Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center — Attraction in Garita

We wanted to do something worthwhile and interesting close to San Jose on our last day in CR, and decided to book a tour at Rescate because I had heard they were a real-deal wildlife rescue. We wanted to see animals, of course, but also to have our money go to support a good cause and not contribute to certain animal welfare issues created by the tourist industry. Not only was Rescate huge, beautiful, and full of interesting animals (which could not be released for one reason or another), but the tour was so informative. Our guide was friendly and nice, and we could tell she was devoted to the Rescate mission and values.

They really do put the animals first here. Animals brought to the rescue are rehabilitated and carefully released whenever possible, and only those animals that are too injured, too used to people, or too potentially dangerous stay at the rescue center. Visitors are not allowed into the wildlife hospital and are not allowed to touch any of the animals. The animals are also not forced to be on display at all times, with their large enclosures allowing them to move out of sight when they desire to do so. It was really nice to see the animals' comfort valued above visitors' curiosity.

It was also really interesting learning about the animal trade in Costa Rica and what is being done to end it, as well as hearing different individual animals' stories. I highly recommend visiting and taking the guided tour, which is very reasonably priced. There are places to sit and grab a popcicle, a restaurant and a gift shop too if that's your jam, so there is a little something for...

We’ve visited several wildlife centers while in Costa Rica. In comparison, the Rescate Wildlife Center comes out on top. What we loved: there are many animals that free roam and are not in cages: toucans, many birds, iguanas from small to huge, peacocks, and capybaras. We were recently in another “rescue center” where the iguanas were kept in 2’ x 3’ glass boxes as if they’re in a museum. Since iguanas are everywhere in Costa Rica, why not let them roam? At the other location, the animals were in concrete enclosures with fake trees and rocks. The animals, especially the monkeys, looked very bored and sad. Here at Rescate, however, the enclosures are very large and completely natural. Yes, you have to spend some time looking and waiting to see some of them. But the animals seem to be much more in their element. The jaguar moved around. The coyotes howled. The monkeys chased each other. Iguanas and small birds easily came in and out of the other animals’ enclosures. Some of the parrots were rescue parrots and they actually speak Spanish words. Compared to zoos in the US, this place is wild. Seeing the loose iguanas is a bit unnerving at first, as is the stench of the wild boar. But seeing animals coexist while living in their natural habitat is priceless. Where else will you see iguanas, chickens, and bunnies eating out of the same bowl? This is probably the way all zoos should be: wild and totally natural. It has restaurants, cafes, and restrooms of course too, so it’s not primitive in any way. The walkways are wide and paved by the way, unlike other centers which were muddy...

Visited here with 2 other wildlife lovers/volunteers and we were very impressed by their grounds and facilities as well as their respect, care, and concern for wildlife. Amy led us on a nearly 2 hour tour and shared many facts and stories about the animals. She also shared about Rescate's history, mission, and rehabilitation efforts. The grounds are naturally forested and enclosures are spacious and allow for a natural environment and privacy for the animals. Only animals who cannot be safely released are permantly kept, cared for, and able to be seen by visitors. This is just one of the ways they show respect for wildlife. They also have a special area for senior Macaws, mainly former pets, so they can live out their lives as naturally as possible, with lots of space, great care, and socialization with other birds. In addition to rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing hundreds of native wild animals every year, they also accept and care for any and all turtles, native or not, who are no longer wanted as pets. This not only saves their lives, but also prevents them from being abandoned or released into ponds where they could disrupt or destroy native wildlife and plant species. Rescate gives me hope for the future. They not only prioritize the individual animals in their care by providing them safety, space, stimulation, and good care before hopefully being able to release them back to the wild, but they are also concerned about entire species and involved in efforts to reestablish wild populations of Macaws and...