Costa Rica Closes State Zoo In Favor Of Conservation
Costa Rica closes state zoos, transferring animals to rescue centers in a milestone for wildlife conservation.
End Of An Era: The Closing Of State Zoos
Costa Rica marked a historic milestone by officially closing its two state zoos last Saturday. The animals were transferred to a rescue center as part of an effort to promote the conservation of wild species in their natural habitat.
The Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE), owner of the land, made the decision not to renew the administration of the zoos to the Fundazoo Foundation. It opted instead to close the facilities and transform them into urban parks, botanical gardens or forests.
A Careful Process: Transfer Of Animals
The Simón Bolívar Zoo in San José, which had operated for 104 years, and the Santa Ana Conservation Center on the outskirts of the capital, ceased operations on the same day. More than 250 animals, including monkeys, felines, birds, reptiles and others, were transferred to the Vida Silvestre Tropical rescue center. They will be quarantined and carefully evaluated by biologists and veterinarians.
Celebration and Commitment: The Impact Of Closure
The closing of the zoos was celebrated by animal rights activists. They gathered with banners and music outside the Simón Bolívar Zoo. Juan Carlos Peralta, director of the Asociación para el Bienestar y Amparo de los Animales, described the event as “a historic act” and highlighted that Costa Rica becomes the first country in the world to dispense with state zoos.
MINAE assured its commitment to monitor private sites that house animals in captivity. This in order to ensure that they effectively contribute to the conservation of species and promote the understanding of ecological processes.
A Step Toward A More Ethical Coexistence
The closure of state zoos represents an important step towards a more ethical and sustainable vision of the relationship between humans and animals. It prioritizes their welfare and the conservation of their natural habitats.
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