“Uncaged” To Premier in Costa Rica

August 23, 2026

costa rica, wildlife

Short film documents closure of last Costa Rican Zoo

Did you hear about the closure of the last Costa Rican zoo? Ever wonder what happened to the animals? On September 17th, 2026 at 7 p.m., the public can learn more at the premier of “Uncaged”; a short film directed by Brian Moghari.

The viewing will be held at Cine Magaly two days after Independence Day. Four other short films will also be presented, followed by a Q&A session with Director Moghari and Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center-Zoave’s head veterinarian, Dr. Isabel Hagnauer.

“Uncaged” documents the historic moment in May 2024 when 190 animals were brought from the last state-run zoo in the country to Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center-Zoave. All of the films shown document the work involved in caring for, rehabilitating, and releasing animals into their natural environment.

“Over the last 35 years, we’ve released over 25,000 animals back into the wild,” Rescate Program Director Amy van Esch said. “Education is one of our key pillars. If we are not able to educate, then things are not going to change.”

So far, “Uncaged” has won several awards: Winner: ‘Best Tails Rescue’ at the 2025 S.O.F.A. Awards; Winner: LA Film and Documentary Awards; Winner: Best Environmental Documentary at the New York Film and Female Actress Awards; and Winner: Best Short Documentary at the Los Angeles Movie and Music Awards.

Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center-Zoave receives about 3,000 animals annually, and operates an animal hospital, three release sites, and a wildlife sanctuary in La Garita, Costa Rica.

Tickets can be purchased at Cine Magaly’s website: https://www.cinemagaly.com/seleccionar/uncaged

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.

Waves of Change Project

This project is located between Golfo Dulce’s protected marine area and the vast rainforest of Piedras Blancas National Park on the shore of Costa Rica. Studying the area’s amazing biodiversity, learning field conservation techniques and helping to return rescued wildlife back to the wild while blending scientific research with local knowledge.