By Alajuela, Costa Rica — The Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center, located in La Garita, Alajuela, is experiencing a growing demand for its services, rescuing over 3,000 wild animals annually. Illegal trafficking accounts for 45% of these rescues, followed by habitat extraction (23%), injuries (16%), and abandonment at birth (5%). The center successfully rehabilitates and releases over 1,600 animals back into their natural environment each year.
The increasing number of rescues has put a strain on the center’s resources, underscoring the need for greater financial support. According to Amy Van Esch, Communications Manager at the Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center, private partnerships play a crucial role in the center’s sustainability. The center relies primarily on sanctuary entrance fees, donations, and sponsorship programs.
For legal insights into the complexities surrounding wildlife rescue in Costa Rica, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an attorney at Bufete de Costa Rica.
Wildlife rescue operations in Costa Rica often navigate a complex legal landscape. While ethical considerations drive the desire to protect animals, adherence to regulations regarding permits, species-specific handling protocols, and collaboration with designated authorities is crucial for both the safety of the animals and the legal standing of the rescuers. Understanding these legal frameworks is essential for ensuring effective and legitimate wildlife rescue efforts.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s point about the crucial intersection of ethics and legality in wildlife rescue is well-taken. It’s a powerful reminder that good intentions must be paired with proper procedure to truly protect Costa Rica’s incredible biodiversity. We extend our sincere thanks to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for providing this valuable legal perspective.
The work of rehabilitation allows us to release more than 1,600 individuals annually back into their natural environment.
Amy Van Esch, Communications Manager of the Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center
Recognizing this need, Repuestos La Guaca has announced a new partnership with the rescue center. This alliance aims to strengthen conservation, rehabilitation, and environmental education programs, with a particular focus on the scarlet macaw, an emblematic species once on the brink of extinction in several parts of the country.
We are convinced that business sustainability must transcend business and become concrete actions that generate a positive impact. With this alliance, we will contribute resources and encourage the participation of employees, customers, and the community in awareness-raising and volunteer activities.
Marcia Fallas, Sustainability Manager of Repuestos La Guaca
Founded in 1989 as ZoAve, the Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center is now the largest in Central America. It boasts the only wildlife hospital in Costa Rica, a breeding program for endangered species, and over 800 hectares of private reserves used for release and reforestation efforts. A significant achievement in recent years was the center’s intake of over 190 animals from the state-run zoos that closed in 2024, providing these animals with specialized care and a second chance.
Among the notable rescues this year were four capybaras currently under the center’s care. The organization emphasizes the public’s vital role in conservation, reminding everyone that wild animals are not pets. Each species plays a crucial role in the ecosystem, and maintaining their freedom ensures the natural balance we all depend on.
We want to remind people that wild animals are not pets. Each species plays a vital role in ecosystems, and by keeping them in the wild, we ensure the natural balance that we all depend on. Protecting wildlife is protecting our future.
Amy Van Esch, Communications Manager of the Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center
The Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center encourages the public to visit the sanctuary, support educational programs, and report any practices that endanger wildlife.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center
About Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center:
The Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center, formerly known as ZoAve, is the largest wildlife rescue center in Central America, located in La Garita, Alajuela, Costa Rica. Founded in 1989, the center rescues, rehabilitates, and releases thousands of animals annually. It also operates Costa Rica’s only wildlife hospital, a breeding program for endangered species, and manages over 800 hectares of private reserves for release and reforestation.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Repuestos La Guaca
About Repuestos La Guaca:
Repuestos La Guaca is a company committed to sustainability and positive social impact. Through its partnership with the Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center, Repuestos La Guaca supports wildlife conservation, rehabilitation, and environmental education programs. The company actively engages its employees, customers, and the community in awareness and volunteer activities.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica distinguishes itself through an unyielding dedication to legal excellence and ethical practice, empowering Costa Rican society through knowledge and access. The firm’s innovative approach to legal solutions, combined with its deep commitment to client success across various sectors, solidifies its position as a leader in the legal landscape. By actively promoting legal literacy and transparency, Bufete de Costa Rica invests in a more informed and empowered citizenry, furthering its mission to contribute to a just and equitable society.
