Costa Rica’s Popular Animal Rescue Projects

Throughout Costa Rica there are dedicated animal rescue projects. These organizations work to ensure animals that become injured, ill or threatened are brought to safety till they can be released back into the wild or make the sanctuary their new home. Most of these nonprofits are run by dedicated teams of volunteers with many relying on the regular circulation of international volunteers. They are largely dependent on donations to continue their work, and provide a vital service to the wildlife throughout the region.

The Toucan Reserve Ranch

The Toucan Reserve Ranch was founded in 2004 to rescue toucans and other birds. Over time the reserve has expanded to include owls and other wildlife. Their main objective is to take in sick or injured animals and nurse them back to health eventually releasing them back into the wild. The ranch has a host of full-time animal residents that live on the property because they cannot survive in the wild on their own. The ranch also does research as well as education. Visitors can come here to learn about the birds and the other animals. The center is also working to establish a captive breeding program for all six species of Costa Rican toucans in order to help ensure their survival.

Territorio de Zaguates

Territorio de Zaguates is a special ranch dedicated to saving the dogs of Costa Rica who end up abandoned on the streets. Many of these dogs are abused and starving when they arrive at the ranch. Here they are taken into care and nursed back to health in this dog paradise. Once at the ranch, they spend their days playing along the hills with almost 1000 other dogs. The place utilizes the practice of the the famous Dog Whisperer, Cesar Milan to rehabilitate the dogs. Visitors are welcome at the ranch and encouraged to bring their own dogs as well as adopting more dogs or giving a kind donation. Territorio de Zaguates is a “no-kill shelter.” This non profit organization was founded by Alvaro Saumet and his wife Lya Battle, whom for The couple is committed to promoting animal welfare.

The Monkey Farm

Founded in 2013, The Monkey Farm is a relative newcomer. Created by wildlife biologists, veterinarians and permaculture experts, and a few others. This well-informed group came together to form this special place for monkey and other wildlife research, as well as to study sustainability and permaculture techniques. Committed to rescuing monkeys and local wildlife, the organization is run by dedicated volunteers from all over the world. The farm is also committed to permaculture practices and studying aquaponics systems, which use 95% less water than traditional farming practices. They also study and practice forest gardening.