Rescued Osprey Released Back Into the Wild in Cancun

Cancun, Quintana Roo — A juvenile osprey that was rescued after being found injured in a residential area was released back into the wild on Wednesday, officials said.

Mayor Ana Paty Peralta led the release at Puerto Juarez beach, highlighting the coordinated effort between municipal ecology officials, wildlife specialists, and federal authorities.

The bird was discovered on May 9 immobilized on a balcony of an apartment building in the Puerto Cancun development after a citizen called 911. Municipal personnel responded alongside the Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (PROFEPA) to secure the animal.

The osprey was transferred to the nonprofit Fauna Digna A.C., where veterinarians determined it was a juvenile that lost stability during flight due to strong winds and the natural process of molting, sustaining injuries to both wings.

After medical rehabilitation and constant monitoring, the bird fully recovered and was deemed fit to return to its natural habitat.

“We are releasing a bird that, thanks to a citizen report and the coordinated work of the Ecology team and specialists, can now return to its natural habitat,” Peralta said as the osprey took flight toward the Caribbean coast.

Fernando Haro Salinas, director of Ecology, said the municipality continues to respond to wildlife reports across Cancun, particularly in areas where species like the osprey play a key role in the coastal ecosystem.