The Centro de Rescate Amazónico (CREA) is a non profit organization located in the city of Iquitos, the largest in the Peruvian Amazon.  Its primary mission is to conserve the biodiversity of the Amazonian biodiversity, which they are achieving through their wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, and release efforts, complemented by environmental education programs for the local community.

Prior to 2007, there was no institution in Peru specifically dedicated to the conservation of the Amazonian manatee. Consequently, all rescued manatees faced mortality due to a lack of knowledge about their proper care. However, in that pivotal year, experts from the Dallas World Aquarium Zoo provided training to local biologists in Iquitos, leading to the establishment of the Centro de Rescate Amazónico. Over the course of 15 years, this collaborative effort has broadened.  Now, CREA cares for a wide variety of native species, including manatees, sloths, turtles, pink dolphins, and more. Notably, they have effectively eradicated manatee trafficking in Iquitos over the past five years and have played a role in influencing wildlife-friendly legislation.

Educational initiatives have been implemented both in urban areas and remote indigenous communities. These programs work to educate the local population about the importance of wildlife and encourage sustainable forest practices.

The Amazon draws thousands of visitors annually, each seeking wildlife encounters and adventure. CREA uses this opportunity to raise awareness about species and ecosystem loss. Through the captivating stories of manatees, they inspire visitors to become advocates for conservation, effectively turning them into ambassadors for the cause.