Discover more than 700 animals in our wildlife sanctuary
Come and visit Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center, the only official Wildlife Rescue Center of Costa Rica. Your visit contributes to the conservation and protection of Costa Ricas biodiversity.
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Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center - Zoave
A unique wildlife experience
visit
Guided Tour or General Entrance
Get Involved
Become an Intern or a Volunteer
Donate
Donate, become a Sponsor or adopt a rescued animal
We are certified
By The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS)
We are the only official
Wildlife Rescue Center
in Costa Rica
More than a wildlife rescue center
Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center (formerly Zoo Ave) is a 100 % Costa Rican non-profit foundation dedicated to conserving the country’s wildlife. The animal sanctuary and wildlife rehabilitation center is the oldest of its kind with over 30 years of experience in rehabilitating and releasing wildlife, preserving habitat and providing lifetime care for the animals that could not survive on their own in the wild.
Who we are
Current Projects we need your help with
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Food and Veterinary Care
For the first time in Costa Rica’s history, a female manatee calf was rescued alive after being found stranded in Tortuguero — thanks to a joint effort by SINAC, SENASA, UNA, BOENA, and Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center.
Now in specialized care, her recovery is delicate. As a dependent calf, she requires a special milk formula essential for survival — each 5-lb package costs around $150.
Saving her means protecting one of Costa Rica’s most emblematic and endangered species. Every donation helps provide the care she needs — and gives hope for the future of manatees in the country.
Wildlife Rescue Center & veterinary clinic
Last year, our rehabilitation center has received more orphaned monkeys than ever before. Habitat loss, deforestation, and human activities are leaving these vulnerable creatures without their families or the skills they need to survive. Every monkey that arrives at our center requires specialized care, including food, medical attention, and rehabilitation to help them thrive in a safe environment. With your support, we can give these little ones a second chance at life.
Goal $ 5,000
Wildlife Rescue Center & veterinary clinic
Last year we have received over 2,600 animals, of which nearly 1,000 were babies, nestlings, or fledglings adorable babies each year — from sloths and monkeys to birds and reptiles. Incubators are crucial for their development. These aren’t just for the newborns; they’re also a lifeline for animals in critical conditions. Together we can make a difference between life and death for them.
#HelpUsHelpThem
Goal $ 5,000
Have you met our Capybaras?
We were rescued in May 2025 after authorities confiscated us from men transporting us in a plastic box inside a car. We were likely being smuggled from Panama to Nicaragua, but our exact origin and the conditions we were kept in remain unknown. ...
What makes us different
Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center is one of the most respected and reputable sanctuaries in all of Costa Rica. For decades, we have dedicated ourselves to the rehabilitation and reintroduction of native animals. We feel strongly that limited interference and human handling is what is best for wild animals, and do our best to give permanent residents the most natural life possible. These are our projects that make us different:
Veterinary Hospital and Rehabilitation Center
Sanctuary
We care for about 650 animals that cannot be returned to the wild.
It is the only project open to the public!
3 Release Sites
We have 3 release sites throughout the country: La Garita, Bosque Econdido Nicoya Peninsula and San Josecito next to Pierdra Blancas National Park
Breeding Programs for endangered species
We run various breeding programs to be released back into the wild like Scarlet Macaws, Great Green Macaws, Great Curassows and more on the roadmap
Educational Programs
We run different programs, where you can learn about the conservation of Flora and Fauna of Costa Rica
Work with Costa Rica's wildlife
Veterinary interns work directly with our highly experienced veterinarian and our rehabilitation staff. Over 3,000 animals are admitted to the rescue center on an annual basis and include orphans, injured animals, electrocutions, confiscations and surrendered pets. Additionally, there are over 800 non-releasable wild animals in our sanctuary that require medical management. Veterinary interns assist with with animal intakes, exams, treatments, surgeries, feeding and record keeping.
Visitor Reviews
Our Sponsors
You Make Dreams Come True: Heartfelt Thanks to Our Incredible Sponsors!
We extend our deepest gratitude to the amazing sponsors who stand by us in our mission to protect and preserve wildlife. Your generosity empowers us to make a difference, one animal at a time. Thank you for being the heroes in our story, ensuring a future where nature thrives. Together, we're creating a legacy of compassion and conservation. Your support is the heartbeat of our sanctuary, and for that, we are truly thankful.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What to expect on your visit at Rescate Wildlife
What are your opening hours?
We are open every day from 9:00am to 5:00pm, every day of the year! You can also find our opening hours HERE.
Do you have a parking lot?
Yes we have a free private parking lot. Our staff will guide you to a free spot for your car. Find our more about your visit here.
What age is considered a child?
Children are from 2 years old to 12 years old. Below 2 years old are free, and 13 years old would be considered an adult rate. For more information click HERE.
Do I need to make a reservation ahead of time?
For a regular entrance you do not need to reserve ahead of time, but if you are interested in a guided tour, you do need an online reservation. Here is the link to our reservation platform: TICKETS & TOURS
Can I bring my own food?
Yes, there is not problem for you to bring in food to enjoy a snack or a picnic. We ask that you not bring in any alcoholic beverages nor grills for BBQ, camp stoves, or similar cooking devices.
Can I bring in my pets?
No, we do not allow pets. We have a lot of animals that are roaming wild, including Iguanas, peacocks and other birds. For the safety of your animals and ours it is not permitted to bring in any pets.
Can I bring my service animal?
Yes, you can bring in service animals, as long as you have the appropriate documentation and the animals are identified as so.
Is there a restaurant?
Yes, we have a restaurant onsite which is open from 9:00am to 5:00pm as well. The restaurant is open to the public, you do not need to visit the sanctuary in order to eat there. Would you like to get more information and see the menu? Click HERE.
Is there WIFI?
Yes, we have free wifi in various parts of the sanctuary, including the main entrance and restaurant. There is not wifi on all of the trails.
Can I pet or feed the animals?
No, these are wild animals and we do not permit any interactions with them. Our animals are well looked after and fed a nutritious diet, feeding them can cause health issues, or unwanted or unsafe interactions. Please respect them by keeping your distance. If we find that anyone is feeding or touching the animals we do reserve the right to escort them out of the property.
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