
Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center Zoo Ave
Costa Rica's premier wildlife rescue center, rehabilitating and releasing native animals. Explore lush grounds, see diverse wildlife, and support cons...

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Animals are most active

Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center Zoo Ave
Best Time
Animals are most active

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Costa Rica's premier wildlife rescue center, rehabilitating and releasing native animals. Explore lush grounds, see diverse wildlife, and support conservation.
"This place is incredible, so much wildlife and feels like a rescue center not a zoo."

🎯 Arrive Early for Best Sightings
Beat the heat and crowds by arriving at opening. Many animals are more active in the cooler morning hours. :sunrise:
☔ Be Prepared for Rain
Costa Rica weather can be unpredictable. Pack a poncho or umbrella, as rain showers are common and can lead to animals seeking shelter. :umbrella:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Sloth Spotting
Throughout the grounds
Keep an eye out for these slow-moving marvels often found hanging in trees or on ropes, a true highlight for many visitors.

Reptile House Encounters
Reptile House
Marvel at the diverse collection of snakes and other reptiles, with some visitors noting their surprisingly human-like movements.

Canopy Tours
Designated canopy tour areas
Experience the park from a different perspective with exciting canopy tours, offering unique views of the wildlife and landscape.

Interactive Animal Statues
Various photo spots
Capture fun memories with numerous animal statues scattered throughout the park, perfect for family photos.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Beyond the Zoo Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Best Sightings
Beat the heat and crowds by arriving at opening. Many animals are more active in the cooler morning hours. :sunrise:
☔ Be Prepared for Rain
Costa Rica weather can be unpredictable. Pack a poncho or umbrella, as rain showers are common and can lead to animals seeking shelter. :umbrella:
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on paved, sometimes inclined paths. Comfortable footwear is a must for exploring the 14-hectare grounds. :athletic_shoe:
🍽️ Enjoy the On-Site Restaurant
Kivu restaurant offers delicious food and refreshing juices. It's a great spot to refuel and support the center's mission. :forkandknifewithplate:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Best Sightings
Beat the heat and crowds by arriving at opening. Many animals are more active in the cooler morning hours. :sunrise:
☔ Be Prepared for Rain
Costa Rica weather can be unpredictable. Pack a poncho or umbrella, as rain showers are common and can lead to animals seeking shelter. :umbrella:
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on paved, sometimes inclined paths. Comfortable footwear is a must for exploring the 14-hectare grounds. :athletic_shoe:
🍽️ Enjoy the On-Site Restaurant
Kivu restaurant offers delicious food and refreshing juices. It's a great spot to refuel and support the center's mission. :forkandknifewithplate:
📸 Photo Ops Galore
Beyond the wildlife, find plenty of animal statues for fun photos. Great for families and memorable souvenirs. :camerawithflash:
🤝 Support the Mission
Your entry fee, food, and souvenir purchases directly fund wildlife rehabilitation and conservation efforts. :heart:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center for its vital conservation work and the immersive experience it offers. Many highlight the beautiful grounds, the visible and healthy wildlife, and the delicious food at Kivu restaurant. It's highly recommended for families, couples, and solo travelers alike, offering a feel-good visit that directly supports animal welfare.
"The highlight of my kids trip. We hit this on the last day and were so happy to find security watching the cars until close since we had to travel with luggage before spending our night in SJ, but wanted to do something chill for the kids. This place is incredible, so much wildlife and feels like a rescue center not a zoo. Even though the animal sightings are amazing and several species are out in the open or wandering the park. We don’t use a guide but a guide pointed out a sloth moving across a rope for the kids. It was super rainy and stormy so my ponchos finally got put to good use and barely anyone was out, felt like we had the place to ourselves. Much of the animals were hiding from the rain and you could see them. Then they all came out after the rain and looking for dinner. We got to only spend maybe 3 hours here but we stayed until the last minute and ran around to circle the park close to twice. It was big! Would definitely recommend to families, couples, solo travelers. Such a treat. Tons of photo ops with all the animal statues too. We felt like we were in the jungle. Some covered areas in the snake center and some other spots was nice when lightning got strong."
Caitlin Fendler
"If you have a few hours to explore in the San Jose area, I highly recommend spending your time at Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center. This is not a zoo, but a rehabilitation center for injured animals. There is however an area for young children to interact with various domestic animals. My wife and I arrived at opening time. 9:00am and left at 2:00. We are both senior citizens, so that may account for some of the time, there are lots of benches to sit for a while and observe the animals. Most of the paved paths have some degree of incline (after all this is Costa Rica)
We did not take the guided tour, felt like we probably could not keep up with the pace, but I’m sure from other reviews that we read that it’s worth spending the money to do so. Another reason we were there until 2:00 was the on-site restaurant Kivu, although they serve breakfast, we wanted to explore first and then have lunch. Huge menu of appetizers, main course, and some desserts.
Cost for entry, lunch, and souvenirs, were all reasonable, when you consider that the profit from all of these income sources, is part of what allows Rescate to do what they do.
PS food and service both were very good. All employees that we interacted with, were polite and courteous."
Mac Harris
"A beautiful sanctuary doing very important work. Visitors help fund their hospital and mission. You will feel good for visiting and buying food and/or souvenirs during your visit. The grounds are beautiful. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable. Highly recommend!"
Alan Ryan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center is located in La Garita, Alajuela, a short drive from San Jose. Taxis or ride-sharing services are readily available and convenient. If you're renting a car, it's easily accessible via the highway. Many visitors find it a perfect stop if they have a few hours to explore the San Jose area.
