headquarters and wildlife reception center in the Cerro Alux Reserve, located on the outskirts of Guatemala City.

Construction Progress: Turning a Vision into Reality

What began as an ambitious dream has now become a reality in progress. Today, the office facilities are completed, and we are in the final stages of preparing the veterinary clinic, wildlife reception area, and guardian's residence. If all goes according to plan, we hope to begin moving into the new facilities within the coming weeks and officially inaugurate the center by July or early August.

This project represents much more than a new building. Located within the Cerro Alux Protected Area, a vital cloud forest ecosystem that helps protect water resources for surrounding communities, the center will become an important hub for wildlife conservation, environmental education, research, and rescue efforts in central Guatemala. Its strategic location allows us to respond more efficiently to wildlife emergencies while contributing to the protection of one of the country's most important protected areas.

The Final Stretch

Although we are approximately 70% complete, important work still remains ahead. Construction of temporary holding cages and outdoor rehabilitation areas is currently underway, and these facilities are essential for the proper care and recovery of the animals we receive. We also need to equip and furnish the offices, veterinary clinic, and animal care areas before the center can operate at full capacity.

Some of the priority needs for this final phase include:

• Completion of temporary holding enclosures for newly admitted wildlife.
• Construction of outdoor rehabilitation areas where animals can regain strength and natural behaviors before release.
• Furnishing and equipping the veterinary clinic with examination and treatment equipment.
• Office furniture, storage systems, and equipment necessary for the daily management of rescue, conservation, and education programs.
• Improvements to access paths, security infrastructure, and support facilities that will allow the center to operate efficiently year-round.

Every step completed brings us closer to opening a fully functional wildlife rescue and rehabilitation center capable of serving hundreds of animals each year.

Why This Center Is Needed

The need for these facilities continues to grow. During the first five months of 2026 alone, ARCAS received 248 wild animals requiring care and protection. Among them were opossums, turtles, owls, parrots, and many other species affected by illegal wildlife trafficking, habitat loss, injuries, or human-wildlife conflict. Some animals have already been rehabilitated and released back into their natural habitats, while others remain under our care as legal proceedings related to wildlife trafficking cases continue in coordination with Guatemala's National Council of Protected Areas (CONAP) and law enforcement authorities. Additional animals will eventually be transferred to our specialized rescue centers in Petén and on Guatemala's Pacific Coast.

Every rescued animal reminds us why this project is so important. The new center will provide safer, more humane, and more appropriate facilities for wildlife while improving the working conditions of our staff, veterinarians, volunteers, and conservation professionals.

Thank You for Making This Possible

We are deeply grateful to the GlobalGiving community for helping us reach this point. Your support has allowed us to transform an abandoned property into a conservation center that will serve Guatemala's wildlife for many years to come.

As we enter this final phase of construction and preparation, we ask for your continued support. Every contribution helps us move closer to completing the rehabilitation enclosures, furnishing the veterinary facilities, and opening the doors of a center that will provide a second chance to hundreds of animals each year.

Together, we are building more than a rescue center—we are building hope for Guatemala's wildlife.

With sincere gratitude,

The ARCAS Team