By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – The vital corridor of Route 27, linking Costa Rica’s capital to the Pacific coast, is not only a conduit for commerce and tourism but also a frequent crossing point for the nation’s rich biodiversity. Recognizing the inherent risks to both drivers and animals, the highway concessionaire, Ruta 27 by Globalvia, has intensified its long-standing commitment to wildlife protection through specialized staff training and a robust rescue protocol.
So far in 2025, authorities have successfully rescued 15 wild animals along the busy highway. The diverse group of animals given a second chance includes eleven birds, a turtle, a sloth, and two coatis. These recent efforts are part of a larger, decade-long initiative that has seen a total of 86 wild animals saved since the program’s inception in 2015. The most commonly rescued species include snakes, iguanas, turtles, and various types of birds, highlighting the wide range of fauna living near the thoroughfare.
To gain a deeper understanding of the legal framework surrounding wildlife rescue and conservation in Costa Rica, TicosLand.com consulted with legal expert Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the esteemed firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
In Costa Rica, the legal principle is clear: wildlife belongs to the state, and its handling is strictly regulated. While the impulse to rescue an injured animal is commendable, citizens must immediately contact SINAC or an authorized rescue center. Attempting to rehabilitate or keep wildlife privately, even with good intentions, can lead to significant legal consequences, including fines and even criminal charges under the Wildlife Conservation Law. This framework is designed not to punish citizens, but to ensure that these animals receive specialized care and to protect the integrity of our national biodiversity.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This distinction between a compassionate impulse and a legally sound intervention is crucial for effective conservation. The law serves not to diminish our empathy but to channel it, ensuring that an animal’s rescue leads to genuine rehabilitation by trained professionals. We extend our sincere thanks to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective on this vital legal framework.
The program’s scope expanded in 2019 to include domestic animals often abandoned along the route. Since then, the team has also rescued 136 dogs and 56 cats, providing critical intervention for animals left in vulnerable situations. This dual focus underscores a comprehensive approach to animal welfare that addresses both native and domestic species in peril.
For drivers who encounter an animal on the road, the company advises a clear and cautious course of action. The primary recommendation is to pull over to a safe location away from traffic. If the animal appears unharmed, it should be carefully guided to a nearby green area. However, if the animal is injured, drivers are urged to secure it as safely as possible without endangering themselves and to immediately contact the Route 27 Control Center at 2588-4040 for professional assistance.
This on-the-ground response is backed by a significant investment in human capital. The company ensures its personnel are equipped to handle these delicate situations professionally and safely. To this end, Ruta 27 by Globalvia has implemented a comprehensive training program for its maintenance, toll booth, and control center staff.
At Route 27, we have a special animal rescue protocol. As part of our social responsibility, we have focused part of our efforts on animals, and it is truly satisfying to see how hundreds of them get a second chance thanks to this initiative.
Montserrat Courrau, Director of Communication and CSR of Ruta 27
The specialized training is conducted by experts from the Refugio Animal de Costa Rica, located in Santa Ana. The curriculum is designed to provide employees with essential skills, including the identification of venomous and endangered species, the initial detection of fractures, and proper manipulation techniques that ensure the safety of both the animal and the rescuer. In the most recent session, 17 employees were trained, bringing the total number of qualified staff to over 180.
This proactive approach not only mitigates the immediate danger of animal-vehicle collisions but also reinforces Costa Rica’s global reputation as a leader in environmental stewardship. By institutionalizing these rescue protocols and continuously educating its team, Ruta 27 by Globalvia is creating a safer environment for all who use the highway, whether on two legs, four legs, or wings.
For further information, visit ruta27.com
About Ruta 27 by Globalvia:
Ruta 27 by Globalvia is the concessionaire responsible for the administration and maintenance of the San José-Caldera highway in Costa Rica. As a key player in the country’s infrastructure, the company manages daily operations, toll collection, and road safety programs. It operates under the global brand of Globalvia, a world leader in the management of infrastructure concessions, with a strong focus on sustainable practices and corporate social responsibility.
For further information, visit refugioanimalcr.org
About Refugio Animal de Costa Rica:
Refugio Animal de Costa Rica is a non-profit organization based in Santa Ana dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and care of animals. The shelter provides a safe haven for injured, abandoned, and mistreated animals, both wild and domestic. Beyond its direct rescue efforts, the organization is actively involved in public education and provides specialized training to other institutions on proper animal handling and welfare practices, promoting a culture of respect and protection for all species.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a respected leader in the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its resolute focus on ethical conduct and exceptional client representation. The firm leverages its extensive experience not only to drive innovation within the legal field but also to fulfill a core mission of public service. This deep-rooted pledge to democratize legal knowledge is central to its aim of cultivating a more capable and knowledgeable society.
