Come and visit Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center. Your visit contributes to the conservation and protection of Costa Ricas biodiversity.
A unique wildlife experience.
visit
Guided Tour or General Entrance
Get Involved
Become an Intern or a Volunteer
Donate
Donate, become a Sponsor or adopt a rescued animal
More than a wildlife rescue center.
Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center (formerly Zoo Ave) is a 100 % Costa Rican non-profit foundation dedicated to conserving the country’s wildlife. The animal sanctuary and wildlife rehabilitation center is the oldest of its kind with over 30 years of experience in rehabilitating and releasing wildlife, preserving habitat and providing lifetime care for the animals that could not survive on their own in the wild.
Who we are
Frai Choco is a two-toed sloth who was found in Fraijanes, Alajuela. Unfortunately, Frai Choco is an orphan, and he came to Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center Zoave at just three months old. Frai Choco is named in part due to the neighborhood where he was found, and the “choco” part of his name comes from his chocolate, dark-brown fur. He lost his mom …
Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center is one of the most respected and reputable sanctuaries in all of Costa Rica. For decades, we have dedicated ourselves to the rehabilitation and reintroduction of native animals. We feel strongly that limited interference and human handling is what is best for wild animals, and do our best to give permanent residents the most natural life possible. These are our projects that make us different:
Veterinary Hospital and Rehabilitation Center
We care for about 650 animals that cannot be returned to the wild.
It is the only project open to the public!
3 Release Sites
We have 3 release sites throughout the country: La Garita, Bosque Econdido Nicoya Peninsula and San Josecito next to Pierdra Blancas National Park.
Breeding Programs for endangered species
We run various breeding
programs to be released
back into the wild like Scarlet
Macaws, Great Green
Macaws, Great Curassows
and more on the roadmap.
Educational Programs
We run different programs, where you can learn about the conservation of Flora and Fauna of Costa Rica.
Get Involved and Become a Lifesaver by becoming a sponsor, a donor, an intern or volunteering at Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center! If you visit us, you can also bring us essential goods we can not buy in Costa Rica from our Amazon Wishlist.
Current Support needed
Help us feed our wildlife like Piki the Tapir by giving a monthly or single donation.
Current Support needed
By sponsoring our sanctuary, you become a vital lifeline for our precious wildlife. Join our community!
Current Support needed
Help us reproduce and release Scarlet Macaws and Great Green Macaws! Make a donation today!
Help us on these platforms as well:
Veterinary interns work directly with our highly experienced veterinarian and our rehabilitation staff. Over 3,000 animals are admitted to the rescue center on an annual basis and include orphans, injured animals, electrocutions, confiscations and surrendered pets. Additionally, there are over 800 non-releasable wild animals in our sanctuary that require medical management. Veterinary interns assist with with animal intakes, exams, treatments, surgeries, feeding and record keeping.
Our Sponsors
You Make Dreams Come True: Heartfelt Thanks to Our Incredible Sponsors!
We extend our deepest gratitude to the amazing sponsors who stand by us in our mission to protect and preserve wildlife. Your generosity empowers us to make a difference, one animal at a time. Thank you for being the heroes in our story, ensuring a future where nature thrives. Together, we're creating a legacy of compassion and conservation. Your support is the heartbeat of our sanctuary, and for that, we are truly thankful.
Frequently asked questions
What to expect on your visit at Rescate Wildlife.
We are open every day from 9:00am to 5:00pm, every day of the year! You can also find our opening hours HERE.
Yes we have a free private parking lot. Our staff will guide you to a free spot for your car. Find our more about your visit here.
Children are from 2 years old to 12 years old. Below 2 years old are free, and 13 years old would be considered an adult rate. For more information click HERE.
For a regular entrance you do not need to reserve ahead of time, but if you are interested in a guided tour, you do need an online reservation. Here is the link to our reservation platform: TICKETS & TOURS
Yes, there is not problem for you to bring in food to enjoy a snack or a picnic. We ask that you not bring in any alcoholic beverages or BBQ’s.
No, we do not allow pets. We have a lot of animals that are roaming wild, including Iguanas, peacocks and other birds. For the safety of your animals and ours it is not permitted to bring in any pets.
Yes, you can bring in service animals, as long as you have the appropriate documentation and the animals are identified as so.
Yes, we have a restaurant onsite which is open from 9:00am to 5:00pm as well. The restaurant is open to the public, you do not need to visit the sanctuary in order to eat there. Would you like to get more information and see the menu? Click HERE.
Yes, we have free wifi in various parts of the sanctuary, including the main entrance and restaurant. There is not wifi on all of the trails.
No, these are wild animals and we do not permit any interactions with them. Our animals are well looked after and fed a nutritious diet, feeding them can cause health issues, or unwanted or unsafe interactions. Please respect them by keeping your distance. If we find that anyone is feeding or touching the animals we do reserve the right to escort them out of the property.
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