We help support community health by minimizing the risk of zoonotic disease transmission between domestic animals and wildlife. One of the ways we do this is by offering free veterinary clinics in partnership with students from local veterinary schools. We also work closely with veterinary colleges in Colombia to offer students valuable field experience as part of their training. By participating in our community-based veterinary clinics, these future veterinarians gain hands-on skills while supporting conservation efforts. Each year, we provide free veterinary care to pets and working animals in communities near cotton-top tamarin habitats. These services reduce the risk of disease transmission between domestic animals and wildlife, helping ensure the health of both people and cotton-top tamarins.
We also host spay and neuter clinics to help manage the population of domestic animals—especially dogs—in these areas. By reducing the number of free-roaming dogs, we further minimize the potential for disease spread and lessen the impact of domestic animals on wildlife. This program is an important way for us to engage with local communities. People deeply appreciate the opportunity to have their animals—many of which are essential to their livelihoods—examined and treated. Given their limited access to veterinary services, it is unlikely these pets and working animals would receive this level of care otherwise. In addition to improving animal welfare, the clinics help build trust and reinforce the vital connection between animal health, human wellbeing, and environmental stewardship.