The Jaguar Rescue Center in Puerto Viejo is a great way to spend a few hours during your visit to the Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica.
Not only will you get to see a large sample of the animals that live in the area, but you will also get to learn about these jungle natives and support the efforts of the center to rehabilitate them and return them to the wild when possible.
There Were No Jaguars During Our Visit, But This Young Ocelot (Dwarf Leopard) Was On The Scene
Colorful Snake Slithers By
One Of Many Resident Toucans Flying Free At The Jaguar Rescue Center
The Jaguar Rescue Center was opened in 2008 by Primatologist Encar Garcia and her husband Sandro Alviani. It is temporary home to an abundance of wildlife including snakes, frogs, monkeys, sloth, several types of birds.
Frogs Being Raised As Part Of The Center’s Conservation Efforts
There is also a family of deer who have made the Jaguar Rescue Center their home.
White Tailed Deer Family – Permanent Fixtures At the Jaguar Rescue Center
The program takes in animals every day. Many have been injured or orphaned.
Snakes Are Brought In To The Center On A Daily Basis
Sloth Getting Ready For Release Back Into The Wild
Birds Are Encouraged To Fly Free When They Are Able
Naturalists and volunteers work together to rehabilitate the animals and train (or retrain) them to hunt so that they can be released back into the wild if possible. The Center owns a 125 acre La Ceiba Wildlife Reserve for that purpose.
If You Are Lucky You Will Be Allowed To Play With Baby Monkeys During Your Visit
Anteater Learning To Hunt
Tree With Spiked Trunk – Part Of The Natural Environment
Tours run Monday – Saturday at 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. and cost $10.00. Visit them to learn more and support their efforts.
Or better still if you have 3 weeks to spare, carry insurance and are up to date with your vaccinations you can join the cause and become a volunteer. Learn more by visiting their site: Jaguar Rescue Center
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Here are a few related posts about travel in Costa Rica that can help inspire or plan your visit to Costa Rica:
Kathryn
Thursday 16th of February 2017
Great to see that these animals are released back into the wild wherever possible. So often places like this are just there to make money from the tourists and not for the benefit of the animals. Glad that's not the case here.
Valerie
Monday 2nd of March 2015
Oh my goodness, that sloth is adorable! I love places that rehabilatate animals and who's goal is to return them back to their home. Its such a great alternative to a zoo for animal lovers like me :)
Jenna
Sunday 1st of March 2015
This place looks amazing--I love spots like this! Will definitely have to visit sometime. Great photos! I really like the photo of the frog :)
Vicky and Buddy
Sunday 1st of March 2015
Too bad you didn't get to see any jaguars. Still looks like you had an amazing time though. I was able to go to a cheetah rescue in South Africa and it's great to learn about native creatures and the efforts being done to protect them.
Brianna
Sunday 1st of March 2015
Costa Rica's wildlife is one of my favorite parts of this gorgeous country. My hats off to the people reahbbing and caring for these animals.