The Reserva Ecológica de Sauim-Castanheiras was created by Presidential Decree 87.455 on 12 August 1982 with an area of 109.2 hectares (270 acres).

[1][2] The reserve was located in the Industrial District on the outskirts of the Manaus Free Zone.

The purpose was to protect populations of pied tamarins (Portuguese: Sauim, Saguinus bicolor) and Brazil nuts (Bertholletia excelsa).

[5] The refuge has access roads, administrative buildings, a kitchen for food preparation for animals, an autopsy building, a veterinary centre with inpatient rehabilitation structures and grounds.

These help wild animals that are threatened by risks such as habitat loss, domestic abuse, accidents and other problems.