Have you met some of the animals in our new Reptile House?
The recently-opened Reptile House provides a home to snakes, turtles, lizards, and more! Just outside the Reptile House, see if you can spot our resident crocodile, Coco.
The mata mata turtle is one resident who received a new home
Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center’s female mata mata turtle is just one of many reptiles living in our new facility.
The mata mata is native to South America and has an unusually large head that resembles a leaf. This is useful in allowing the mata mata to blend into her surroundings!
However, thanks to the new glass enclosure, you’ll have no problem seeing her swim in her new pond.
How we prepared for our Reptile House
Last October, to help our devoted team at Rescate prepare to care for the animals in the Reptile House, Dr. Monika Hasenknopf and Luca Lautenschlager traveled all the way from Germany to share their expertise in animal care.
Both of these experts work in Auffangstation für Reptilien, Germany’s largest reptile rescue centre. Rescate’s devoted team received training and tips on how to create enriching enclosures for our less-furry friends.
We then used this knowledge to create and influence our brand-new facility and the care we provide! A huge thank you to our reptile-loving experts overseas.
What else is in the reptile house?
As you walk through the reptile house, you may also see recreations of indigenous artifacts found in Costa Rica, and examples of skulls from crocodiles, toucans, and other animals. You can even see a model of Toucan Grecia’s prosthetic beak!
Learn more about Grecia here.
Why do we have these reptiles?
Many of the residents in the Reptile House are non-native to Costa Rica or have a medical condition that would prevent them from successfully living in the wild, just like most of our permanent residents.
Our resident mata mata, for example, is not native to Costa Rica, and was kept as a pet before coming to Rescate.
Can you spot them all? Come see the 125 other reptiles that call Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center their home!
Buy tickets or book a tour today!
*written by volunteer Lisa Martens
