WILDLIFE CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

Our Wildlife Conservation and Management Program consists in the rescue, rehabilitation, release and in giving quality of life to the wild animals received by the officers of various Conservation Areas (SINAC), ICE, Firefighters, Police or particulars.

Every year we receive an average (last 5 years) about 225 animals of 58 species. The arrival of animals has increased year a year, reaching 300 rescued animals in 2019. Some of the species are: psittacines (parrots and parakeets), primates (howler monkeys, white faced monkeys and spider monkeys), wild cats (mainly ocelots, margays and jaguarundis), other mammals (coatis, raccoons, opossums, porcupines, armadillos, etc.) and other birds (owls, hawks, toucans…). Most of these animals come from the province of Guanacaste and the North Area; however, they sometimes arrive from the rest of the country.

The main causes of admission of wildlife are: infants (unknown whereabouts of parents), orphans, hit by car, shocked by powerlines, mistreat or illegal petting, among others. The animals are evaluated by qualified staff to decide if they can be rehabilitated and released. Currently, out of the total of received wild animals, we release the 50% of them.

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During the last five years we’ve tried to track some of our released animals, mainly wild cats; with the aim of determining their survival and demonstrate that the management and rehabilitation have been successful. To do that, we set trail cameras in the release areas, for a minimum period of three months.

The animals that can’t go back to their natural habitat, receive the cares they need during the rest of their life under the best conditions at the area of the Sanctuary. In order to minimize the stress that captivity can generate, we use environmental enrichment to stimulate their senses of smell, hearing, taste and vision.

Furthermore, we support other Projects related to wildlife management and conservation, like “Vías Amigables con la Vida Silvestre” (Friendly Roads with Wildlife), the Attention Unit of Conflict with Wild Cats Project of Diagnostic the Causes of Disease in Wild Animals.

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION PROGRAM

Our Environmental Education Program is developed in the area of the Sanctuary and its objective is educating visitors about the threats that Costa Rican wildlife face. This way, we use environmental education as a tool of conservation.

WHAT DO WE DO DURING THE VISIT TO THE SANCTUARY

Introduction chat: during your visit you’ll receive a little chat so you can learn about the labor in the Rescue Center.

Guided tour: our Environmental Educator will give you a guided tour so you can meet all our animals. You’ll learn about their habitat, diet, curious facts as well as why they were rescued and why they couldn’t go back to the forest.

Visit Lilly’s Farm: we’ll visit our little farm, made in honor of one of the founders of the Center, where you’ll be able to see various domestic animals and interact with them. There are guinea pigs, rabbits, chickens and you’ll be able to feed the goat and the sheep as well.

Ludic activity: when we finish the guided tour, we can do a ludic activity to reinforce what we learnt during the tour. From painting a mask of a wild animal to playing our Costa Rican wildlife bingo, or even joining a sack-race with questions.

PRICES

Kindergarden, Preschool and Primary School: ¢1000
Secondary School and Higher Education: ¢2000
Teachers: ¢2000
Parents:¢3000

Note: We don’t have a restaurant, but if you want you can bring your own food and eat it in our Environmental Education Schoolroom.

RESERVE YOUR VISIT!

To be attended under the Environmental Education Program, you need to do your reservation with time enough. So if you want to come and visit us you can call us at 2669 6044 or 2660 6019, or write us an e-mail at [email protected]

Don’t forget to bring repellent, sun cream and water for your visit! Also, we recommend coming with long trousers and closed shoes.

It will be a pleasure to receive you and your group!