A Recent Howler Rescue Shows Just How Vital Wildlife Refuges are to Costa Rica

Wildlife Refuges play a critical role in rescuing and nursing back to health injured animals throughout Costa Rica. Recently, two-week old Howler monkey, Ashley’s Mom was electrocuted from an uninsulated electrical transformer in Nosara, Costa Rica. On her mother’s back, the pair climbed the vibrant trees. The family crossed over onto some electrical wires where the mother touched an uninsulated electrical transformer. A shock rose up the Mother’s back. She stumbled.

Rescue workers from Refuge for Wildlife responded quickly. A team helped get the baby and mother safely down from the tree, but it was too late. The shock was too much for the mother. She died a few moments later with her baby resting in her arms. Ashley desperately tried to wake her mother up. Crying and clinging to her mother, she kept nudging her mother.

The rescue workers compassionately removed Ashley from her mother. The team gave her a teddy bear and hot water bottle to soothe and comfort her. For days, the baby monkey cried. Finally, she began to recover from the trauma. She started to bond with several other orphaned howler monkeys on the refuge. Several days later through an outpouring of donations, the transformer was insulated.

Stories such as Ashley’s are not unusual. The main cause of death for Howler monkeys is uninsulated electrical transformers. It kills hundreds of Howlers each year. It is a big problem throughout Costa Rica. Wildlife preservationist work to raise public awareness on the issue and get the transformers covered.

Wildlife refuges nurse injured animals back to health caring for them until they are able to take care of themselves. Once healed, they get released back into the wild. If for any reason, they are not expected to be able to care for themselves then they take them under their wing. Some animals becoming life long residents at the wildlife preserves. The aim is to release the animal back into the wild. Sometimes, it’s just not possible. Rather than abandon maimed creatures, they are given a way to thrive in captivity. The refuges become a protective circle. With great care, they intervene to help the weak, injured and infirmed animals.

Many of the country’s refuges survive solely through the tireless efforts of volunteers and donations. Some are open to the public and function as an important educational resource. Others focus mainly on research. They study factors impacting wildlife, tag animals and track their progress for research. They collect vital data about wildlife and their habitats. These organizations provide a critical service. Throughout the country, people are dedicated to protecting biological diversity. Costa Rica is known for its plentiful monkey population.

These refuges are an integral part of the culture. The tragic death of Ashley’s mom rippled through the Nosara community. The local response revealed just how dedicated people are to protecting wildlife. Costa Ricans are active problem solvers who band together to get things done. This recent tragedy reveals the big heart of the country and their dedication to wildlife protection.