Place of rescue, refuge, and wildlife protection.
Why Natuwa exists?
Mission
To provide rescue, rehabilitation, release, and refuge for wildlife in Costa Rica, ensuring their well-being, protection, and respect for each individual.
Natuwa promotes conservation through education, research, and ecological restoration, contributing to harmony between people and nature and ensuring that each animal has the opportunity, when possible, to return to its natural home.
Vision
To be a leader in the rescue, rehabilitation, release, and conservation of wildlife in Costa Rica.
To inspire communities to coexist with nature through environmental education, science, and collective action, toward a future where animals return to freedom, ecosystems regenerate, and biodiversity thrives in harmony with humanity.
Wildlife Rescue Center in Costa Rica
NATUWA is a Wildlife Rescue Center and Sanctuary dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, releasing, and providing shelter for animals affected by human activities in Costa Rica.
We receive wildlife that has been removed from its natural habitat due to hunting, illegal possession, deforestation, urban development, or road accidents.
These actions increase species’ vulnerability and profoundly disrupt ecosystems. Many animals lose their freedom and arrive with physical or emotional scars. At Natuwa, we offer them a second chance: to regain their well-being and, when possible, return to the freedom they were never meant to lose.
At NATUWA, we provide shelter and care for various species of wildlife in Costa Rica, including jaguars (Panthera onca), ocelots (Leopardus pardalis), tapirs (Tapirus bairdii), white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), various types of monkeys, wild boars, sloths, and other wildlife that require a sanctuary to live.
Additionally, Natuwa houses exotic animals that have entered Costa Rica both legally, with the appropriate permits, and illegally due to international pet trafficking.
These non-native animals suffer abandonment by humans and need a wildlife sanctuary that provides care and the opportunity to live with dignity among their peers.
Among our exotic residents are African tortoises, Australian parrots, and various South American species, such as marmoset monkeys, blue macaws, green-winged macaws, hyacinth macaws, sun conures, black carbon turtles, and many more.
At NATUWA Macaw Sanctuary and Rescue Center, we strive to provide a safe and enriching environment for all our residents, promoting their physical and emotional well-being. Our ultimate goal is to raise awareness and educate about the importance of preserving biodiversity and fostering respect for all forms of life.
At NATUWA, we are deeply committed to the preservation and welfare of wildlife.
Every day, we work with passion and dedication to rescue, rehabilitate, release, and provide shelter for animals in need, ensuring a sustainable future for the fauna of Costa Rica.
We invite you to visit our Rescue Center and Sanctuary and join this mission that protects, educates, and restores hope to the wildlife of Costa Rica and the world.
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Rescue and Macaws Conservation
Macaw Rescue and Conservation
Natuwa Wildlife Sanctuary: Guardians of the Tropical Sky
At Natuwa Wildlife Sanctuary, we are committed to conserving the wild populations of scarlet macaws (Ara macao) and great green macaws (Ara ambiguus) — two emblematic species that represent the beauty and biodiversity of Costa Rica.
For over two decades, Natuwa has been rescuing, rehabilitating, and reintroducing macaws affected by illegal wildlife trade and habitat loss.
More than one hundred macaws currently live under our care, receiving veterinary treatment, proper nutrition, and behavioral rehabilitation as part of a comprehensive conservation program in collaboration with MINAE/SINAC.
What Macaw Species Live in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica is home to only two macaw species:
🟥 Scarlet Macaw (Ara macao) — with bright red, yellow, and blue feathers.
🟩 Great Green Macaw (Ara ambiguus) — native to northern and central Pacific forests.
Both species play a key ecological role by dispersing and breaking seeds, helping forests regenerate naturally.
💚 Natuwa’s Macaw Conservation Program
Our program is based on three pillars:
1️⃣ Rescue: Confiscated or surrendered macaws are brought to safety.
2️⃣ Rehabilitation: Birds receive medical and behavioral care to recover fully.
3️⃣ Reintroduction: Selected macaws are released into protected forest areas, under scientific monitoring.
We also use the data generated by these programs to raise environmental awareness among local communities and visitors, encouraging the protection of macaws and their ecosystems.
Working Hand in Hand with Authorities
Natuwa collaborates with the Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE), the environmental police, and the fire department to care for macaws seized from illegal captivity.
Each bird receives the care and protection it deserves — and, whenever possible, a second chance at freedom.
The Ecological Role of Macaws
Macaws and other parrots are essential to forest health and regeneration. By feeding on fruits and seeds, they:
Disperse seeds that sustain many other wildlife species.
Remove dead branches and bark, allowing trees to heal and preventing disease.
Contribute to forest renewal and ecological balance.
Protecting macaws means protecting the future of our forests.
At Natuwa, we ensure these magnificent birds continue to soar freely across Costa Rica’s skies, keeping the tropical forests alive and thriving.
Exotic Macaws
🌍 Protecting Species from Around the World
In addition to Costa Rica’s native macaw and parrot species, Natuwa provides refuge and specialized care for exotic birds from different parts of the world.
These birds arrive at our sanctuary after being confiscated from illegal trade or surrendered by individuals who can no longer care for them, and they receive the same level of respect and attention as our native wildlife.
🐦 Exotic Species Living at Natuwa
Among the international residents of our sanctuary are:
- The blue-and-yellow macaw (Ara ararauna) is from South America.
- The sun conure (Aratinga solstitialis) is known for its bright orange plumage.
- The majestic hyacinth macaw (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus) from the Amazon.
- The colorful eclectus parrot (Eclectus roratus) from Australia.
- And the intelligent African grey parrot (Psittacus erithacus) from Africa.
These exotic species cannot be released into Costa Rican territory, as doing so would pose ecological risks to native species and local habitats.
💚 Refuge, Care, and Hope
Although they cannot return to the wild, these birds find a safe and permanent home at Natuwa, where they receive veterinary attention, balanced nutrition, and environmental enrichment suited to their natural behaviors.
Our commitment is to ensure that every bird —native or exotic— lives with dignity, well-being, and purpose within the sanctuary.
⚠️ Global Threats to Parrots and Macaws
In their countries of origin, many of these species face severe threats:
- Nest looting and chick poaching for the illegal pet trade.
- Habitat destruction due to deforestation.
- Hunting and trafficking are driven by international demand.
These pressures have pushed several parrot species to the brink of extinction, revealing a global crisis that affects biodiversity across continents.
“Each exotic macaw that arrives at Natuwa is both a symbol of suffering and of hope — a reminder of human impact, but also of our capacity to protect.”
Costa Rica: Protecting Wildlife
The captivity of wild animals is illegal
In Costa Rica, the possession of wild animals in private homes is strictly prohibited under the Wildlife Conservation Law No. 7317 and its regulations.
As a result, national authorities —including the Public Force, the Fire Department, and SINAC (National System of Conservation Areas)— routinely carry out rescues and confiscations of wildlife kept illegally in captivity.
These animals are then transferred to authorized wildlife sanctuaries and rescue centers, where they receive appropriate care and evaluation.
Natuwa’s Role in Wildlife Protection
As an officially recognized Wildlife Sanctuary and Rescue Center, Natuwa is responsible for receiving, rehabilitating, and, whenever possible, reintegrating confiscated animals into their natural environment.
When reintroduction is not feasible due to physical or behavioral limitations, these animals are provided with a permanent sanctuary. This safe environment replicates their natural habitat as closely as possible.
Here, they receive specialized veterinary care, balanced nutrition, and spacious enclosures designed for their comfort and well-being.
“At Natuwa, every rescued animal finds a second chance —and a home where respect and compassion replace exploitation.”
Wildlife Protection at a Glance
✅ Legal Actions:
Rescue, rehabilitation, and release of native wildlife.
Protection through authorized rescue centers like Natuwa.
❌ Illegal Practices:
Keeping wild animals as pets in homes or businesses.
