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Costa Rica Zoos

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NothingButNet
  9/16/2016 09:16 EST

Looking for information on a good zoo to visit here. I have been to La Paz Waterfall Gardens, and it is very impressive, but I want to see what else Costa Rica has to offer. Does anyone have a favorite? Do you have experiences, good or bad, to share? I have not visited the Simon Bolivar Zoo yet, but the locals tell me it is very disappointing. Thanks.

ILuvCR
  9/16/2016 11:51 EST

I have not visited Simon Bolivar Zoo or Zoo Ave but I've heard good things about Zoo Ave;

http://rescateanimalzooave.org/

Pura Vida!

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volunteerCostaRica
  9/16/2016 13:49 EST

Simor Bolivar in San Jose is not good, is better in Santa Ana.

Kohl
  9/16/2016 19:03 EST

There is Africa Safari Adventure park, but that doesn't showcase the local fauna...but it is nice to see animals with lots of space.

http://www.africasafaricostarica.com/en/

NothingButNet
  9/17/2016 09:57 EST

I did visit Rescate Animal Zoo last year and recommend it to anyone looking for a day trip. It was clean and there were few visitors, which made it very peaceful. I look forward to checking out Africa Safari Park later this year. I know some people who have done volunteer work at the Conservation Center in Santa Ana, so that is on my list too. Thanks everyone for the feedback.

Fheyr13
  9/18/2016 16:45 EST

My wife and I visited two zoos while staying at Hotel Louisiana in Santa Ana. One was Simon bolivar and the other I cannot remember it's name.

We walked to the second one from our hotel so maybe that helps.

We were at zoo 2 for about three hours and saw zero employees and maybe three other people.

I remember seeing goats and rams in little wooden pens with a log hanging from the ceiling so they can head butt it. The place was nice but obviously low budget.

It was a bit of a walk inside the zoo to find the jaguars. The cage was like a big metal bird cage or chain link fence. I can't recall. There's a waist high metal bar three feet from the fence to keep you safely out of reach.

The only reason I mention the jaguars is because we were very dumb gringos and we just slipped under the bar and scratched the jag's ears, chin, and body. Just like huge killer kittens.

Don't be like us and pet jaguars lol

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Christopher63
  9/19/2016 10:42 EST

Have you checked out: http://www.centrorescatelaspumas.org/en
and
http://sibusanctuary.org/

Christopher - www.SamaraInfoCenter.com

kolkgary
  9/19/2016 15:11 EST

It is not a zoo, but the Jaguar Rescue Center on the east coast, by Puerto Viejo is a good stop. It is handicap accessible, for the most part and has excellent tour guides. You can get close to Costa Rican wildlife and the cost is reasonable.

kolkgary
  9/19/2016 17:24 EST

When we were down by Puerto Viejo, we stopped at the Jaguar Rescue Center. I know it is not a zoo, but it was very enjoyable, the staff was knowledgeable and the "visitors" they were taking care of were in excellent condition.

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