Hoja Nueva

Hoja Nueva is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN: 47-4323459) working at the forefront of wildlife conservation, research, and community development in the Peruvian Amazon. Our mission is to protect, rehabilitate, and rewild endangered species while fostering sustainable living and education in local communities. We believe that true conservation must go hand-in-hand with community empowerment, scientific research, and education to ensure long-term protection of the Amazon’s ecosystems.

At the heart of our work is the rescue and rewilding of iconic and threatened species—including jaguars, margays, pumas, jaguarundis, and tapirs—many of which suffer due to habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, or illegal wildlife trade. Our state-of-the-art rescue and rehabilitation center provides expert medical care and pre-release conditioning to give these animals a second chance in the wild. With a 97% release success rate, our innovative rewilding techniques and long-term monitoring are helping restore the balance of nature in the Amazon rainforest.

Our Sumamos Project enhances animal welfare nationwide by promoting ethical practices in zoos and rescue centers. Through capacity-building, on-site training, and technical support, Sumamos elevates care standards and opens new possibilities for the recovery and eventual reintroduction of wild animals.

Research is a key pillar of our work. Hoja Nueva manages one of the largest camera trap networks in the Amazon, producing extensive data on mammal populations, activity patterns, and the impacts of human activity. Our findings have been published in peer-reviewed journals such as Biotropica, advancing global knowledge of tropical biodiversity. Beyond mammals, our WildGenes Project explores microbial diversity through non-invasive soil and fecal sampling. In collaboration with international partners like Cambridge University, this research contributes to a deeper understanding of the Amazon’s unseen ecological networks.

Hoja Nueva is also a leader in community-based conservation. Our One Health approach connects wildlife protection with human and environmental health. We work with rural villages like Puerto Lucerna to implement sustainable agriculture, waste management systems, and access to clean water—improving both community well-being and ecological health. Our dog and cat rescue program, which includes spay/neuter campaigns and veterinary services, helps reduce disease transmission and human-wildlife conflict, while improving the lives of animals and people alike.

Education is central to everything we do. We lead monthly workshops and conservation events for local students, teaching wildlife protection, environmental stewardship, and sustainability. Our international internship and research programs bring students and scientists from around the world to the Amazon for hands-on experience in wildlife care and conservation. Our six-month Wildlife Rehabilitation Course offers in-depth training in animal handling, clinical care, and reintroduction strategies for those pursuing careers in wildlife conservation.

Through our integrated programs in rescue, research, and community engagement, Hoja Nueva is creating a future where people and wildlife coexist in harmony, and the Peruvian Amazon thrives for generations to come.