Who we are?
Since 2009 Costa Rica Animal Rescue Center has been providing unparalleled preservation, rehabilitation and treatment for recovered wildlife animals.
We began the rescue center on the island of Moin in Limon, Costa Rica. Along with treating, rehabilitating and reintroducing poached and injured wildlife back into their natural habitat, we also focused our efforts on preserving the shoreline which is a very important leatherback turtle nesting ground. Our original founding team was Marielos Morice, Bernal Lizano and Biologist Jairo Mora. They set the vision for the rescue center and was a driving force for the success of the center as a premier Wildlife Rescue Center.
In 2016, the Center was forced to move to our current location because the Government of Costa Rica decided to build a large cargo terminal which encompassed our property and most of the island. Although we fought hard to preserve the protected shoreline, rainforest and natural animal corridor in Moin, we were displaced due to this large government project which we were unable to fight against.
We are now located in beautiful Cebadilla, Turrucares de Alajuela. A secluded non-urban location on the outskirts of the central valley, one hour from the Pacific coast. Our location is perfect for animals recovering from trauma, as it is away from any urban noise and traffic.
We are a fully non-profit and government sanctioned center for the recovery and treatment of wildlife in Costa Rica.
What we do?
We strive to provide the best care for recovering wildlife
animals which are brought to us by environmental government
organizations MINAE, SINAC as well as concerned individuals that have
spotted injured or poached animals.
We have a fully functioning animal hospital with diagnostic, surgical and recovery equipment staffed by a full-time certified veterinarian.
We hire full-time Coordinators to ensure the proper allocation of resources and volunteers
Our volunteer program is known worldwide as a hands-on care for animals organization.
Where we work?
We are located 30 minutes from Juan Santamaria (SJO) airport during non-rush hour periods.
We are in the southern part of the province of Alajuela, outside the Central Valley urban areas. As such, it is a quiet location with beautiful natural landscape and a river running through the property. Perfect for the animals recovering.
Our location has a moderate climate with slight humidity. No need for a warm clothing, however none of the heat and humidity at the coast.
Our location is safe with the owners of the center living on the premises as well.
Our mission/vision
Costa Rica Animal Rescue center strives to be the premier wildlife rescue and rehabilitation center in Costa Rica, providing state-of-the-art care and recovery for animals and providing education and life-changing experiences for volunteers in order to promote conservation and sustainability worldwide.
Our goals
- To provide the best care and rehabilitation possible to rescued wildlife for reintroduction into the wild.
- To host and educate volunteers from around the world to provide life-changing experiences to promote conservation and preservation.
Who are we looking for?
We are looking for motivated volunteers that are curious, motivated and energetic, with a passion for the environment and willing to learn.
Why choose us?
We are a small but well-established wildlife rescue center that has been operating continuously for more than 14 years. We are not a large corporate tourist center, and are not located in an urban setting. We are a working rescue center where volunteers are expected to contribute to the care and feeding of animals. Many of our volunteers are repeat visitors with average stays being several months long, although that is not required. Our center is family owned and operated and we are fully vested in the recovery of wildlife and the volunteer's experience.