The best animal rescue centers and protected areas in Costa Rica
In Costa Rica, both wild and domestic animals can be in dangerous or life-threatening situations. Deforestation, habitat loss and abandonment are just some of the reasons that affect species, including monkeys, sloths, etc.
Lazy Institute
The Sloth Institute is located in Manuel Antonio National Park – its purpose is to conduct research, learn more about species, educate people about animals, and work toward much-needed conservation efforts. This is not a shelter, but a nonprofit agency that is doing everything it can to take care of the sloths that end up everywhere and release them back into their natural environment as soon as they are ready. While the research and care center is not open to the public (in the best interest of the sick, injured, or orphaned), you can arrange guided nature walks and observe the animals in a wild environment. Like most nonprofits, donations are very popular.
Costa Rica Animal Rescue Centre
The Costa Rica Animal Rescue Center is now located in Cedadilla, near San Miguel in Alejuela and in its original location near Puerto Limon. Their mission is to rescue, recover and release wild (and sometimes domesticated) animals that have been brought to the center for treatment. While there are permanent staff on site, the center relies heavily on compassionate and hard-working volunteers. Like most nonprofits, they also rely on donated funds and supplies to care for sloths, monkeys, owls and other animals that have been given a second chance thanks to this rescue center. Although they are small, they do a lot of good things for many animals in Costa Rica.
Jaguar Rescue Center
The Jaguar Rescue Center has two locations: a nursery in Playa Cocles and a Ceiba Virgin Forest Release Area in Punta Uva, located about 3 km from the main centre. The center focuses on the care of reptiles, birds, amphibians, and sick, injured, or small primates. Some animals temporarily find themselves in a central position and are released back into the wild, while others end up here for the rest of their lives. While there are no real jaguars in the center, its name commemorates an abandoned small jaguar that was brought in after her mother was murdered by a local farmer. The jaguar is a symbol of the vulnerability of nature and wildlife, and a reminder of humanity's responsibility to care for the natural world.
Tree of Life Wildlife Rescue Center
Limon's Tree of Life Wildlife Rescue Centre is a haven for a variety of species. The centre deals with injured and homeless animals. The center also has a turtle and iguana breeding program to help with re-breeding – while every effort is made to release the animals back into the wild, the less likely few will always have permanent homes here. Tree of Life Wildlife Rescue Center also offers educational tours and volunteer opportunities.
Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary
Dominical's Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary helps to care for and recover trapped animals before reintroducing them into the wild. While the numbers fluctuate from month to month, typically, 75 animals recover here at all times. Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary relies on volunteers, donations and their educational trips to keep the institution running.
Sibu Sanctuary
Located in Nosara, the Sibu Sanctuary is dedicated to rescuing, recovering, releasing and protecting injured or abandoned wildlife – it also provides emergency and general veterinary services to all residents in need. The sanctuary offers educational tours for visitors interested in learning about animals, conservation efforts and helping with the sanctuary. They only allow a small number of visitors per week (for the health of the animals), so be sure to book in advance as there is usually a waiting list.
