Pilpintuwasi butterfly can and wildlife rescue center, Butterfly sanctuary and wildlife rescue center in Padre Cocha near Iquitos, Peru.
Pilpintuwasi is a sanctuary and wildlife rescue center located near Iquitos in the Amazon rainforest, occupying several hectares of protected land. The facility displays multiple butterfly species in natural settings while also housing injured and confiscated animals undergoing rehabilitation.
The center was established in 1995 as a butterfly research site and gradually transformed into a wildlife rescue operation. As injured and abandoned animals were brought by local residents, the facility expanded its mission to provide rehabilitation and care for forest species.
The name comes from the Quechua language, combining "Pilpintu" (butterfly) and "wasi" (home), reflecting the region's indigenous roots. Local guides share stories about the relationship between the forest communities and the wildlife, showing how the center connects people to their natural surroundings.
Visitors reach the center by boat from Bellavista Nanay port in Iquitos, with the journey taking roughly 20 minutes. Guided tours are offered daily except Mondays, allowing visitors to explore the grounds with knowledgeable staff who explain the animals and conservation work.
Beyond butterfly displays, the center rescues and rehabilitates large predators like jaguars and ocelots that cannot be returned to the wild. This blend of insect conservation with big animal rescue creates an unusual approach to forest protection that few visitors expect.
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