Our History:

FreeWildlifeBrazil Celine is an non-profit organisation which was founded by the couple Martine Schmid-Fiorini and Pedro Schmid, both Swiss veterinarians, who worried about the fate of the wild animals coming from the illegal traffic and seized by local authorities. In an improvised installation at their residence in Iporanga, they began to care for wild animals, enabling their return to nature. Their activities attracted attention and gained recognition in the region by the local population, as well as by environmental authorities. Thus, familiar with the necessary care and the requirements for the release of wild animals, they founded FreeWildlife Brazil Celine in the Atlantic Forest.

Our Mission:

- Protect the Atlantic Forest, an important biome that houses many endemic and endangered species.

- To release wild animals in their natural environment, using appropriate technologies to rehabilitate and monitor the species, seeking the protection of faunistic communities.

- Offer the chance of freedom from illegally captured animals.

- Combat the hunting, trafficking and illegal capture of wild animals.

- Promote a more sustainable relationship between the local community and the environment in which they live.

Our Values:

Admiration - For the exuberance of the Atlantic Forest and its biodiversity.

Compassion - With living things and wildlife. We believe in respect for animals and their habitat.

Protection - Willingness to help protect the great heritage of biodiversity.

The Atlantic Forest:

The Atlantic Forest stretches from the northeastern to the southern regions of Brazil and northern Argentina and southeastern Paraguay. Five hundred years ago, the Atlantic Forest of Brazil covered approximately 330 million acres, but today only 7% remains. In the Ribeira Valley, our region of the Atlantic Forest, we are at the footsteps of 21% of the 7% that is left, it being largest contiguous section of the Atlantic Forest. Despite the forests diminished state it still ranks as a global conservation priority. Although it is now just a small fraction of the size of the Amazon rainforest, the Atlantic Forest still harbors a range of biological diversity similar to that of the Amazon. The Atlantic Forest harbors around 2,200 species of birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians – 5% of the vertebrates on Earth. This includes nearly 200 bird species found nowhere else. The Betary Reserve is located next to one of the most famous Brazilian State Parks named PETAR. The region is called the Cave Capital as it known for containing over 300 spectacular caves, some which are accessible to tourists. 

What We Do:

FreeWildlife Brazil Celine will primarily focus on the release of native birds and will monitor their progress after reintroduction. The Release Center, with a management area of 4 hectares, is situated in the municipality of Iporanga on the Betary Reserve. We have partnered with IPBio (Biodiversity Research Institute), an NGO that also works on the Betary Reserve with whom we cooperate closely, to develop a joint volunteer program. Check the volunteer package at http://ipbio.org.br/wp-content/uploads/Volunteer-Package-IPBio-Celine-13FINAL.pdf

Why FreeWildlife Brazil Celine?

• Enjoy the stunning natural wonders of the Atlantic Forest.
  
• Contribute to efforts aimed at preserving the Atlantic Forest, one of the world’s top biodiversity hotspots!
  
• Help us raise awareness of the illegal activities facing wildlife in Brazil, including hunting and trafficking.
  
• Acquire experience in wildlife conservation.
• Gain a broader knowledge of ecology, zoology and biology.
• Enjoy a range of fun activities, from dolphin watching to cave exploration, together with other volunteers.
• Meet volunteers from other parts of the world and make lifelong friends.