The Program
The wildlife sanctuary is run by a Costa Rica-based nonprofit focused on rescuing and restoring native wildlife. This animal rescue center is located on the beautiful Caribbean of Costa Rica, near the Talamanca Old Port Beach Resort. The sanctuary provides temporary or permanent shelter for sick, injured and orphaned animals that cannot survive in the wild. Many monkeys and sloths have found a safe home here, as have other mammals, birds and reptiles.
The center has cared for thousands of animals since it opened about 15 years ago. It can look back on years of experience and has professional staff in all areas of rehabilitation. The sanctuary is the only center in this region of Costa Rica and helps more than 800 animals each year.
The Animal Rescue Center provides 24-hour veterinary care and comfort to these animals. The main goal is to rehabilitate and reintroduce animals to their natural habitat. The rescue center has its own nature reserve to serve this purpose. It is not always possible to reintroduce animals into the wild for health or behavioral reasons though. The animals have found their new home in the sanctuary, and although they are kept in captivity, they can still live safely and be well cared for.
The center houses about 100 animals that cannot be released (number may change at any time). These animals play an important role because with them, through environmental education, people can become aware of the problems that local wildlife is facing every single day. Sloths, monkeys, ocelots, reptiles and many others live with a high quality of life in over 20 facilities prepared and conditioned for each animal species.
The center is open to day visitors who want to learn more about the flora and fauna of Costa Rica. Visitors come from all over the world to learn more about the reasons why animals enter the sanctuary and why, unfortunately, these animals have become permanent residents here. Admission fees for visitors are an important source of income to enable the Center to continue its wonderful work in animal welfare and conservation.
The Location
The animal rescue center has a truly privileged location on the coast of the Caribbean Sea, close to the beach town Puerto Viejo de Talamanca surrounded by spectacular beaches and lush green rainforests full of exotic flora and fauna. This is a haven for those looking for fun and relaxation.
It is a paradise for beach and surf lovers thanks to crystal clear waters and great waves for beginners and experts. In addition to surfing and sunbathing, this area offers activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, bodyboarding, mountain biking, kayaking, horseback riding, canopy tour, cultural tours to indigenous communities, and visits to National Parks and Nature Reserve. Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is a lively beach town that still maintains an authentic feel. Before it became a tourist attraction, it was a small fishing village. Today, you will find many restaurants, bars, nightclubs and shops selling local crafts and products. It is located 55 kilometers southeast of Puerto Limón and about 16 kilometers south of Cahuita. San José, the country’s capital, is about a 4-hour drive away.
