TESORE DOCUMENTARY
Richard Tesore
Guardian OF THe Sea creatures
Richard Tesore built an animal shelter with his own hands and scarce means on land that was granted to him on concession by the local government. His organization, “SOS Rescate Eco-Marino”, survives through the generosity of those who support his cause, and the passion that has driven him to rescue animals for over 30 years.
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Without any formal veterinary training, Tesore has saved the lives of over 15,000 animals and knows exactly how to help the creatures he rescues. He communicates with the animals through loud noises and is very maternal with the sea lion babies that wash up on the shore. He describes them as “little orphans that are stressed out, hungry and cold.”
Few people have the vocation and commitment Tesore has demonstrated dedicating his entire life to saving animals. However, many years of this lonely fight do not come without consequences and Tesore has become as defensive and skeptical about humans as many of the animals he saves. Many people perceive Tesore as a difficult character, and a nuisance to their development plans for the area. Neighbors complain about the smell and the noises coming from the shelter, making him very protective of the animals he rescues.
A few years back Tesore experienced liver failure, the doctors believed it may have been caused by the petroleum he cleaned off the animals. After receiving a liver transplant he was told he might not be able to work with the animals, but he refused to listen and claims that saving the animals gives his life purpose and meaning.
Distressed to see his life’s work shut down, he dreams of finding someone to continue his mission and legacy, but doesn’t know where his organization’s future lies.
Contributions To The Community
Education & Inclusion
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​After years of witnessing how our pollution directly harms the animals and causes tremendous suffering, Tesore has become passionate about advocating for sustainability and the need to care for our oceans. Many of the animals he rescues are choked by fishing nets and plastic trash, and penguins are often covered in petrol. To create awareness, he holds talks to educate people about pollution, and its impact on wildlife and the planet.
Tesore spearheads beach cleaning efforts in the community in collaboration with Antonio Ripol. Antonio is a young autistic man who came to volunteer with Tesore when he was a child after his father sent him there because he felt he would never get anywhere in life as a person on the spectrum. Through the years of volunteer work at Tesore’s center, Antonio has become passionate and knowledgeable about the animals and now even hosts his own show on National Geographic called “Bichero”.
SOS.Faunamarina:
