The facility was founded in 1997 by Jorge Anfuso and Silvia Elsegood, both wildlife experts.
The name 'Güirá Oga' originates from the Mbyá-Guaraní language, translating to 'Bird House'.
Many rescued animals arrive at the center having suffered injuries from vehicle collisions on nearby highways.
The center operates a specialized breeding program for the Harpy Eagle, one of the most powerful raptors in the world.
It is one of the few centers in the region equipped to perform complex surgical procedures on injured jungle wildlife.
Some residents are permanent because they have imprinted on humans or suffered injuries too severe for survival in the wild.
The site is integrated into the Yacutinga Private Reserve, which helps maintain a continuous biological corridor.
Guided tours are mandatory to minimize stress for the animals and ensure visitor safety in the dense jungle environment.
Güirá Oga, meaning 'House of Birds' in Guaraní, functions as a rehabilitation and breeding center for wildlife displaced by habitat loss in the Atlantic Rainforest. Unlike traditional zoos, the facility prioritizes the recovery and eventual release of injured or trafficked animals into the wild. The property occupies 19 hectares of protected jungle situated within the Yacutinga reserve area. Visitors explore the site via guided tours that traverse natural trails through the sub-tropical forest canopy. The center hosts a wide array of rescued native species, including toucans, monkeys, eagles, and endangered jaguars. Educational efforts focus on the biological importance of the Paranaense forest ecosystem. The facility acts as a critical refuge for animals that cannot be immediately returned to their original habitats due to physical impairments. Management is conducted by a non-profit foundation dedicated to environmental conservation in Misiones, Argentina.
The raised wooden walkways that offer elevated perspectives of the forest canopy and aviaries.
Wear long-sleeved shirts and long trousers to protect against mosquitoes and ticks.
Apply high-quality insect repellent before entering the trail systems.
Carry a bottle of water, as the jungle heat and humidity can be intense during midday.
Do not attempt to touch or feed the animals, as they are being rehabilitated for potential release.
Open daily, including holidays, unless severe weather conditions pose a safety risk to visitors.
Maintain silence during tours, use quiet voices, and refrain from using camera flashes near animal enclosures.
