Visit Our Newest Residents: Rescued Capybaras!

July 6, 2025

capybara capibara costa rica zooave rescate wildlife rescue center

Starting Saturday, July 5th, 2025, visitors to Rescate Wildlife Animal Center have the chance to meet our newest residents: Four rescued capybaras.

These animals were being trafficked and suffered from dehydration and malnutrition due to the poor conditions they were kept in. Fortunately, they are now recovering well and have been introduced to their new habitat, complete with their own small pond!

We know people are excited to see the capybaras. However, we ask people to follow the following rules:

Remain calm and quiet: Please avoid shouting, running, throwing objects, or trying to touch them through the perimeter.
Observe the animals without trying to grab their attention with big, fast gestures.
Do not give them any food…We give them all the nutritious food they need, and their diet is very carefully controlled. Giving them food they’re not supposed to eat could make them sick!
If you want to take pictures or video, please turn off the flash.

These are best practices we ask all visitors to follow when visiting our sanctuary, not just when you’re viewing the capybaras! Wild animals can be easily startled, or become ill if they eat the foods we are used to.

Why can’t we release the capybaras into the wild?

Capybaras are not native to Costa Rica. Because they are not part of this ecosystem naturally, releasing them into the wild could disrupt the natural balance. They may reproduce uncontrollably, eat food that other animals need to survive, or even become sick themselves if they can’t find all of the food and resources they need.

At Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center, we do release animals that are native to Costa Rica so that they can live a natural life. Some animals we have released include monkeys, sloths, macaws, lizards, toucans, and much more!

How do I learn more about why the capybaras are in Costa Rica?

Want to know more about these brave animals and how they were rescued? Read about them on our blog.

I’m coming to Costa Rica. Will I be able to visit Rescate?

If you’re visiting Costa Rica and fly in or out of the San José (SJO) airport, Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center is nearby. Plan your trip to see over 125 animals who live here as permanent residents, and learn about our release and breeding programs!

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.