The most important center in Italy that collects and cares for abandoned animals

It is located in Maremma, and celebrated its 30th anniversary by reaching the milestone of twenty thousand animals saved.

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recovery center
Marco Aloisi, born in 1961 in Castel del Piano (Grosseto), is one of the most well-known veterinarians in Italy for his work in welcoming animals in difficulty: injured wild animals, seized by the authorities or coming from unsuitable detention situations. In 1996, with the collaboration of the WWF and the province of Grosseto, Aloisi managed to create, in the heart of the Tuscan Maremma, the  CRASE (Wild and Exotic Animal Recovery Center) of Semproniano.
The Center, one of the very few in Italy with this function, is located near the Argentario coast and covers an area of ​​23 hectares. Over 20 years, the Center has welcomed more than 15 animals, releasing approximately 60-70% of them into the wild. The facility currently cares for approximately 1.000 animals, including exotic species (such as big cats, llamas, wolves, zebras, Brazilian parrots, crocodiles, tropical snakes, monkeys) and wild animals (such as wolves, wolf-dog hybrids, porcupines, birds of prey, and more). It is also open to the public to raise awareness about animal care.

The presence of hills, vegetation, and low population density reduces noise, stress, and disturbances, important aspects for animals that often arrive after traumatic experiences such as kidnappings, illegal trafficking, or poor detention conditions.

Among the exotic animals that have arrived at the centre, on several occasions, there have been: lions, tigers and other large cats, often coming from:

  • seizures related to illegal detention;
  • circuses or traveling shows;
  • private individuals who were no longer able to guarantee their well-being;
  • situations of abuse or abandonment.

The reception and treatment process at the Center generally includes these phases:

  1. Welcome and initial assessment
    • When an animal arrives it is assessed by specialized personnel and veterinarians.
    • Physical condition, injuries, illnesses, nutritional status and stress levels are checked.
  2. Veterinary care
    • Animals can receive therapies, medications, surgeries and health checks.
    • For specimens from seizures or abuse, the primary goal is often to regain weight, health, and trust in humans.
  3. Rehabilitation in suitable environments
    • They are placed in spaces designed according to their needs: large enclosures, green areas, aviaries or protected structures.
    • We try to respect the natural behaviors of the species as much as possible: movement, isolation or sociability, environmental enrichment and proper nutrition.
  4. Decision on the animal's future
    • If it is an Italian wild animal and recovers the necessary skills, it can be released.
    • If, however, it is an exotic animal or can no longer survive independently (for example because it was born in captivity or has suffered permanent damage), it can remain a long-term guest at the center.
  5. Daily care
    • The operators take care of feeding, cleaning the spaces, observing behavior and carrying out health checks every day.
    • For complex animals such as big cats, primates or reptiles, specific management methods are adopted to reduce stress and risks.

Cover photo taken from the website www.wwf.it

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