Did you know that we’re
the only wildlife rehabilitation veterinary hospital in Costa Rica?
Here at Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center, a vital part of our wildlife rehabilitation program is our Hospital!
The hospital is equipped with a laboratory, x-ray machine, ultrasound machine, infrared camera, a micro laser which is all essential for our team to assist the animals back to their life in the wild!
Within our hospital, we have separate areas dedicated to various species groups, including Monkeys, Birds, Mixed Mammals, Reptiles, Aquatic Birds, and Birds of Prey. This division is paramount for effective disease control, minimizing stress (by ensuring predator and prey are kept separate), and tailoring each area to cater specifically to the unique needs of the species in our care.
If you find a wild animal in need, check our page. Follow the wildlife rehabilitation steps we provide.
What happens after an animals arrival at Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center - Zoave?
When wild animals arrive at a rescue center, a thorough health check is not just a routine procedure—it’s a crucial step in their journey to recovery. These assessments serve multiple purposes, from identifying injuries and illnesses to prioritizing urgent cases. They help prevent disease spread, provide valuable data for tailored care, and ensure each animal’s specific needs are met.
Quarantining incoming animals at rescue centers is crucial for the well-being of both the animals and the center’s population. Generally speaking our quarantine period takes 2 to 6 weeks, but depends on the species, the animals state, injury or illness.
This practice helps control the spread of diseases, allows close monitoring of an animal’s health, reduces stress, prevents cross-contamination of toxins or contaminants, enables individualized care, and ensures compliance with legal requirements. In essence, quarantine is a vital step in the rehabilitation process
After the quarantine period in a rescue center, the next steps for an animal depend on several factors, including its health and illness, species and age. Here’s what typically happens after quarantine:
1. Health Assessment: The animal undergoes another thorough health examination to ensure it is disease-free and physically fit. This assessment helps determine its readiness for the next phase.
2. Rehabilitation: If the animal was admitted due to an injury or illness, it undergoes a rehabilitation process to regain strength, agility, and natural behaviors. This may include physical therapy, exercise, and proper nutrition.
3. Behavioral Evaluation: Behavioral assessments are conducted to determine if the animal can adapt to a life in the wild. Some animals may need more time to redevelop essential survival skills.
During this phase, animals are carefully introduced to compatible conspecifics, promoting essential social interactions and behavioral development. This process allows them to regain natural social skills and behaviors critical for their survival in the wild. Our expert caregivers closely monitor these interactions, ensuring the well-being and comfort of each individual.
The „Training & Survival Testing“ phase is a critical component of our wildlife rehabilitation process, building on the progress achieved through grouping and socialization. During this step, animals undergo intensive training to develop the essential survival skills necessary for their successful return to the wild.
This phase is a dynamic blend of physical conditioning, behavior reinforcement, and environmental acclimatization. Animals learn to forage for food, evade predators, and navigate their natural habitat, often in a controlled environment. It’s a transformative journey where they become adept at identifying threats, recognizing food sources, and adapting to real-world challenges.
This training period serves as a vital ‚survival test‘ to assess each animal’s readiness for release. Those displaying the necessary skills, independence, and ability to thrive in their natural environment move on to the final stage, where they embark on their journey back to the wild.
However, some animals may not meet the criteria for release due to health or behavioral issues. In such cases, they find a permanent and loving home within our Lifetime Care Sanctuary. Additionally, animals with particular significance for breeding programs supporting endangered species contribute to vital conservation efforts.
Find out what happens next in its path through our Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center after the Rehabilitations process.
