Monkeys -- We have treated & released 2 howler monkeys, one was electrocuted on ICE ´s highlines, one was gravely ill from an infected wound.

Deer -- Rescued as babies (poachers killed their moms), we already released one (several years ago), and another will soon be ready to be released.

Pelicans --- 5 rescued pelicans, 3 returned to the wild.

Raccoons ---3 released. 2 infants (raised, then released),
1 adult treated by our vet, and released on our refuge. It had been attacked and treed by a neighbor's dogs.

Turtles -- Over the past 14 years we have rescued over 10 terrestrial turtles from high risk areas and returned them to the forest on our refuge. In 2005 our biologists asked us to not release any more, because they were very concerned that the turtles (especially the red river turtle) are becoming increasingly endangered and rare due to the extinction of other prey species such as the teqezquintle or paca. So we began a reproduction program for the turtles, and have successfully hatched the red river turtle in captivity. According to our biologists, this has not been accomplished before. We now have 29 adult turtles and 5 babies, among 3 different native species. Once we have a considerable amount of juveniles, they will be released in the forest.

Squirrels -- Many baby squirrels fall out of their nests, and often people bring them to us. We bottle-feed them raw goat's milk (from ASECAF, the Esperanza' Ladies' goat farm - telephone # 642 0847) usually every 2 hours for very young ones, then subsequently we release them once they are juveniles. They remain tame and friendly, and love petting still.

Peccary --June 2006 We have cared for a baby collared peccary "Piggle" or "Gallo", for over a year now, and he is now adjusting to life in the wild. He roams free in our forest refuge and forages for himself now - we hardly have to feed him any supplemental foods. We are hopeful that he will discover a peccary group eventually in our area and probably go off to live happily forever as a peccary should. He's still a very sweet friend and a favorite of many volunteers and visitors. A few Peccaries have been spotted in our area in the last year, so we assume they are returning to the area, after being wiped out years ago by poachers. We hope this time the poachers will buy meat in the grocery store, and leave our lil' wild pigs alone, free to live a pig's life in the jungle.
Without peccaries, there can be no jaguars !!!!
September 2008 We now have official permission from MINAE to release our ´Piggle¨ on our wildlife sanctuary. There have been numerous sightings of wild peccaries on our refuge in the last few months.

Skunks --- The cutest skunks of all live in Costa Rica, and we are currently rescuing a group at a local hotel. We imported Hav-a-Hart traps, and have been trapping them, then releasing them in the forest. Before we began trapping them, the hotel management was killing them due to their stinkiness. Now we have provided a safe way for everyone to be happy!!! Skunks included !!!
September 2008 To date, we have released 6 skunks.
This species is also in our Reproduction for Re-Introduction Program.

Pisoti or Coatimundi -- We are currently carrying out transition therapy with a young pisoti that was abused by its captors. Nipper now spends most of his time free in the forest, hunting and foraging for insects, worms, field mice, etc. He's a marvel to watch, voraciously hunting in every old log, feverishly digging when he sniffs a worm... a very happy pisoti in his element. His stress level (slashing and biting) has now smoothed out, and he can easily be handled since his release. He still thinks he's just another critter in the family, and enjoys adventure outings with us. We hope soon he will be able to join one of the many groups of wild coatis that call our refuge home.

Boa Constrictor -- We gladly rescue boas who have invaded homes or buildings. To date we have rescued and released 5 boas of various sizes, one really big one, (over 2 meters) and several young ones. Please call us if you suffer a boa invasion. Please don't kill the snake!

Snakes-- September 2008 We have rescued and released several other kinds of snakes in the last 2 years. Several non-poisonous coral snakes, several sabaneras, & other kinds.

Iguanas -- We have rescued, cured, and released several iguanas. Two were too hurt to save, (children had injured them by throwing stones ).
We hope to someday soon begin raising green iguanas for re-introduction.
We have also rescued (as pests) then relocated & released on the Sanctuary over 20 iguanas.
They are an extremely important part of the food chain. In our area they are becoming increasingly rare because people continue to kill them, sometimes just for "fun" (demonic fun), sometimes to eat.
PLEASE STOP KILLING THE IGUANAS !!!!

Parrots -- We have rescued and released several different species of native parrots, mostly the 'sapoyol' , the smallest. We have completed our first aviary, so that our young rescued birds can learn to fly and be released (those that aren't maimed by abusive captors or dogs, cats, etc.) The birds that cannot be released due to a permanent handicap, will be paired for reproduction, then their offspring will be re-introduced.

Owls -- September 2008 We have rescued and released 3 owls. 2 infants, 1 injured.

Possums -- We have released several possums to date. One breeding pair, and another female.
In the Rescue Center we have 2 young ones, and 6 babies, all to be released when they are ready.

ALL THE ANIMALS/BIRDS IN THE SANCTUARY THAT ARE NOT CANDIDATES FOR RELEASE WILL BECOME VERY ESSENTIAL TOOLS/ELEMENTS IN OUR CONSERVATION EDUCATION PROGRAM.

We will not be able to re-introduce until the surrounding communities learn to accept and respect the rights of wildlife to live a natural life in their natural environment without being predated by humans.

THE EARTH DOES NOT BELONG TO US, WE BELONG TO THE EARTH. ( Chief Seattle )