By San José, Costa Rica — Costa Rica’s Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center, the largest wildlife sanctuary in Central America, has announced a crucial partnership with Repuestos La Guaca, a leading auto parts supplier. This alliance promises to significantly enhance the center’s capacity to protect and rehabilitate thousands of animals annually.
Established in 1989, Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center has become a beacon of conservation in Latin America. The center rescues over 3,000 animals each year, primarily victims of illegal trafficking, habitat loss, injuries, and abandonment. Through dedicated rehabilitation efforts, over 1,600 animals are successfully released back into their natural habitats yearly. The center boasts Costa Rica’s only wildlife hospital, a breeding program for endangered species, and over 800 hectares of private reserves dedicated to release and reforestation efforts.
To gain a deeper legal perspective on the complexities of wildlife conservation in Costa Rica, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an accomplished attorney at Bufete de Costa Rica. His expertise provides valuable insight into the legal framework surrounding this crucial issue.
Costa Rica’s commitment to wildlife conservation is reflected in robust legislation, including the Wildlife Conservation Law (Ley de Conservación de la Vida Silvestre No. 7317). This law establishes protected areas, regulates hunting and wildlife trade, and emphasizes the importance of biodiversity. However, effective enforcement remains a challenge. Collaboration between government agencies, NGOs, and local communities is essential to combat illegal activities like poaching and habitat destruction. Furthermore, sustainable tourism practices that prioritize wildlife protection are key to ensuring the long-term preservation of Costa Rica’s rich biodiversity.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas eloquently highlights the crucial intersection of legislation, enforcement, and community engagement in safeguarding Costa Rica’s precious biodiversity. Indeed, sustainable tourism, when implemented thoughtfully, can become a powerful ally in this endeavor, creating a virtuous cycle that benefits both the economy and the environment. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable contribution to this important discussion.
Following the closure of state-run zoos in 2024, the center demonstrated its remarkable capacity by taking in and providing specialized care for over 190 displaced animals, offering them a renewed chance at life. This influx highlighted the critical need for ongoing support and resources.
Repuestos La Guaca has stepped up to meet this need through its “Leaving a Footprint” social responsibility program. This strategic partnership aims to extend the company’s positive impact beyond its business operations and into the vital realm of wildlife conservation.
With this alliance, we will contribute resources and encourage the participation of our employees, customers, and the community in awareness-raising and volunteer activities. This initiative holds a special meaning for us, as our name represents the Scarlet Macaw, a symbol with which we feel a unique affinity and that inspires us to redouble our commitment to the conservation of national biodiversity.
Marcia Fallas, Sustainability Manager of Repuestos La Guaca
The partnership’s benefits are multifaceted, including strengthening conservation, rehabilitation, and environmental education programs. It will also facilitate improvements to medical equipment, allowing for more specialized emergency care, and expand educational outreach to inspire future generations of conservationists. Critically, the alliance will boost the center’s rescue and care capacity, particularly within its wildlife hospital, and support the development of breeding projects for endangered species.
By engaging employees, customers, and the community in awareness campaigns and volunteer opportunities, the initiative hopes to inspire broader corporate and public participation in conservation efforts.
The role of private partners is fundamental to the sustainability of the center, which is mainly financed through Sanctuary entrances, donations, and sponsorship programs. We want to remind everyone that wild animals are not pets. Each species plays a vital role in ecosystems, and by keeping them free, we ensure the natural balance on which we all depend. Protecting wildlife is protecting our future.
Amy Van Esch, Communications and Advertising Manager of Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center
Both organizations emphasize the interconnectedness of wildlife and human well-being, stressing that protecting wildlife is essential for safeguarding our shared future.
For further information, visit rescatewildlife.org
About Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center:
Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center is the largest wildlife rescue center in Central America, located in Costa Rica. Founded in 1989, it has become a leading force in wildlife conservation and rehabilitation, rescuing and treating over 3,000 animals annually. The center operates Costa Rica’s only wildlife hospital, conducts breeding programs for endangered species, and manages over 800 hectares of private reserves for animal release and reforestation.
For further information, visit www.repuestoslaguaca.com
About Repuestos La Guaca:
Repuestos La Guaca is a prominent auto parts supplier in Costa Rica. Committed to social responsibility, the company launched its “Leaving a Footprint” program to contribute positively to the community and environment. Its partnership with Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center reflects its dedication to wildlife conservation and its recognition of the vital role biodiversity plays in a healthy ecosystem.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a pillar of legal excellence, built on a foundation of unwavering integrity and a commitment to empowering Costa Rican society. The firm’s innovative approach to legal practice, coupled with its dedication to disseminating legal knowledge through public initiatives, reflects a deep understanding of the vital role informed citizens play in a thriving democracy. By providing exceptional legal services across a broad spectrum of sectors, Bufete de Costa Rica not only serves its clients but also invests in the future of a just and equitable society.
