English  |  Español

Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary

Project Focus:
Animal Welfare & Environment

Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary is a non-profit organization dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and release of injured, sick and orphaned wildlife here in Costa Rica. Our ultimate objective is to assist in the recovery and release of native wildlife. We provide high quality veterinary treatment to all animals entering the facility. We have a well-equipped veterinary clinic and employ a qualified and experienced veterinary team to ensure our work follows veterinary protocols and best practice. We operate a 24 hour emergency response service, have quarantine facilities for new arrivals, a nursery area for the very young and isolated pre-release enclosures for soon to be released wildlife.

Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary also provides lifetime accommodation and care to animals that cannot be released. Many of the resident animals living in the sanctuary have been kept in poor conditions as pets and developed behavioral disorders, so cannot return to the wild. Others have become too used to people and do not know how to forage for food or avoid natural predators. Some animals have sustained permanent physical disabilities due to collisions with vehicles, buildings or electricity cables and cannot be returned to the wild. Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary offers these resident animals a comfortable and safe environment in captivity, whilst providing for their physical, mental and social needs.

Another of our objectives is to serve as an educational center for local, national and international visitors, community groups and schools, colleges and universities. We believe that education is a key component for improving human-wildlife co-existence, to ensure the diverse range of wildlife inhabiting Costa Rica, and around the world, is maintained for future generations. Our long-term goal is to reduce human related wildlife injuries via awareness raising, scientific research and implementing mitigation strategies.

Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary is funded solely by donations, our volunteer program and daily sanctuary tours. 100% of these funds are spent on the care and rehabilitation of the animals and the daily operational costs of Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary. Due to an ever-increasing number of injured animals, continuous loss of natural habitat, abandoned babies and confiscation of illegal pets, we are continually striving to expand and improve the facilities available for wildlife rehabilitation.

We receive animals from all over the southern part of Costa Rica, from concerned citizens, visitors, and through MINAE (Ministerio de Ambiente y Energía). We have an excellent volunteer program that brings people from around the world. They assist in all of the daily tasks of the sanctuary and rehab center; cleaning enclosures, feeding animals, infant care, cleaning of the grounds, enrichment for all animals, enclosure furniture updates, browse collection, and so much more. We are so grateful for all of these generous people and couldn't get by without their help also.

Click to view gallery.