Trading, breeding, or exhibiting wildlife without legal permits.
By enforcing these regulations and providing refuge, Costa Rica reaffirms its global commitment to conservation and animal welfare.
Ecological Restoration
NATUWA: A Refuge for Wildlife
The Sanctuary is strategically located in a remote and quiet area, away from the hustle and bustle of the roads. Since 2001, it has been a starting point for the ecological restoration program.
As a result, it provides shelter and protection for the region’s wildlife, offering them a true oasis of lush vegetation that provides food, water, and safe refuges away from poachers.
Spanning 15 hectares, NATUWA has all the necessary facilities to carry out activities that help achieve the objectives of the wildlife sanctuary in Costa Rica.
Lugar de Rescate, refugio y protección de vida silvestre
Misión
Brindar rescate, rehabilitación, liberación y refugio a la vida silvestre de Costa Rica, asegurando bienestar, protección y respeto a cada individuo.
Natuwa promueve la conservación mediante la educación, la investigación y la restauración ecológica, contribuyendo a la armonía entre las personas y la naturaleza, y garantizando que cada animal tenga la oportunidad de regresar, cuando sea posible, a su hogar natural.
Visión
Ser líderes en la conservación de la vida silvestre y en la restauración de la naturaleza en Costa Rica.
A través del rescate, rehabilitación y liberación de animales silvestres, junto con la educación ambiental y los programas de restauración ecológica, buscamos fomentar una conexión profunda y consciente entre las personas y la vida silvestre.
Aspiramos a un futuro donde la biodiversidad florezca y las comunidades prosperen en armonía con la naturaleza.
Centro de Rescate y Refugio para animales silvestres en Costa Rica
NATUWA es un Centro de Rescate y Santuario de Vida Silvestre dedicado al rescate, rehabilitación, liberación y refugio de animales afectados por las actividades humanas en Costa Rica.
Recibimos fauna que ha sido extraída de su entorno natural a causa de la caza, la tenencia ilegal, la deforestación, el desarrollo urbano o los atropellos en carretera.
Estas acciones incrementan la vulnerabilidad de las especies y alteran profundamente los ecosistemas. Muchos animales pierden su libertad y llegan con secuelas físicas o emocionales. En Natuwa, les ofrecemos una segunda oportunidad: recuperar su bienestar y, cuando sea posible, regresar a la libertad que nunca debieron perder.
En nuestro Centro de Rescate y Santuario, ofrecemos alojamiento y cuidado a diversas especies de animales silvestres de Costa Rica, incluyendo jaguares (Panthera onca), ocelotes (Leopardus pardalis), monos, tapires (Tapirus bairdii), venados cola blanca (Odocoileus virginianus), diferentes tipos de monos, chanchos de monte, osos perezosos y otros animales silvestres que requieren un santuario para vivir.
También contamos con animales exóticos que han ingresado a Costa Rica tanto de manera legal, con permisos correspondientes, como de forma ilegal debido al tráfico internacional de mascotas.
Estos animales no nativos sufren el abandono por parte de las personas y necesitan un santuario de animales silvestres que les brinde atención y la oportunidad de vivir dignamente entre sus semejantes.
Entre nuestras residentes exóticas se encuentran tortugas africanas, loros de Australia y diversas especies de Suramérica, como monos marmosetas, lapas azules, lapas ala verdes, guacamayos jacintos, conuros de sol, tortugas carbonarias y muchas más.
En NATUWA Santuario de Lapas y Centro de Rescate, nos esforzamos por proporcionar un entorno seguro y enriquecedor para todos nuestros habitantes, promoviendo su bienestar físico y emocional. Nuestro objetivo final es concienciar y educar sobre la importancia de preservar la biodiversidad y fomentar el respeto hacia todas las formas de vida.
En NATUWA, estamos profundamente comprometidos con la preservación y el bienestar de la vida silvestre.
Cada día trabajamos con pasión y dedicación para rescatar, rehabilitar, liberar y brindar refugio a los animales que más lo necesitan, asegurando un futuro sostenible para la fauna de Costa Rica.
