At Rescate Wildlife we have 3 different release sites that are essential to our success. Each release site is a reforested area, that has a different climate and habitat to accommodate the different species of animals within the country. This is vital in protecting our natural biodiveristy and giving our animals a safe place to return back to the wild.
Dulce Nombre, La Garita, Alajuela
Rescate Wildlife in Alajuela, La Garita serves also as a release site for wildlife that is native to the central valley. Located on 14 hectares (34 acres) of premontane humid secondary forest, which was originally a coffee farm that has been reforested and transformed into what it is today. The property also boarders the Itiquis river, which connects and is part of the Biological Interurban Corridor Garcimuñoz. There are various different species that are released in this area; birds such as grey hawks, clay coloured thrush, Hoffmann woodpeckers, crested caracara, and even little neotropical screech owls. Various species of snakes, as well as Iguanas and small mammals. It is also home to our lifetime care Sanctuary, endangered species breeding Program (CRAVE) as well as the rehabilitation center and veterinary hospital.
Bosque Escondido
Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center developed and manages the Bosque Escondido Wildlife Refuge. The refuge encompasses almost 809 hectares (2,000 acres) of dry tropical forest on the Nicoya Peninsula and is closed to the public. The Dry Tropical Forest is one of the most threatened terrestrial environments in Costa Rica and one of the rarest in Latin America. Bosque Escondido serves as our Northern release site for many of the animals that we rehabilitate. Thousands of animals have been released at this site, the most notable of which are Scarlet Macaws, Great Curassows, and Geoffrey’s Spider Monkeys. All three species became extinct on the Nicoya Peninsula in the 1960s. The Geoffrey’s spider monkey we have released now form three troops of more than 140 animals and we have bred, raised and released over 400 Great Curassows. Every year, we spend over $75,000 to keep the Bosque Escondido running. Every dollar goes to defending this forest and the animals who call it home.
San Josecito, Golfo Dulce
Our Southern release site bordering the 140-square-kilometer Piedras Blancas National Park and facing the Osa Peninsula, is a 13 hectare (32 acres) humid tropical rainforest. The release site is located in one of the most important conservation priority areas and one of the most biodiverse places on earth! This facility is closed to the public. Many thousands of animals have been released at this site, the most notable being the endangered Central American Squirrel Monkey (Saimiri oerstedii oerstedii) and more than 330 scarlet macaws. Both species became locally extinct in Piedras Blancas National Park in the 1950s. More than $50,000 a year is needed to keep San Josecito Wildlife Refuge running.
Become a Road to Freedom Intern at Rescate Wildlife
Be part of wildlife on their road to freedom
This internship gives you the unique opportunity to not only see, but to play an active part in what we call: The Road to Freedom. Our Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center receives hundreds of animals that have been rescued from the pet trade, injured, sick, or orphaned. It is at Bosque Escondido on the Nicoya Peninsula that we see the fruition of our team’s hard work, and aid the animals in their release and their second chance at life in the wild, the final step on their Road to Freedom.
Want to be surrounded by wildlife, tropical forest off the path and help us release and monitor animals?
After arrival at the release site, the animals are getting identified, weight and visually checked.
Once this is done, the animals are placed in spacious pre-release enclosures.
In Nicoya they will stay 90 days (3 months) in a large enclosure like this one in order to get used to the enviroment and acclimatize. Since Costa Rica has different microclimates areas, it is important they get adapted e.g. to a more humid environment.
After 3 months we begin to release the first parrots. We identify which ones are paired (they stay together longer) and we release one of them first, which we call Pioneer, while we call the other Anchor.
The Pioneer scouts the area for food, water, and shelter while staying close to its mate. After a few days, we release the other parrot—the anchor—allowing them to teach each other where to find what they need to survive.
Gradually, over the next few weeks, we release the entire group using this method called soft release.
After releasing the animals, we closely monitor their progress. Most adapt seamlessly, but in some exceptional cases, like former pets, the transition back to the wild isn’t as smooth. These animals may wander into human-inhabited areas in search of food, displaying unusual behaviors if they’re unsuccessful. In such instances, we carefully recapture and transport them back to our Sanctuary in Alajuela. There, they receive lifelong care in spacious, natural enclosures that closely resemble their native habitats. Our priority is to ensure their well-being, even if the wild isn’t where they fit best.
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 Sulara the jaguar by giving a monthly or single donation.
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By sponsoring our sanctuary, you become a vital lifeline for our precious wildlife. Join our community!
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Help us reproduce and release Scarlet Macaws and Great Green Macaws! Make a donation today!
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.
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