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Renowned for its remarkable biodiversity, Costa Rica is a sanctuary for captivating wildlife species. From its lush rainforests to coastal expanses, diverse ecosystems nurture an array of creatures. The intelligence and comprehension displayed by these species have perpetually intrigued scientists and nature enthusiasts. Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Costa Rican wildlife and experience the delicate balance of its ecosystems, a testament to the beauty of nature’s intricacy.
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Adopt Mango Troop!
Lo sentimos, los paquetes de adopción solo están disponibles en inglés. From as little as 20¢ per day you can make a difference to all of the monkeys in our care. Every year hundreds of howler monkeys are electrocuted on uninsulated power lines and transformers. The...
The Day a Bird Named “Captain Crunch” Came Into Our Lives
I have been self-isolating with my family in the Costa Rica jungle for weeks now. The sun is just starting to peek its head over the mountain as I enjoy my first sip of hot Costa Rican coffee. Beaches have been closed for what seems like forever. The normal sounds of...
Monkey Rescue: Owen’s Recovery Miracle
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] More than 70% of the howler monkeys rescued at Refuge for Wildlife are injured due to unsafe power distribution equipment. It is a very sad fact that most cannot survive the gruesome wounds caused by electrocution. Almost half are...
Turning Sea Turtle Poachers into Protectors
Photo above: Volunteer biologist Nancy Tankersley reaches into a fresh turtle nest to scoop out the eggs before poachers do. Photo: Nancy Tankersley. Poachers got to the nest in Playa Lagartillo first. Where there should have been dozens of sea turtle eggs buried in the beach, there was just a hole. The eggs had been stolen by human hands, to be sold on the black market as aphrodisiacs (a myth).
Refuge for Wildlife Animal Rescue
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Refuge for Wildlife Animal Rescue. Many areas of Guanacaste are experiencing a surge in human development. Fragmented habitats and electricity installations are causing wildlife deaths and injuries. Electrical cables provide an...
Conchal National Mixed Wildlife Refuge: Connecting with Nature and Each Other
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Tucked away in the back corner of Reserva Conchal is an untouched paradise, providing an essential habitat for migratory birds, traveling monkeys and endangered species. It was an idyllic setting recently for Howler Troop members to...
Las Pumas Animal Rescue Center Not Responsible for Cross-Species Love
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] I knew we would see big cats when we went to the Las Pumas animal rescue center in Cañas, Costa Rica. I didn’t know we would see a collared peccary in love with a three-legged deer. But there they were in the same enclosure, the...
Wildlife Rescue: Turtle in Trouble
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Wildlife Rescue Turtle in Trouble: As some Howler readers may be aware, my final year of veterinarian training was focused on wildlife rescue before I established my current practice in Guanacaste. I was interested in that specialty...
Monkey Poop Bombs Away!
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Monkey throwing poop – bombs away: Howler monkeys are what visitors to the Gold Coast typically like to see up close and personal. However, howlers are arboreal — that is, they spend most of their lifetime high up in the branches of...
Jaguars Have Crucial Place in Ecosystem
Jaguars are the largest feline species in Costa Rica and the third-largest on the planet, next to lions and tigers. Average size varies by geographic location, with larger jaguars tending to live in habitats further south. Male jaguars are generally about 20 percent...
