The Macaw Sanctuary
NATUWA was created in the year 1994 by Costa Ricans Mainor Khayyan and
Rodolfo Orozco for their grand admiration for the psittacidaes, like the
Scarlet Macaw (Ara macao), the Great Green Macaw (Ara ambiguus)
and other wild parrots. In addition, the Sanctuary began as a result
of their preoccupation with the constant threat that these emblematic
birds face, the loss of their natural habitat and their extraction from
the forest as pets. For these reasons there has been an incredible
reduction in the population of native wild macaws in Costa Rica, further
highlighting the importance of such a sanctuary of conservation.
The Macaw Sanctuary has the primary
purpose to conserve native, wild macaws of Costa Rica and develop a
captive management and breeding program to rescue, rehabilitate and
reintroduce them into the wild, with support from the Ministry of
Environment and Energy (MINAE), the National Police and volunteers from
civil society. Additionally, the Sanctuary facilitates programs of ecological restoration, environmental education, ecotourism and wildlife rescue.
The Macaw Sanctuary has been developing a native
forest reserve to offer as a benefit to all the animals in the region,
as well as those of the project. Since 2000, the trees we have planted have provided food, water and
habitat to hundreds of macaws, parrots, sloths, iguanas and howler
monkeys, both residents and visitors. Many migratory birds also
temporarily visit this oasis to restore their energy and continue their
continental journey. The vegetation of the sanctuary, with abundant
almond beach trees,
jobos, guasimos, senizaros also provides a permanent home for many animals in the area to find refuge.
The Macaw Sanctuary Natuwa recieves confiscated animals from the System
of National Areas of Conservation (SINAC), National Police or Fire, and
civil society volunteers. NATUWA supports the rescue, rehabilitation and liberation of the native fauna of Costa Rica.
The Macaw Sanctuary Natuwa has developed a guided, ecotourism
experience for the Costa Rican society and international public. This
personalized experience allows guests to make interesting observations
and have their questions answered. During the guided tours, guests also
learn about ecological themes focusing on the conservation of our
forests and the protection of Costa Rican fauna.
Along the trails, visitors learn about the animal species that live
in the Sanctuary – jaguars, macaws, tapirs, monkies, etc – their natural
history and the actual problems that are impacting their extinction.
The ecotourism program also serves as a bridge with the local
community, providing job opportunities and economic support so that we
can continue to rescue, maintain and rehabilitate the animals.
The tour is exclusively lead by a guide. Before entering the
sanctuary, visitors recieve an explanation of the important rules: 1.)
Do not touch the animals; 2.) Do not talk to the animals; 3.) Do not
feed the animals; 4.) Stay on the trails, etc. These rules are in place
as to not cause any stress to the animals and to make the visitor’s
experience more enjoyable.
At NATUWA, we are all animal lovers.
However, being an animal lover comes with a lot of responsibility. It is
our responsibility to direct our love in a positive manner. Loving an
animal does not mean
hugging, touching, or showing affection to an
animal, but rather having scientific knowledge of how to care for an
animal in a way that will allow it to succeed in nature.
Volunteering at NATUWA is a wonderful and unique experience that is
perfect for people of all ages and all backgrounds. Volunteers will be
able to positively impact the animals of the sanctuary, learn and
practice Spanish, meet new people from all over the world and experience
a different culture.
We need YOU! Each volunteer has a huge impact on the
lives of the animals. With volunteers, we are able to make progress on
all projects large and small. Together, we can directly improve the
lives of the animals in captivity and focus our attention towards our
rehabilitation and release efforts. All of which you can be part of! For more information please visit www.natuwa.com/volunteer
The Reproduction Program of the Scarlet Macaw (Ara macao) and Great Green Macaw (Ara ambiguus)
provides opportunities for the animals to learn the necessary skills
for eventual liberation in their natural environments. These skills are
only learned through limited interaction with humans, something that
many of the confiscated macaws did not have prior. The macaws that are
born at the Macaw Sanctuary Natuwa learned these important skills from
their parents and other macaws at the project.
The Sanctuary has modern infrastructure
for each animal that inhabits the refuge either temporarily or
permanently that goes beyond the requirements requested by Costa Rican
wildlife laws.
Enclosures generate the ideal space to
promote physical and mental health of non-releasable animals to live
together in dignity while in captivity. We also have management
infrastructure that allows the rehabilitation of animals that are most
fortunate to be prepared for later release into the natural environment
for which they belong.
Currently the Macaw Sanctuary NATUWA has:
1. Area for keeping animals
2. Neonatal care
3. Veterinary clinic
4. Quarantine zone
5. Food preparation area
6. Residential area
7. Large enclosures that allow uninterrupted flight (200m circumference)
Macaw Sanctuary NATUWA, is located in the Communities of Aranjuez and Pithaya, Province of Puntarenas.
- Sanctuary Rules for volunteers.
- No smoking inside or outside the facilities (Very Important).
- Do not talk to animals.
- Do not feed the animals (outside feeding time).
- When taking pictures, the use of flash is prohibited.
- The use of any type of drug is prohibited.
- Alcoholic beverages are not allowed.
- Be respectful of the staff of the sanctuary (sexual harassment, racism, homophobia or xenophobia will not be tolerated).
- Do not allow strangers (outsiders) to enter the sanctuary.
- Follow the safety rules according to the activity (gloves, helmet, eyeglasses, boots, pants).
- Do not carry any electronic device during working time (Cell phones and camaras).
- Insect repellents containing DEET are strictly prohibited.