Tania Baltazar founded Comunidad Inti Wara Yassi (CIWY) 34 years ago after rescuing a spider monkey held in captivity in Rurrenabaque. The organisation has evolved from intuitive care towards scientific protocols and currently operates two sanctuaries: Ambue Ari in Santa Cruz, specialised in large felids, and Jacj Cuisi in La Paz, dedicated mainly to primates. The first sanctuary in Parque Machía closed in 2025 due to lack of municipal agreements and urban expansion.
The two current sanctuaries are home to 600 wild animals, with 66 per cent coming from forest fires, 12 per cent from illegal trafficking, 13 per cent from other rescues, 7 per cent sent from other care centres and 2 per cent from hunting. Bolivia has lost approximately 14 million hectares in recent years to fires and deforestation, according to Baltazar, which has reduced jaguar habitat and increased hunting for commercial interest.
In 2024, CIWY rescued Yaguara, a jaguar fleeing from fires that was captured on a cattle ranch. The veterinary team assessed its condition and worked with authorities to authorise rehabilitation with a view to its release, an unprecedented process in Bolivia. They formed a technical-scientific committee and consulted with organisations such as Yaguareté Network of Argentina and Onçafari of Brazil on release protocols.
On 5 June, Yaguara was released in Noel Kempff Mercado National Park, becoming the first large felid in the country's history to recover its freedom. The animal is being monitored via a satellite collar. CIWY carried out this reintegration with support from Quebracho firefighters, the National Service of Protected Areas (SERNAP) and the Management of Noel Kempff Mercado National Park.
