Cecília’s journey is an inspiring story of how an orphaned giant anteater grew into a proud mother in Brazil’s Pantanal.
When Cecília was rescued in 2021, her future looked uncertain. Found beside her mother, who had tragically died in a traffic accident while fleeing forest fires, the tiny giant anteater was alone, scared, and in desperate need of care.
Thanks to our partnership with Brazil’s Institute Tamanduá through the Orphans of Fire Project, Cecília was given that second chance. For nearly two years, she received round-the-clock care—gaining strength, developing confidence, and learning the skills she would need to survive in the wild.
Back Where She Belongs
In early 2023, Cecília was fitted with a GPS tracking vest and released into the Pantanal. For two more years, the Institute Tamanduá team carefully monitored her movements, learning how she adapted and ensuring her safety.
By February 2025, Cecília no longer needed her vest as her caretakers agreed she had adapted to her wild home smoothly. For months, camera traps showed her exploring, foraging, and even interacting with other giant anteaters.
Then, in August 2025, after nearly two months without sightings, Cecília reappeared—and this time, she wasn’t alone.
A New Beginning
On August 27, 2025, Cecília was spotted with a tiny, almost hairless cub clinging to her back. Weighing less than 2 kilograms, the newborn marked a milestone not just for Cecília, but for everyone who has worked tirelessly to protect giant anteaters in the Southern Pantanal.
The cub will spend the next six months riding securely on Cecília’s back (like opossums do in the US!), learning survival skills from their mother. From where to forage to how to navigate the complex landscape of their habitat, Cecília will pass down knowledge that only a wild anteater can teach.
The cub’s sex isn’t yet known—but one thing is certain: they are living proof of Cecília’s resilience and the power of compassionate care.
Why This Matters
Cecília’s journey from orphan to mother highlights both the fragility and strength of wildlife in Brazil. Giant anteaters are slow-moving animals, often unable to escape the rapid spread of man-made fires. These fires—frequently set to clear land for industrial agriculture—have decimated populations, with giant anteaters now classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN.
Cecília’s story also shows what’s possible when we act. With the right care and protection, animals once on the brink can thrive—and even create new life in the wild.
Help Us Protect More Animals Like Cecília
Cecília and her newborn cub are just one example of the impact your support makes possible, but there are so many other animals still suffering from fires, habitat loss, and human activity—waiting for their own second chance.
You can make that happen. Donate today to help us rescue, rehabilitate, and release more animals like Cecília, so they too can live wild and free.