In Argentina, this important predator of the aquatic environment became extinct, probably due to a combination of factors such as habitat modification, pollution or poaching. Zoo Madrid has therefore joined forces with the Rewilding Argentina foundation, which works to reverse the extinction of species and recover ecosystems, in its impressive project in the Gran Parque Iberá, in Corrientes (Argentina), supported by the National Geographic Society.

Nima, one of the five giant otters born in 2020 at the Zoo, travelled to Iberá in January to join the male Coco in a pre-release corral inside the National Park, where she will learn to fish. If she reproduces successfully, the pair will be released with their litter in the great wetlands of Corrientes. All this with the aim of recovering this extinct species in the Andean country.

Rewilding Argentina is a foundation committed to the recovery of extinct or depleted species in different areas of the South American country. Its aim is to recover complete and functional ecosystems and promote the development of restorative economies for the benefit of wildlife and local communities. Founded in 2010 by Argentine conservationists and heir to the legacy of Tompkins Conservation, it collaborates with various entities and organisations to achieve its mission.

Its work involves the recovery of emblematic species such as the jaguar, ocelot, collared peccary, guanaco, giant anteater, giant otter and huemul, among others.

Some of its most outstanding figures are: