Jaguar Rescue Centre

As soon as we knew that Costa Rica was on the list I knew I wanted to visit the Jaguar Rescue centre! Situated only 5km’s from Puerto Viejo, The Jaguar Rescue Centre is a temporary or permanent home for ill, injured and orphaned animals. With a focus on birds, reptiles, amphibians and small primates including SLOTHS AND MONKEYS (my fav animals), the JRC aims to provide veterinary services, round-the-clock care and comfort to animals that would otherwise be unable to survive in the rainforest or the sea of the Caribbean. I had read a lot about this centre before we arrived and base don the upmost care it seems to provide to the animals I wanted to visit, 1 to see them for my selfish reason of getting close to a sloth but also to learn about the animals.

​They run 2 tours per day, a 9.30am and an 11.30am. As it was pissing it down again this morning we opted for the 11.30am tour, so we walked into town, caught the bus for 300 colons pp and 5 mins later we were at the centre. **NOTE, the busses run at weird times, so we ended up being an hour and a half early for the tour but it’s worth it to get your tickets as it’s SO BUSY! Oh…and did I mention HOT? Yes, its bloody hot here as well so bring a lot of water!

It costs $20USD pp to get into the centre and this money goes directly towards the care of the animals as it is independently owned and operated by a couple and their love for wildlife. The primary goal of the JRC is to rehabilitate animals and reintroduce them back into their native habitats. Monkeys, birds, sloths, snakes and more are brought to the JRC, and treated by professional veterinarians, caregivers and a hard-working team of staff and volunteers.
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We discovered that the main cause of sloth death here is by electrocution from the power lines, dog attacks and then being hit by cars crossing the road. What was so sad to hear was that sloths can actually die from stress alone, so it is super important not to be a dick and try and take selfies with them. They don’t move fast so being close to a human terrifies the shit out of them. 

Some of the other wildlife we got to learn about was their wild cats, monkey, crocodile and bird programme, but for me the highlight was of course the sloths and the CUDDLE PUDDLE of babies we got to meet. Of course, we weren’t allowed to touch them or even get close but my god they are cute!

​On the way out, the centre we spoke to our guide Luna who is a volunteer there, she said it’s the best job she has ever has an I believe her! The centre accepts volunteers of any age over 18 for a minimum of 4 weeks commitment and each Monday have new volunteers join the gang. I have added the link below if this sounds like an experience you would like to get involved in: http://www.jaguarrescue.foundation/volunteering/

OMG I nearly forgot, Leo’s highlight of the day and 1 of mine for sure was spotting this little poison arrow frog, I couldn’t believe how tiny they were but they were on out list of bucket list animals to spot in Costa Rica so we were stoked!​
Overall, apart from it being very busy and pretty expensive we highly rate this centre. It’s a fantastic job these guys do in order to help save and protect the local wildlife and I’m glad our money goes directly into helping the work they do.