About The Crushing Of Cages
On Saturday, April 12th, Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center celebrated its 26th annual “Cage Crushing”! The event, known in Spanish as “El Aplastamiento de Jualas”, reaffirms the center’s commitment to the hundreds of birds who come to the center every year.
These beautiful birds are brought to us in tiny cages. Many times, they are kept as pets in someone’s home. Of course, we are dedicated to the vision of birds soaring free in the sky!
The small cages used to transport birds are collected throughout the year, and are then stomped on and crushed during this annual ceremony.
This Year’s Event
About 120 rangers, students, guides, scouts, and animal lovers of all ages came to learn about the importance of taking care of wild birds. Children learned the story of Grecia, the brave toucan who was fitted for a 3D-printed prosthetic beak.
Some children already knew how brave Grecia was, and shared their knowledge with their friends.
Employees and volunteers dressed up as a parrot, puma, and titi monkey for photos.
Before the stomping began, children participated in a raffle where they won prizes like coloring books and shirts. A local troupe performed traditional Costa Rican dances.
Well over 50 cages were stomped on or crushed at this year’s event!
Get Involved
Couldn’t make it this year? You can make a difference by educating your friends on the importance of not keeping wild birds as pets!
Do you want to learn more about releasing birds like macaws and parrots back into the wild? Do you see yourself joining us at the center or release site? Read more about our internships or our new field course!
