Costa Rica is known world-wide for its conservation efforts that protect its rich biodiversity. With policies such as its recent ban on recreational hunting, it is no question that the country is especially passionate about saving its wildlife.

Here at Outward Bound Costa Rica, we are lucky to have opportunities to explore Costa Rica and enjoy the beauty of its animals. Recently, Marketing Manager Allison took a trip to the Province of Limón, where she visited the Jaguar Rescue Center. Learn more about the efforts of this amazing facility.

Jaguar Rescue Center

This center was founded by two biologists back in 1993 and is located on Playa Chiquita, near Puerto Viejo de Talamanca on the Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica. It is not a zoo, but rather a place where injured animals that have been rescued can be rehabilitated, in hopes of a reintroduction into the wild. Through its programs, the center’s staff educates locals and tourists alike about the proper treatment of animals and their fragile habitats. Many animals have been abused by owners who have tried to domesticate them, separated from their mothers who were killed by hunters or poachers, or injured from a car accident or confrontation with a pet or human. While some only suffer from minor complications that can been fixed, others have sustained such grave injuries that they will never be able to be released into the wild again.

The Jaguar Rescue Center gives tours, and the proceeds of which go to the feeding and general care of the animals and their temporary habitat. There are other ways to give back to these animals, such as giving money to their Help Us Help Them donation program and working as a volunteer at the center.