Zoo Ave
Alajuela
Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center, formerly known as Zoo Ave, is a 14-hectare urban wildlife sanctuary located in La Garita, Alajuela, Costa Rica. It is home to the largest collection of bird species in Latin America and serves as a major conservation and rehabilitation center. Managed by the non-profit Fundación Restauración de la Naturaleza, the center focuses on rescuing injured, orphaned, and recovered animals, providing veterinary care, and breeding endangered species. Visitors can explore a main nature trail featuring various wild animal enclosures and educational displays promoting tropical habitat conservation. The site also includes a breeding center and the largest veterinary hospital in Central America, though these areas are off-limits to the public. The center plays a vital role in environmental education and species preservation, including efforts to protect emblematic animals such as manatees and various monkeys. Open daily, it offers visitors a unique opportunity to learn about Costa Rica's rich biodiversity and the importance of wildlife protection.
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Tip: The center is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. It's advisable to reserve tickets in advance through their official website to ensure entry. Visiting in the morning can be best to observe active animals and participate in educational programs. Donations and sponsorships are welcomed to support the care of rescued animals, especially orphaned wildlife requiring specialized feeding and medical attention. Be prepared for walking along nature trails and follow all guidelines to respect the animals and their habitats during your visit.
Interesting facts
- •Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center houses the largest collection of bird species in Latin America.
- •It is home to the largest veterinary hospital in Central America dedicated to wildlife.
- •The center receives over 3,000 injured or orphaned wild animals annually, including nearly 1,000 babies and juveniles.
- •It operates three release sites across Costa Rica to return rehabilitated animals to the wild.
- •The center was the first in Costa Rica to rescue a live manatee calf, a critically endangered species in the country.
History
The land of Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center was originally a coffee and sugar cane plantation.
In the early 1990s, conservationist Dennis Janik began transforming the area by planting over a thousand trees, replacing the plantations.
In 1995, the Costa Rican government officially approved the establishment of an animal rescue venture on the property.
Over the following decades, the center expanded to include a large collection of tropical bird species and other wildlife, focusing on conservation, captive breeding, and rehabilitation.
It has grown into Costa Rica's largest urban wildlife sanctuary and a leading center for environmental education and animal rescue.
Place Guide
Main Nature Trail
A walking circuit through the sanctuary showcasing a variety of wild animal enclosures and educational exhibits focused on tropical habitat conservation and animal welfare.
Contact
Phone: 2433 8989
