The Instituto de Preservação e Defesa de Felídeos da Fauna Silvestre do Brasil em Processo de Extinção (NEX) is a non-governmental organization that is caring for native Brazilian jaguars and pumas that were rescued from the wild and/or animal trafficking. They are running a sanctuary near Corumbá, located about 80 km from Brasilia and it is open for visitors on weekends.

PLEASE NOTE THAT TOURS MUST BE BOOKED IN ADVANCE.

NEX was founded in 2001 with the aim to create a safe sanctuary for jaguars and pumas that were injured in the wild and rescued from animal trafficking. As a non-governmental organization it relies solely on donations from the public and the generosity from the weekend visitors.

Now a visit to the refuge is not like you are visiting a zoo. It starts at 9:30 with a healthy breakfast, after that you will learn about the individual history of each jaguar and puma as well as a tour through the sanctuary. You will learn about the work involved in keeping these magnificent animals in a natural habitat as much as possible.

Lunch is served at a waterfall nearby and you can have a swim as well. In the afternoon you will be part of the feeding of the jaguars and pumas and all is capped off with afternoon coffee.

The fee for the day is R$300 per person (Children under 10 R$150) and includes all activities and meals. And all profits will be spent on the upkeep of the sanctuary and feeding the animals. So you will not only have a unforgettable day with these magnificent creatures, but you will also support this great organization so it can operate for years to come.