Samara is a stunning female ocelot who arrived at RAREC in February 2023 when she was around four months old. She was rescued from the Belén market in Iquitos, where she was being sold illegally. A local resident purchased her to save her life. Initially, we received a call from the Environmental Authorities reporting that they had a baby jaguar. However, upon arrival, we identified her as an ocelot.

Samara is full of personality. She loves engaging with her caregivers and may try to swat at you through the fence without using her claws. If stressed, she occasionally bites her flank or tail.

To help her prepare for the next stage of her rehabilitation and eventual release, she will soon be moved to a larger, more spacious pre-release enclosure. This environment will give her more room to develop essential skills and adapt to a more natural setting.