Yes, parking is available. Some reviews mention security watching cars until closing, which is a nice touch for visitors who might have luggage before heading to their next destination.
Absolutely! It's a highly recommended activity if you have a few hours to spare in the San Jose area. It's a manageable size for a half-day visit, allowing you to see a good portion of the center.
The park has paved paths, some with inclines, so comfortable walking shoes are essential. While there are benches to rest, the best way to experience the wildlife is by walking the grounds.
The park has paved paths, but some have inclines, which is typical for Costa Rica. While there are benches for resting, visitors with mobility concerns should be prepared for some uneven terrain.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry fees are reasonable and contribute directly to the center's conservation and rehabilitation efforts. The cost is considered a good value considering the important work the center does.
While online booking isn't explicitly mentioned, it's always a good idea to check their official website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date ticketing information.
The center is typically open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, but it's best to confirm the exact hours on their official website before your visit, especially around holidays.
Many visitors highly recommend taking a guided tour. Guides like Eduardo are knowledgeable and share fascinating, often poignant, stories about the animals' rescue journeys, which you might miss otherwise.
Information on specific discounts isn't readily available, but it's worth checking their website or inquiring at the entrance for any potential offers, especially for students or seniors.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can see a variety of Costa Rican wildlife, including sloths, monkeys, birds, reptiles, and various mammals. The center focuses on rehabilitating native species.
Yes, it's a highlight for kids! There's an area for young children to interact with domestic animals, and the visible wildlife provides constant fascination. The animal statues are also a hit.
While it's a rescue center, there's a designated area for young children to interact with domestic animals. Direct interaction with the wildlife is generally not permitted to ensure their well-being.
The weather can be unpredictable, with frequent rain showers. It's advisable to bring rain gear. Some areas, like the reptile house, offer covered shelter during storms.
The center occasionally hosts events, such as acoustic concerts. It's a good idea to check their social media or website for any upcoming activities during your visit.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the on-site restaurant, Kivu, is highly praised for its delicious food and refreshing fresh juices. They serve breakfast and lunch.
Kivu offers a huge menu with appetizers, main courses, and desserts. Visitors rave about the quality and taste of the food, especially the fresh juices.
The prices for food and souvenirs are considered reasonable, especially when you consider that the profits directly support the center's mission.
Information on outside food and drinks isn't specified, but it's generally recommended to support the on-site dining options that contribute to the center's funding.
While specific dietary options aren't detailed, the extensive menu at Kivu likely offers choices that can accommodate various dietary preferences. It's best to inquire directly with the restaurant staff.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire park offers numerous photo opportunities, from the wildlife itself to the lush landscape and the fun animal statues. The reptile house and areas with visible sloths are popular.
Yes, photography of the animals is generally allowed, but always be respectful and avoid using flash, which can disturb them. Remember, it's a rescue center, so prioritize the animals' well-being.
No specific restrictions are mentioned, but common sense applies. Avoid intrusive behavior that might stress the animals. Some areas might have signage regarding photography.
Even during rain, you can capture unique shots. The covered areas offer protection, and the post-rain emergence of animals can be a photographic highlight.
While not explicitly advertised, the knowledgeable guides, like Eduardo who also takes beautiful photos, can offer insights that might enhance your photographic experience.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
❤️ Couples & Solo Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Mission: More Than Just a Zoo
Visitors play a vital role in this mission. The revenue generated from entry fees, the on-site restaurant (Kivu), and souvenir purchases directly funds the center's hospital, veterinary care, and habitat preservation efforts. This means that every visit contributes to saving wildlife. The center is recognized as the only official wildlife rescue center in Costa Rica, underscoring its importance in the country's conservation landscape.
This focus on rescue and rehabilitation means that while many animals are visible and healthy, some may be in recovery or have permanent disabilities that prevent their release. This provides a unique opportunity for visitors to learn about the challenges faced by wildlife and the importance of conservation efforts.
Navigating the Grounds: What to Expect
While many animals are visible and roam freely or are housed in open enclosures, it's important to remember that some may be seeking shelter from the sun or rain, or are in quieter recovery phases. Arriving early in the morning or shortly after a rain shower often yields the best opportunities for animal sightings, as they tend to emerge to forage. The center also offers canopy tours, providing a unique aerial perspective of the park and its inhabitants.
For families, the park is a delight. Beyond the wildlife, there are numerous animal statues scattered throughout, offering fun photo opportunities. There's also a dedicated area for younger children to interact with domestic animals. The presence of covered areas, such as in the reptile house, provides welcome respite during strong lightning or heavy downpours.
Culinary Delights at Kivu Restaurant
Dining at Kivu is considered a reasonable expense, especially given that the profits directly support the center's vital work in wildlife rehabilitation and conservation. This makes enjoying a meal a feel-good activity. The staff at Kivu are noted for being polite and courteous, enhancing the overall dining experience. Whether you're stopping for breakfast or lunch, Kivu offers a pleasant break to refuel and recharge during your visit.





Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit