Dominican Republic accepts transfer of illegal exotic species

By THE STAR STAFF

The Dominican Republic’s National Zoological Park has requested the transfer of exotic species that are illegal in Puerto Rico, such as garter snakes, rhesus monkeys and caimans, to its facility.

Natural and Environmental Resources (DNER) Secretary Waldemar Quiles Pérez and Lt. Ángel Atienza, director of the Puerto Rico Center for the Rehabilitation of Native Species and Management of Exotic Species, made the announcement Monday.

“On October 6, Nayib Aude, the general director of the Dominican Republic’s National Zoological Park, formally contacted us to request the transfer of several exotic species that are currently housed at the Center for the Rehabilitation of Native Species and Management of Exotic Species in Cambalache, Arecibo,” Quiles said. “This is excellent news as it provides these animals with an opportunity for a better life.”

Since taking over the department, Quiles has prioritized finding facilities and institutions capable of providing permanent homes for the illegal exotic species captured daily in Puerto Rico.

“We have always sought a proper location for these illegal exotic species to give them a second chance at life, and this transfer makes our work easier,” Atienza stated. “I thank the DNER for its ongoing efforts to identify options for the disposition of these species. We continue to look for places to send these animals every day; that is our commitment.”

In his letter, Aude emphasized that the purpose of the transfer is to “enrich our park’s biological collections for educational and conservation purposes, thereby contributing to the enhancement of our environmental education, research, and animal welfare programs.”

The National Zoological Park of the Dominican Republic is located in the capital, Santo Domingo, and is an active member of the Latin American Association of Zoological Parks and Aquariums.

Currently, the Puerto Rico Native Species Rehabilitation and Exotic Species Management Center houses some 35 snakes, 14 rhesus monkeys, seven caimans, and numerous birds.

The facilities housing the Center suffered significant damage during Hurricane Maria. Rehabilitation work began in August 2024, following guidelines from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).