Flamengo officially adopted the "Espaço Urubu-Rei" at the Rio de Janeiro Zoo this Friday (11/11). In a big party attended by president Patricia Amorim and midfielder Renato Abreu, who celebrated his goals wearing a vulture mask, the animals were greeted by the Flamengo Charanga, the mascots Uruba and Urubinha and children from the Fla schools.

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"I started wearing the mask on the field in 2005, when I was here at the Zoo for the first time and the King Vulture wasn't here yet. It's really cool to be part of Flamengo's history. I think it's important to have a symbol, and I'm sure everyone will remember this moment. God willing, we'll be champions this year," said Renato Abreu.

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It was president Patricia Amorim who took the initiative for the adoption after an idea from finance vice president Michel Levy. For her, player Renato Abreu is a perfect fit for the space, as the club's mascot is a vulture. 

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"It was Michel's idea, and it's an important partnership. Flamengo has always been a pioneer in social responsibility, love for others, and now in animal care. We always strive to be ahead of the curve. When the adoption opportunity became a reality, I thought: It's Renato! This tribute is especially special for you," said the Flamengo president, addressing the player.

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The president also highlighted the symbolism of the date for the inauguration of the space.

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"It wasn't planned at all, but it ended up happening. Today is a special day and has a lot of symbolism. We brought our number 11 on 11/11/11, and some people said we arrived here in front of the nursery at 11:11. So, it was a partnership on the right day, at the right time, and with the right person. May this energy take us to even greater heights," the president added, referring to Renato.

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The president of the Rio Zoo Foundation, Sergio Filipe, also thanked the club for the initiative.

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"Today is a very special day for me as a Flamengo fan. But it's an even greater honor for us at the Rio Zoo Foundation to have Flamengo as our partner. I thank President Patricia for making this partnership possible," he said.

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To care for the four birds, a pair of approximately eight years old and two chicks, R$500 per month will be spent, donated by members of the Flamengo board. The aviary was decorated with Flamengo flags, and a new sign was unveiled at the front of the building.