The Story of Piki, our Tapir.

picture of piki the tapir in zooave 1
picture of piki the tapir in zooave 1

Why is Piki in our Sanctuary?

Piki, the tapir, is from the lush expanse of Sarapiquí. His journey to Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center Zoave began when he was discovered as a baby and taken into someones home. Despite their well-meaning intentions, they struggled to provide him with the necessary care, resulting in a profound lung infection.

By the time he arrived to Rescate, Piki didn‘t seem like he had much hope. But with the help of skilled doctors and his own strong spirit, he managed to pull through. His triumphant recovery defied the odds and stood as a testament to exceptional medical intervention.

Tragically, Piki‘s formative moments led to a bond with humans, a circumstance that complicates his reintegration into the wild. This challenge is made worse by the continuous danger of tapir hunting illegally for their meat, which makes it unsafe for Piki to go back to his natural home.


However, at our Wildlife Sanctuary, we do our best to provide Piki with the best quality of life possible.

Would you like to help? You can easily make a donation here, do an internship or just simply visit piki in our wildlife lifetime sanctuary.

Would you like to get involved yourself?

Become an Intern and have a unique wildlife experience.

Veterinary Internship

Veterinary interns work directly with our highly experienced veterinarian and our rehabilitation staff. You will assist with with animal intakes, exams, treatments, surgeries, feeding and record keeping.

Wildlife Internship​

Work hands-on in the Lifetime Care Sanctuary, Endangered Species Breeding Center and the Rescue Center, feeding animals, conducting behavioral research, and creating enriching experiences for our non-releasable animals or even clicker train our Jaguar „Guapo“.

Road to freedom Internship

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. Aid the animals in their release, monitor and research them and their second chance at life in the wild, the final step on their Road to Freedom.

Alajuela, COSTA RICA