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Costa Rica is not only a paradise for nature enthusiasts but also for wildlife enthusiasts who wish to experience the rich biodiversity of the country firsthand. The Costa Rican zoo provides more than a glimpse at animals—it’s an opportunity to learn, interact, and get up close and personal with wildlife in some of Central America’s most sustainable and stunning environments. From interactive wildlife sanctuaries to conservation-driven animal parks, these renowned zoos in Costa Rica feature a variety of native and exotic animals.
10 Top Zoos In Costa Rica
Amongst the most fascinating zoos in Costa Rica that showcase rich biodiversity and provide a living experience with nature are:
1. Simon Bolivar Zoo, San Jose
Photo: Danny Cube / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Located centrally in San José, the Simon Bolivar Zoo is Costa Rica’s best-known and most important zoo. Formed way back in the early 1900s, this city sanctuary offers an intimate experience with the native and rescued animals of Costa Rica. Even though small in comparison, it accommodates a varied species—jaguars, sloths, and crocodiles as well as brightly hued parrots. A rehabilitation center too, the zoo tries to spread conservation awareness to the public. It has walkways, areas for shade, and informative signage both in English and Spanish. Ideal for families, students, and nature lovers, this zoo is a window into the understanding of Costa Rica’s distinctive wildlife.
Location: Barrio Amón, San Jose
Best Time To Visit: December to April
2. La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park
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While less of a zoo and more of a wildlife sanctuary, La Paz Waterfall Gardens outside of Alajuela is Costa Rica’s most breathtaking and well-known zoo. It features one of the nation’s finest animal exhibits, such as a butterfly observatory, hummingbird garden, serpentarium, jungle cats, and rescued wildlife habitats. The park’s natural blend of waterfalls and verdant cloud forest environments provides a completely immersive experience. Guests can walk miles of walking trails, eat at the buffet-style restaurant, and get great photos with panoramic backdrops. It’s an absolute necessity to visit for anyone looking for nature and wildlife in one trip.
Location: Vara Blanca, Alajuela
Best Time To Visit: December to April
3. Zoo Ave, Alajuela
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Zoo Ave, also known as Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center, is one of the biggest significant zoos in Costa Rica, situated just beyond San José. The zoo focuses on rescuing and rehabilitating injured, orphaned, or seized wildlife. Its expansive grounds are inhabited by more than 125 species such as toucans, monkeys, tapirs, and even crocodiles. What is special about Zoo Ave is that it focuses on conservation and the release of animals back into the wild. The beautiful landscaping and well-kept walkways make it a fun outing for visitors of all ages. Eco-tourists will especially enjoy the center’s purpose and ethical practices in animal care.
Location: La Garita, Alajuela
Best Time To Visit: November to March
4. Jaguar Rescue Center, Puerto Viejo
Photo: Kirandeep Singh Walia / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
On the Caribbean coast, Jaguar Rescue Center is a popular and popular zoos in Costa Rica—more of a rehabilitation sanctuary. Although its name might suggest otherwise, it does not always contain jaguars, but it’s well-known for saving sloths, monkeys, wildcats, birds, and reptiles. Tourists are provided with guided tours where they get to hear the stories behind each rescued animal. The environment is both informative and touching, providing an up-close experience of wildlife rescue work in Costa Rica. Most animals are released back into the wild after rehabilitation.
Location: Playa Chiquita, Puerto Viejo
Best Time To Visit: December to March
5. Toucan Rescue Ranch, San Isidro De Heredia
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A small but influential sanctuary, one of the most significant zoos in Costa Rica for bird rescue and rehabilitation, is Toucan Rescue Ranch. Toucan Rescue Ranch is recognized for its work with injured toucans, owls, parrots, and even sloths. The ranch is well taken care of, and educational tours are guided by well-informed guides who provide interesting information about every animal. Best for wildlife photographers and bird enthusiasts, the ranch offers a peaceful and respectful environment for conservation work. Booking is advisable as group sizes are limited.
Location: San Isidro, Heredia
Best Time To Visit: December to April
6. Africa Safari Adventure Park, Liberia
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Situated in Guanacaste, Africa Safari Adventure Park provides a twist to the zoos in Costa Rica experience by introducing African wildlife to the tropics. Tourists can take guided safari tours where animals such as zebras, giraffes, and antelopes roam in expansive enclosures. The park also features zip-lining, horse riding, and waterfall hikes to make it a day of adventure. Although it is not centred on regional wildlife, it’s an educational and entertaining experience for families and wildlife enthusiasts alike who desire a change. Its large area gives room for greater animal welfare as well as a natural flow.
Location: Liberia, Guanacaste
Best Time To Visit: November to April
7. Canas Centro De Rescate Las Pumas
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Situated close to the Palo Verde National Park, Centro de Rescate Las Pumas is an underappreciated but essential zoos in Costa Rica. The center mainly rescues and rehabilitates big felines like jaguars, pumas, and ocelots, in addition to other wildlife. Nested among mountains and arid forest areas, it is perfectly suited to its inhabitants. Several of the animals here were injured or abandoned and are permanent fixtures because of health issues. The peaceful and informative environment makes it a great place for travellers to visit on their way to Guanacaste.
Location: Cañas, Guanacaste
Best Time To Visit: December to March
8. Kids Saving The Rainforest, Quepos
Photo: William Warby / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
This NGO outside Manuel Antonio is both an education centre and a wildlife sanctuary. Kids Saving the Rainforest emphasizes sloths, monkeys, and foreign birds as they teach young guests about conservation. One of the more popular family zoos in Costa Rica, it promotes interactive learning and kindness to nature. The guided tours describe the environmental issues of Costa Rica’s wildlife, so it is an ideal destination for aware visitors. Tour fees and donations are used directly for animal care and rescue.
Location: Quepos, Puntarenas
Best Time To Visit: December to April
9. Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary, Dominical
Photo: Mehmet Turgut Kirkgoz / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Situated along Costa Rica’s southern Pacific coastline, Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary is a serene and humane refuge for injured and orphaned animals. From anteaters and sloths to tropical birds, the sanctuary provides guided tours that inform visitors about rescue and rehabilitation. The sea views and surrounding jungle add to the experience. It is one of Costa Rica’s most significant zoos for reintroducing animals into the wild, which is at the heart of their agenda. The visitors depart with greater respect for the thin ecosystems of Costa Rica.
Location: Dominical, Puntarenas
Best Time To Visit: December to March
10. Santuario Animal De Puntarenas
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Comparatively newer zoos in Costa Rica, Santuario Animal de Puntarenas is a sanctuary for animals rescued from illegal captivity or injury. The sanctuary houses animals like scarlet macaws, coatis, turtles, and even wild cats. Its small design is perfect for families with young children and older guests, providing a quick but enlightening visit. The employees are friendly and care deeply about animal welfare. Guests can get to know each animal’s history while helping fund their ongoing care via ticket prices and donations.
Location: El Roble, Puntarenas
Best Time To Visit: November to March
Costa Rica has some of the most distinct and enriching wildlife experiences globally. Every zoos in Costa Rica has its unique charm—either through immersive habitats, exotic animal encounters, or conservation-focused programs. Ranging from dense rainforests to high-tech animal rescue centres, these renowned zoos in Costa Rica are both educational and fun for every age group. Visitors will find everything from colourful toucans and mischievous monkeys to majestic jaguars and endangered reptiles. If you are an animal lover, a family with children, or simply wildlife-curious, these top 10 zoos in Costa Rica offer unforgettable experiences.
Cover Photo: zoosnow / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
