Costa Rica is closing its zoos!

Costa Rica has set a new standard for encouraging biodiversity and providing for the protection of native species in 2014.  The Simon Bolivar Zoo and the Santa Ana Conservation Center, the two public zoos in Costa Rica will shutter their doors and return the species residing in their exhibits to the wild and/or to animal sanctuaries if the animals cannot be released.  The parks will be converted to botanical gardens and visitors will be encouraged to enjoy wildlife in their natural environment.  

Costa Rica has a long history of protecting the multitude of species that inhabit its lush tropical forests.  Hunting and exhibition of animals in circuses is outlawed within the country’s borders.  The government has extolled the benefits of its new biodiversity measures that can be summed up with the words “no cages”.  Many environmentalists are content with the measures being put into practice, as many of the species kept in the country’s zoos can be experienced through the growing ecotourism market in Costa Rica.

Tour guides and resorts, such as our beachfront Bed and Breakfast, have put significant efforts into the ecotourism niche in recent years and many companies offer tours focused on experiencing local wildlife.  There is little doubt that wildlife will benefit in the long run from this exciting news.                

We are happy to coordinate a wildlife tour for you which may include hiking in one of our National Parks, watching sea turtles lay eggs on our local beaches or taking a boat ride down a river and seeing the exciting biodiversity that resides in the area.

Our beachfront hotel in Playa Langosta is the perfect setting for your next Costa Rica vacation.