February 2008 - Santiago, Chili.  The FCF approved a Conservation Grant request for $2,000. This funding has been awarded to Fauna Andina in Chile, South America to purchase caging and supplies to establish ex-situ conservation breeding of guiña for eventual reintroduction in the future.

Since basic ecology and biology aspects of this small feline are unknown, investigation in this field is one of the project goals. This effort could be the difference between extinction, or conservation of this endangered species in the next decade.

Fauna Andina is a wildlife rehabilatation center, a native endangered species breeding center, and also teaches conservation education. The facility offers rural schoolchildren and teachers a rare opportunity to learn about ecology of native species. 

Fauna Andina founder Fernando Vidal was sponsored by FCF members to attend the 2007 FCF Convention in Dallas.

Both injured and orphaned guiña have been sent to the facility for captive rearing. The facility has the necessary government licenses to embark on a captive breeding program.

With the international support of FCF funding, federation members are now stakeholders in this epic journey to go where no man has gone before.