Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center
Alajuela, Costa Rica
4,7
(5.719)
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About Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center
Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center in La Garita, Alajuela, is the rescue centre that operated for decades as Zoo Ave. It cares for about 700 animals of 120 species on 14.5 hectares of forest, with two kilometres of paved, wheelchair-accessible trails. Most residents are native Costa Rican wildlife that arrived injured, orphaned or confiscated and cannot be released - tapirs, jaguars, pumas, ocelots, margays, spider and squirrel monkeys, sloths, scarlet and great green macaws, toucans, owls and raptors - alongside a smaller group of exotic species surrendered from the pet trade.
It runs a wildlife hospital, release sites and breeding programmes for endangered species, and a two-hectare mini-farm with miniature horses, a donkey, a pig, goats, sheep, rabbits and pheasants for children. Admission is treated as a donation to the centre's work. Open every day of the year, including holidays.
Visitors can park in the designated parking area near the entrance of the Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center. Parking is free, but it is advisable to arrive early during peak visiting hours to secure a spot.
- The center offers educational programs focused on conservation and animal welfare.
- Food and dining options are available on-site for visitors.
- It is recommended to wear comfortable shoes for walking along the nature trails.
- Photography is allowed, but visitors should be respectful of the animals and their habitats.
- Restroom facilities are available throughout the park.
- Home to the largest collection of bird species in Latin America.
- Originally a privately owned collection of about 50 animals.
- The center has introduced over a thousand trees to replace former coffee plantations.
- It includes a veterinary rescue center, although this area is off-limits to visitors.
- Devotes part of its activities to research and captive breeding of tropical species.
Paid Experiences
Keeper Experience
Description
Get up close with the animals and learn from the dedicated staff about their care and conservation efforts.
Behind-the-Scenes Tour
Description
Explore areas of the rescue center not open to the public and see how the animals are rehabilitated.
Animal Feeding Session
Description
Participate in feeding sessions with select animals and learn about their diets and behaviors.
Photos are illustrative and do not depict the actual experience or animals at this zoo. We do our best to keep experience details accurate, but always check with the zoo directly for the latest information.