The environmental education program is key to generating awareness in people for the conservation of natural resources.

Celebrating International Tapir Day: Education and Conservation in Natuwa

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Celebrando el Día Internacional del Tapir: Educación y Conservación en Natuwa

El Día Internacional del Tapir (Tapirus bairdii)  es una fecha emblemática para nosotros en Natuwa, no solo porque representa la oportunidad de celebrar a uno de los animales más fascinantes de nuestra flora, el tapir centroamericano, sino también porque nos permite reforzar nuestro compromiso con la educación ambiental y la conservación de la biodiversidad. Este año, tuvimos el privilegio de compartir esta celebración con un grupo entusiasta de estudiantes de la Escuela de Aranjuez, quienes, junto a sus madres, se sumergieron en el maravilloso mundo de estos mamíferos, conocidos cariñosamente como la jardinera del bosque o el arquitecto del bosque debido a su crucial papel en la dispersión de semillas y la modificación de su entorno natural.

El Tapir Centroamericano o Danta

El tapir centroamericano (Tapirus bairdii) es el mamífero terrestre más grande de América Central y es fundamental para la salud de nuestros ecosistemas tropicales. A pesar de su tamaño y su importancia ecológica, enfrenta múltiples amenazas, principalmente la pérdida de hábitat y la caza ilegal, lo que lo ha llevado a estar catalogado como en peligro de extinción. Es por esto que en Natuwa nos esforzamos no solo en protegerlos, sino también en educar a las nuevas generaciones sobre la importancia de su conservación.

Da inicio la actividad: Charlas y talleres

La jornada comenzó con una charla introductoria a cargo de nuestro director, Rodolfo Orozco, quien personalmente recibió a los niños y a sus madres, presentando al personal de Natuwa y explicando el propósito y la importancia de nuestro trabajo. La emoción de los pequeños era palpable, una mezcla de curiosidad y asombro que solo aumentó con cada actividad programada.

Después de la introducción, un biólogo experto ofreció una charla detallada sobre el tapir centroamericano, concentrándose en Mandy, una de nuestras queridas hembras tapir. Los niños aprendieron sobre su dieta, comportamiento y el papel ecológico que desempeñan estos seres como jardineros del bosque. Luego, el grupo se trasladó al recinto de Oreja Partida, uno de nuestros tapires machos, donde un veterinario discutió aspectos importantes de la salud y el manejo veterinario de los tapires en cautiverio. Estas charlas no solo fueron informativas sino también una oportunidad para que los niños hicieran preguntas y interactuaran directamente con expertos en conservación.

El Día Internacional del Tapir es una fecha emblemática para nosotros en Natuwa, no solo porque representa la oportunidad de celebrar a uno de los animales más fascinantes de nuestra flora, el tapir centroamericano, sino también porque nos permite reforzar nuestro compromiso con la educación ambiental y la conservación de la biodiversidad. Este año, tuvimos el privilegio de compartir esta celebración con un grupo entusiasta de estudiantes de la Escuela de Aranjuez, quienes, junto a sus madres, se sumergieron en el maravilloso mundo de estos mamíferos, conocidos cariñosamente como la jardinera del bosque o el arquitecto del bosque debido a su crucial papel en la dispersión de semillas y la modificación de su entorno natural.

Tamales para dantas: Los Niños y Niñas Prepararon el Enrriquecimiento Ambiental para el tapir

Uno de los momentos más destacados del día fue la actividad de enriquecimiento ambiental. Los niños, bajo la supervisión de nuestros cuidadores, prepararon “tamales” utilizando hojas de plátano y frutas, una delicia diseñada para estimular y enriquecer la vida de nuestros tapires. Aunque los niños no ingresaron a los recintos, pudieron observar cómo los tapires disfrutaban de estos bocados especiales, explorando y utilizando los recursos que les ofrecimos.

Foto en el Mural de Natuwa

La jornada educativa concluyó con una sesión de reflexión donde medimos el conocimiento adquirido por los jóvenes participantes a través de un cuestionario interactivo. Los niños y niñas demostraron un entusiasmo y una comprensión impresionantes, lo cual celebramos con stickers y helados, y culminamos con una foto grupal frente al mural de las dantas, capturando el espíritu de un día inolvidable.

Educacion ambiental: Herramienta para la conservación

El impacto de este evento va más allá de un simple día de actividades. En Natuwa, creemos firmemente que la educación es una de las herramientas más poderosas para la conservación. Al proporcionar a estos jóvenes una conexión directa y personal con la naturaleza y sus guardianes, estamos sembrando las semillas para la próxima generación de conservacionistas, quienes, esperamos, continuarán la labor de proteger y valorar nuestros preciosos ecosistemas y sus habitantes.

