What started as a chance encounter blossomed into an extraordinary commitment. Luana and Simone proudly run an animal sanctuary in Brazil, extending their compassion worldwide. They are more than just the faces behind a rescue organization — they are passionate advocates committed to making a difference in the lives of our animal friends, guided by one belief: every single animal deserves love, care, and a chance for a better life.
Luana has been an animal advocate since childhood, dreaming of becoming a vet. But life led her into a 15-year career in the oil and gas industry. Then fate intervened when she met Simone Belser. Together, they embarked on an unexpected journey, helping animals in need.
Luana feels fortunate to be able to live her passion every day — making a meaningful difference in animals' lives.
Simone has worked with and been surrounded by a variety of both wild and domestic animals for most of her life. Her motivation for helping animals in need lies in a personal mission to change the role that animals play in the world.
She believes animals are deeply intelligent and sentient beings, who are underestimated by so many.
Strategic guidance, governance, and accountability.
Chairman of The Board
Jonathan Lurgio serves as Chairman of the Board for Protect Animals Worldwide, guiding the organization's strategic direction and strengthening its governance. He works closely with fellow board members to ensure long-term stability and growth, while helping PAW operate with transparency, compassion, and accountability. Jonathan has always felt a deep respect for animals, but his first visit to the PAW sanctuary in Brazil had a profound impact. Professionally, Jonathan is a senior leader in the tech industry, bringing the same focus, integrity, and problem-solving mindset to his work with PAW.
Treasurer
Humberto has always felt a deep connection to animals. As the proud dog dad of Charlie and Teddy, he understands the joy, comfort, and unconditional love they bring to our lives. That bond fuels his passion for helping animals in need and advocating for their well-being. Professionally, Humberto is a partner at a CPA firm, where he brings the same level of care and dedication to his clients as he does to the causes he believes in.
Board Member
Destry's love for animals and nature comes from the deep spirituality her father instilled in her. She has been rescuing animals since the young age of five — always bringing home injured birds, lost baby quail, and stray cats and dogs. She has dedicated her life to helping and rescuing any animal in need, and nothing brings her more happiness than knowing she made a difference in the life of an animal who needed her.
Camila is a veterinarian, graduated in 2020, born in São Paulo and living in Ceará since 2004. Beyond veterinary medicine, she is passionate about sports, especially soccer and volleyball. At 29 years old, and a true Aries, she carries energy, intensity, and determination into everything she does.
Caring for animals has been part of her life since childhood. Her family always had dogs, stray cats, and even donkeys at home, and from a young age she would say she would become a veterinarian. She grew up rescuing every animal that crossed her path, which deeply shaped both her personal and professional journey.
In 2022, she began her work with Protect Animals Worldwide through a friend who was already involved with the organization. At the time, they needed help rescuing Pepita and her puppies — and that was the beginning of her journey there. Since then, she has remained fully committed, getting to know every animal that comes through and making this work an essential part of who she is.
She is the mom of Foguete and Margot. She also has Kyara, a Campeiro Bulldog rescued from a breeding kennel, and Ypioca, a mixed-breed dog who walked into the hospital where Camila worked and never left her life.
Behind every rescue, every recovery, and every happy animal story — there's this team making it all happen. Every day, from dawn till dusk (and sometimes through the night), they feed, clean, treat, monitor, medicate, comfort, and care for nearly 200 rescued animals at our sanctuary.
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We are eternally grateful to the organizations and companies that support us.
Partner logos shown as published on the PAW about page ↗.
Witnessing the impact of our partnership with Protect Animals Worldwide fills me with awe. Their unwavering dedication to saving lives, day in and day out, is nothing short of remarkable. They've embarked on a mission to rescue as many animals as possible in Brazil and Turkey, and it's an honor to stand by their side.
Can't get over the whole-hearted commitment of the staff towards the animals in their care, plus the amazing achievements in rehabilitating those who have sustained major injuries and/or suffered serious illness or neglect! All personnel are to be hugely admired!
Every meal, vet visit, and safe place to sleep is made possible by people who choose to give. There are three easy ways to join us.