Photo Credit: Selva Teenek
Partner Organisation: Selva Teenek
Location: Mexico
Selva Teenek is a non‑profit rescue and rewilding organization based in Ciudad Valles, San Luis Potosí, Mexico. As the first dedicated wildlife rescue center in the Huasteca region, it operates under government authorization, focusing on native Mexican species ranging from xenarthras (like Armadillos and Tamanduas) to felines (Jaguars, Pumas, Ocelots), mustelids, cervids, procyonids, and birds.
Their mission: rescue, rehabilitate, and—for releasable animals—return wildlife to the wild, while caring permanently for those that cannot be released.
Photo Credit: Selva Teenek
Innovative Rehabilitation & Education Programs
At the heart of Selva Teenek’s model is a blend of rescue, veterinary care, and community engagement. They’ve built a permanent Tamandua mexicana rescue and breeding center—the first of its kind in Mexico—successfully saving numerous orphaned anteaters. They also host an annual 4‑day wildlife rescue and rehabilitation course vetted by CONCERVET, training local veterinarians and wildlife responders in darting, restraining, nutrition, and clinical examination—emphasizing knowledge transfer and skill-building across the region.
Photo Credit: Selva Teenek
Growing Rewilding Successes
In recent years, Selva Teenek has recorded a strong “alta tasa de éxito en la crianza artificial de fauna silvestre” (high success rate in artificial rearing). For example, in 2025 they’ve rehabilitated and released multiple ocelots previously caught in illegal pet trade. Their educational outreach—school visits, local ejido presentations—has reinforced community support for wildlife protection, nurturing a culture of environmental restoration across the Huasteca.
Photo Credits: Selva Teenek
Ethical Wildlife Visits & Sanctuary Care
Although Selva Teenek offers visitor programs, they are strictly guided and designed to minimize stress: no direct contact with animals and no petting. Tours prioritize distance while providing rich interpretive education on animal behavior and regional ecosystems. This ethical approach ensures animal welfare remains paramount, while still fostering public awareness and engagement.
Photo credits: Selva Teenek
Partnership & Community Vision
Supported by strategic allies and validated by CAF América, Selva Teenek actively collaborates with PROFEPA, veterinary schools, regional NGOs, and local governments. Their multi-pronged strategy combines rescue, rehabilitation, release, and education to regenerate ecological balance and safeguard biodiversity. With a “vision de garantizar la continuidad de los bienes y servicios ambientales” (ensuring continuity of ecosystem services) in the Huasteca, and their science-based approach to wildlife rescue and rewilding, Selva Teenek is transforming conservation in the Huasteca Potosina.
Their blend of advanced rehabilitation techniques, community education, and ethical wildlife tourism not only saves individual animals but fosters long-term ecological restoration and human respect for their animal kin. As our newest Alliance Partner, we are delighted to welcome Selva Teenek to the Alliance!
Explore more of their work: Selva Teenek’s Website
Follow them on socials: Selva Teenek is on Instagram