Te invitamos a conocer nuestro Centro de Rescate y Santuario y a unirte a esta misión que protege, educa y devuelve esperanza a la vida silvestre de Costa Rica y del mundo.
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Conservación de guacamayos
¿Qué tipos de lapas existen en Costa Rica?
En Costa Rica, existen únicamente dos tipos de lapas o guacamayos: la lapa roja (Ara macao) y la lapa verde (Ara ambiguus).
En nuestro refugio de animales silvestres, brindamos protección y refugio a más de un centenar de guacamayos de ambas especies, así como a otras especies de loros exóticos provenientes de Suramérica.
Las guacamayas son reconocidas por su maravilloso colorido y desempeñan un papel vital en la naturaleza al destruir y dispersar semillas de una amplia variedad de árboles, contribuyendo a mantener la salud del bosque.
Por esta razón, en NATUWA llevamos a cabo un programa de manejo de guacamayos que incluye el rescate, la rehabilitación física y conductual, y la reintroducción experimental al medio natural en colaboración con el MINAE/SINAC.
La información generada en nuestro santuario de animales silvestres se utiliza para crear conciencia en las comunidades sobre la protección de las guacamayas y la naturaleza en general.
En el NATUWA Santuario de Lapas, nos dedicamos a promover la conservación de las poblaciones silvestres de guacamayos rojos (Ara macao) y lapas verdes (Ara ambiguus) en Costa Rica. Estas especies representan la belleza y la importancia biológica de las aves en nuestro país.
Guacamayos exóticos
Además de las especies nativas de guacamayos y loros de Costa Rica, también brindamos soporte a especies exóticas provenientes de diferentes partes del mundo.
Estos organismos exóticos, como los guacamayos azul y amarillo (Ara ararauna) , los conuros del sol (Aratinga solstitialis), los jacintos (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus) de Suramérica. Desde Australia, Eclectus (Eclectus roratus) y de Africa, Yacos (Psittacus erithacus), no pueden ser liberados en el territorio de Costa Rica debido al riesgo que representarían para el ecosistema local.
Sin embargo, requieren del cuidado y protección que brindamos a todos los animales que albergamos en nuestro santuario.
En sus países de origen, estos animales sufren el saqueo de sus pichones para ser ilegalmente vendidos, lo que los lleva al borde de la extinción, al igual que muchas otras especies de loros en el planeta.
Costa Rica: Protegiendo la Vida Silvestre
El Cautiverio de Animales Silvestres es Ilegal
En la actualidad, en Costa Rica, la tenencia de vida silvestre en hogares particulares está prohibida por ley. Como resultado, se llevan a cabo decomisos de diversas especies de animales silvestres por parte de la Fuerza Pública, el Cuerpo de Bomberos y el SINAC, los cuales son trasladados a los refugios de animales silvestres.
En este contexto, el NATUWA Santuario de Lapas se encarga de recibir y rehabilitar a la fauna decomisada, con el objetivo de reintegrarla a su entorno natural siempre que sea posible. En caso contrario, se busca ofrecerles un cautiverio lo más cercano a su estado natural, brindándoles cuidados, alimentación y amplios recintos dentro del santuario de fauna silvestre.
Restauración Ecológica
NATUWA: Un Refugio para Animales Silvestres
El Santuario se encuentra estratégicamente ubicado en una zona remota y tranquila, alejado del bullicio de las carreteras. Desde el año 2001, ha sido un punto de partida para el programa de restauración ecológica.
Gracias a esto, brinda refugio y protección a los animales silvestres de la región, proporcionándoles un verdadero oasis cubierto de exuberante vegetación que les provee recursos alimenticios, agua y refugios seguros lejos de los cazadores.
Con una extensión de 15 hectáreas, NATUWA cuenta con todas las instalaciones necesarias para llevar a cabo las actividades que permiten alcanzar los objetivos del Santuario de animales silvestres en Costa Rica.