En Natuwa, cada día es una oportunidad para aprender, proteger y celebrar la vida silvestre que nos rodea. Agradecemos a todos los que participaron y contribuyeron a este evento especial y esperamos que las lecciones aprendidas resuenen en los corazones de todos los que participaron, inspirando amor y acción por el tapir centroamericano y todos los seres que, como él, juegan un papel vital en el mantenimiento de nuestros ecosistemas. A través de la educación y la conexión directa con la naturaleza, reafirmamos nuestro compromiso con un futuro más sostenible y esperanzador para nuestra biodiversidad. Agradecemos a las familias y estudiantes de la Escuela de Aranjuez por su curiosidad y entusiasmo, y esperamos que lleven el mensaje de conservación a sus comunidades.

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White faced monkey rescue

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The white-faced monkey as a pet in Costa Rica: Lessons in conservation and animal welfare.

The white-faced capuchin monkey (Cebus emitator), a symbolic species of Costa Rica, has been rescued by the Ministry of Environment and Energy of Costa Rica (MINAE) from a family in Guanacaste, where it was kept as a pet.

According to Costa Rica’s Wildlife Law 7317, the extraction and keeping of wild animals in Costa Rican households is prohibited.

Former Minister of Environment and Energy Edgar Gutiérrez emphasized the importance of protecting and conserving natural resources, including wildlife, as the foundation for the country’s sustainable development.

Why is this lesson about the white-faced capuchin monkey in Costa Rica so relevant?

Regrettably, cases of wild animals being used as pets, like the white-faced capuchin monkey, are still observed.

Turning a wild animal into a pet involves extracting it from its natural habitat, causing changes in its diet, environment, and behavior, and losing its identity. These factors can lead to considerable psychological and physical issues in the white-faced capuchin monkey.

This problem not only harms animals but also poses risks to human health. Wild animals can carry microorganisms and diseases that can severely affect us.

The transition from freedom to captivity can induce violent behaviors due to the stress of confinement. Additionally, animals can experience depression and self-injury. There are even documented cases of suicide in other species, such as dolphins. In the sanctuary, a capuchin monkey with three legs has been recorded due to the stress of living in a house alongside other domestic animals like dogs or cats.

The solution lies in nature protection, promoting a conscious culture, and fostering empathy towards wild animals.

Ramcez’s Story, the White-Faced Capuchin Monkey in Costa Rica

El mono cara blanca en cautiverio
Ramcez estuvo cautivo y amarrado por más de 4 años.

Ramcez spent four years in a Guanacaste family, where he was treated like a human baby. This is reflected in his behavior, such as extending his hand to ask for food in the presence of people.

Without the company of others of his species for so long, the white-faced capuchin monkey has become so humanized that he has completely lost his identity, leading to psychological problems. His rehabilitation will require time, patience, and the support of sanctuary workers, who have specialized knowledge in handling these animals.

Despite his short life, Ramcez has experienced numerous traumas, including losing his mother. Primates need extended learning periods alongside their mothers, lasting up to 10 years. The domestication of these animals robs them of their nature and exposes them to well-being challenges.

Due to their intelligence, animals in captivity, especially primates, require stimuli and enrichment to maintain their well-being. They are provided with homemade or purchased toys like hammocks, balls, and ropes, among others, to satisfy their physical and mental needs. While the recovery of these animals can be complex, community collaboration can facilitate the process.

If you’d like to learn more about the white-faced capuchin monkey in Costa Rica, click here.

If you wish to contribute to rehabilitating Ramcez and other animals in the sanctuary, we offer four simple ways to help in the following link here!.

Actualizado 8 junio 2023

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Corporate Volunteering with wild animals

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Many companies involved in the restoration of nature come to NATUWA to plant trees and work with animals.

Corporate volunteering with wildlife occurs in the companies most committed to the environment and the restoration of nature.

Costa Rica preserves a great diversity in both plants and animals. Natural resources are constantly threatened by urban planning, hunting, agriculture, and many more human-related factors (anthropogenic factors). For this reason, many companies are committed to the care of the environment by carrying out ecological practices within their facilities.
In order to preserve the Natural Capital of Costa Rica, many companies carry out activities that foster a green culture among their employees. In addition, recycling, proper management of wastewater, use of biodegradable products, among others are environmentally friendly initiatives that they carry out. Also, through corporate volunteering with wild animals.

Opportunities for business volunteers

Corporate volunteering with wildlife

NATUWA Wildlife Sanctuary is a leading voice for wildlife and nature. This is how, for more than 24 years, we have worked to protect, preserve and restore some of Costa Rica’s most emblematic habitats and species. With the desire to preserve the Natural Capital for future Costa Rican generations.

The actions of corporate volunteering with wild animals play an important role in our ecological restoration work. Every year, dozens of volunteers from companies around the country help wildlife and ecological restoration. They carry out activities in NATUWA by planting trees, rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing those animals that have the possibility of returning to their natural environments. And to those who do not, providing all the necessary attention so that they live with dignity in the sanctuary.

In addition, these companies committed to nature and their teams of Corporate Volunteers will partner with our staff and International Volunteers to carry out environmental enrichment activities with jaguars, tapirs, sloths, macaws, monkeys, and other animals species.

Corporate volunteering with wildlife

Corporate Volunteering with wildlife

Enriching human perception about nature by reconnecting today’s people outdoors, on the paths of the Sanctuary is where educators and students learn how to support local wildlife. The NATUWA trails are true wildlife habitats turned into outdoor classrooms where volunteers learn about species and ecosystems of Costa Rica, improve their academic skills, and nurture their innate curiosity and creativity.

For more information about our Volunteer Program please follow this link (here!)

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Celebration of World Environment Day

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Educación Ambiental

Happy World Environment Day!!

We started this morning celebrating together with the girls and boys of the Villa Brucelas School of Circuit 02, Pitahaya, Puntarenas, the World Environment Day!!.

We learned today, that ideally, when visiting a wildlife animal center, is to learn about the species that the center houses and the practices that help to conserve animals in their natural environment. This does NOT include: touching, talking, caressing or feeding the center’s animals. Above all, we learned that interaction with wild animals in these types of places is an inadequate use of biodiversity and promotes the extraction of many organisms from their natural habitats.

Special thanks: Director Cinthia Cascante Campos. Thank you for allowing so many children to participate in Environmental Education activities today, at NATUWA.

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Tepescuintle Cuniculus paca

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Rescue and Rehabilitation of an Injured Paca in the Natuwa Sanctuary

The Mission of SINAC and the Threats to Wildlife

The National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC) plays a crucial role in protecting the biodiversity of Costa Rica. One of its key responsibilities is to protect endangered species found in protected areas such as Carara National Park. However, despite their efforts, illegal hunting continues to be a persistent threat to wildlife in this protected zone.

Rescue Operation: Saving a Paca from Poachers

In a remarkable rescue operation, SINAC officials successfully brought a female paca (Cuniculus paca) into the Natuwa Sanctuary. This particular animal had been targeted by illegal hunters who intended to sell it to the highest bidder for consumption. Fortunately, authorities intervened in time, preventing further harm to the defenseless creature.

Evaluation and Rehabilitation: Assessing the Injury and Providing Care

After the paca was rescued, SINAC officials observed an evident injury on one of its hind legs. Recognizing the importance of providing comprehensive care, they quickly organized a thorough evaluation to determine the extent of the damage. X-rays were scheduled to rule out possible fractures, ensuring that appropriate treatment would be administered.

The primary focus now shifts to the rehabilitation process, where wildlife experts at the Natuwa Wildlife Sanctuary will work diligently to care for and recover the paca. The injured animal will receive specialized care, including medication, physical therapy, and a carefully planned diet to aid in its recovery. Once the paca has regained its strength and mobility, it will be released into its natural habitat, where it can contribute to conservation efforts in Carara National Park.

In conclusion, the diligent efforts of SINAC officials have not only saved the life of a paca, but also highlighted the continued threats posed by illegal hunting. Through their rescue and rehabilitation operations, institutions like SINAC and sanctuaries like Natuwa are making significant strides in protecting Costa Rica’s unique wildlife and preserving its natural heritage.

Author: Rodolfo Orozco Vega, updated on June 20, 2023, 8:04pm.

Visit our section of rescued animals at the following link: Natuwa Sanctuary Animals.

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Cotorra (Amazona albifrons)

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A juvenile of Cotorra (Amazona albifrons) entered the sanctuary of NATUWA parrots. This one was found by a person in the Center of Puntarenas and taken to the Coast Guard, the same one transferred it to the Sanctuary where it will receive the attention necessary to be released.
It has the feathers of the wings cut, presents a very wild behavior, is not domesticated, which increases the possibilities of being able to integrate back to its natural environment, from which it never had to be extracted.

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Northern Crested Caracara Caracara cheriway

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NATUWA Sanctuary welcomed a Northern Crested Caracara (Caracara cheriway), who has an injury to his right wing and can not fly. SINAC officials came to help the bird, after someone reported seeing the bird in the vicinity of the road on the bridge of Puntarenas Canyon.

The bird has a high chance of being released and hopefully you will soon start his flight after a rehabilitation process in the Sanctuary NATUWA.

Update: The caracara was liberated on 22/05/16

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Dental check-up and cleaning for the Jaguars

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Veterinario Randall Arguedas, trabajando con los jaguares.

 

A special thank you to Dr. Veterinarian Randall Arguedas and his team as they conducted an annual clinical check for the three Jaguars living in the Macaw Sanctuary NATUWA.

The management procedure was adequate, causing minimal stress to the three animals. Blood samples were taken for different analysis – kidney, cholesterol, etc. – And the dental cleaning was performed. Some samples were sent to the University of Costa Rica to perform genetic tests. According to Dr. Arguedas, the Jaguars are all in good health.

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Parrots

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Today the Macaw Sanctuary NATUWA welcomed four red-cockaded parrots (Amazona autumnalis) and two black pompadour (Amazona farinosa). These six birds came from the Osa Peninsula. SINAC officials from the Osa Conservation Area (ACOSA) made the delivery.

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