Wild Sun Rescue Center in Costa Rica
Wild Sun Rescue Center is a non-profit organization dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of local wildlife, and to finding solutions to the problems they are facing.
Located in Cabuya, Costa Rica, Wild Sun borders the Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve. Cabo Blanco is a pioneer of wildlife and environmental conservation. In 1963 it became the first protected area in Costa Rica. Situated on the extreme southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula, it protects 1,788 hectares of ocean and 1,270 hectares of tropical forest where endangered animal species find refuge. So far, 150 species of trees and 240 species of birds have been recorded in Cabo Blanco, making it an important sanctuary for wildlife.
Wild Sun Rescue Center treats sick, injured and orphaned animals that are victims of threats such as electrocution, dog and cat attacks, deforestation and the illegal pet trade. It also complements its rescue and release efforts with education and conservation programs, internships and veterinary externships.
Following the “3 Rs” mission -- Rescue, Rehabilitate and Release – Wild Sun cares for a wide variety of species including monkeys, anteaters, opossums, squirrels, birds, iguanas, and more. With a dedicated team of volunteers, biologists, veterinarians and students, the organization works to provide the best possible care for each animal, with the primary goal to get them back into their natural habitat as quickly as possible.
In addition to the “3 Rs,” Wild Sun is actively involved in species reintroduction. As of 2019, 344 animal species in Costa Rica have been listed as threatened to critically endangered, with many populations decreasing at alarming rates. In an effort to help boost these populations and reverse the trend of mounting population loss, Wild Sun has an alliance with AsoProLapa, a Scarlet Macaw breeding program on the Nicoya Peninsula. Thanks to its proximity to the Cabo Blanco reserve, Wild Sun is an ideal spot to reintroduce Scarlet Macaws into the wild.
Just recently Wild Sun released 10 macaws back into the wild! After being entirely wiped out from this region, Scarlet Macaws will now fly free in the Southern Nicoya Peninsula for the first time in over 50 years!
Next steps include monitoring them in the wild, providing supplemental food and nest boxes to ensure their success, and, of course, continuing the breeding program to get more Macaws ready for release.
Many other valuable species have been locally extinct from the Cabuya region, including the Jaguar, 2- and 3-Toed Sloth, and Spider Monkey. Help Wild Sun fight to bring them back!
It will take everybody getting involved to reverse the damage that has occurred to our planet’s ecosystem. One way to make a difference is by supporting projects like the Wild Sun Rescue Center. Be part of the solution!
