CENTRO DE RESCATE JAGUAR / RESERVA NATURAL LA CEIBA

A rescue center for animals created by Encar and Sandro (unfortunately deceased since), a couple of biologists passionate about the fauna of Costa Rica. With the help of volunteers, Encar rescues and reintroduces many animals that are brought to him injured: monkeys, frogs, sloths, felines... Having discussed this with the inhabitants of the village who follow the evolution of the animals, this refuge's real vocation is to give the animals their freedom, and not to keep them in cages under this pretext to attract tourists (unfortunately this is not the case of all the refuges). All the entries to the park are used for the protection of these animals and their reintroduction. They are initially prepared for autonomy in a large reserve La Ceiba, which is also visited. When they are deemed fit to return to the wild, they can then fly on their own, and it is not uncommon for them to return one day to say hello to the refuge. You will learn a lot about the problems encountered by different species when in contact with humans or stray dogs, which are quite numerous in the region, and you will hear the touching stories of this depressed owl who found love again with a one-eyed man or of this little monkey who was electrocuted... A fascinating visit, but you can't touch any animal in the classic tour. For that, you have to join the team of volunteers if you are available three weeks in a row.