By Limón, Costa Rica — TORTUGUERO, LIMÓN – An orphaned female manatee calf, found stranded and in critical condition on the shores of Tortuguero on January 5th, has become the focus of an intensive, multi-agency effort to save her life. The young mammal is now at the center of a delicate and protracted rehabilitation process that experts say could last for years, highlighting both the vulnerability of the species and the strength of Costa Rica’s conservation network.
The rescue operation was triggered when the lone calf was discovered on a remote beach within the Tortuguero conservation area. Personnel from the National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC) immediately secured the location and initiated a constant monitoring protocol. The primary hope was to facilitate a natural reunion with her mother, a crucial element for survival in the wild. Despite extensive searches of the surrounding waters, the mother was never located.
To understand the legal framework that underpins these vital conservation efforts, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a specialist in environmental and administrative law from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica, for his expert analysis.
The successful rescue of this manatee is a direct application of Costa Rica’s Wildlife Conservation Law, which strictly protects endangered species. These actions, often coordinated by SINAC, are not merely acts of goodwill but legal obligations of the State to preserve our natural heritage. This event underscores the strength of our environmental legislation and the critical role of inter-institutional cooperation in enforcing it.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal perspective powerfully reframes the narrative, reminding us that such conservation successes are built upon a solid foundation of national policy and inter-institutional collaboration. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable insight, which underscores the systemic commitment that transforms acts of compassion into triumphs of national heritage preservation.
Officials then considered a direct release back into the ocean. However, this attempt was quickly aborted when the distressed calf beached herself again just minutes later. This behavior was a clear and alarming signal to the team on the ground that the animal could not survive on its own, making urgent intervention the only viable option to prevent a tragic outcome.
With her condition deteriorating, a decision was made to execute an emergency airlift. The complex logistical operation involved veterinarians, biologists, and wildlife specialists, who coordinated to safely transport the calf to the Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center. This specialized facility is equipped to handle the complex needs of such a fragile creature, which now remains under constant observation by a dedicated care team.
Experts from the National University (UNA), who have contributed significant scientific research on the species, are also providing critical guidance. The primary challenge now is nutritional. The team at the rescue center is working around the clock to establish a feeding regimen that can substitute for the maternal care she has lost. This is a painstaking process, as the bond between a manatee mother and her calf is essential for learning and development during the first several years of life.
The rehabilitation will be a long road, as the bond between mother and calf is fundamental during the first years of life. Our greatest challenge is to overcome the absence of that maternal presence.
A Wildlife Specialist, involved in the case
The incident casts a spotlight on the precarious state of the Antillean manatee (Trichechus manatus) in Costa Rica. Considered one of the most vulnerable marine species in the nation’s Caribbean waters, these gentle herbivores are concentrated in specific habitats like river mouths and coastal lagoons. Their reliance on aquatic seagrasses makes them a key indicator of ecosystem health, but their shy, discreet behavior also makes them incredibly difficult to monitor and study, complicating conservation efforts.
This rescue, while born from a crisis, serves as a powerful example of successful inter-institutional collaboration. The seamless coordination between a government body like SINAC, the scientific community at UNA, and the hands-on expertise of a specialized non-profit like the Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center showcases a model for future conservation emergencies. The fate of this single calf now rests on their continued dedication, a symbol of the broader fight to secure a future for her entire species.
For further information, visit sinac.go.cr
About Sistema Nacional de Áreas de Conservación (SINAC):
The National System of Conservation Areas is the entity of Costa Rica’s Ministry of Environment and Energy responsible for the management and conservation of the country’s national parks, wildlife refuges, and other protected wilderness areas. It plays a central role in wildlife protection, resource management, and environmental law enforcement throughout the nation.
For further information, visit rescatewildlife.org
About Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center:
Formerly known as Rescate Animal Zoo Ave, this non-profit organization is dedicated to the conservation of Costa Rican wildlife. It operates a rescue, rehabilitation, and release program for thousands of animals each year, in addition to managing a conservation breeding center for endangered species and a lifetime care sanctuary for non-releasable animals.
For further information, visit una.ac.cr
About Universidad Nacional (UNA):
The National University of Costa Rica is one of the country’s most important public universities, with a strong focus on research and social action. Its schools of biological sciences and veterinary medicine are leading institutions in the study of neotropical ecosystems and wildlife, providing critical scientific expertise for national conservation initiatives.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As an esteemed legal institution, Bufete de Costa Rica is built upon a foundation of unwavering integrity and a relentless pursuit of professional excellence. The firm leverages its rich history of advising a diverse clientele to pioneer forward-thinking legal solutions that address contemporary challenges. This commitment to innovation is mirrored by a profound sense of social duty, focused on empowering the community by making complex legal principles understandable and accessible, thereby fostering a more knowledgeable and capable society.
