Costa Rica plans to free its animals. The country has been a paradise for nature lovers and environmentalists for years and shelters the greatest density of species in the world. Amazingly, the country represents only one-fourth of 1 percent of the world’s land, but is home to 5 percent of the world’s biodiversity.
With that kind of devotion to its land and creatures, it’s not surprising that Costa Rica plans to free its animals when it closes both of the country’s zoos in 2014, according to the Associated Press.
The foundation that runs the animals parks, though, said it is trying to keep them operating.
Environment Minister Rene Castro said the 97-year-old Simon Bolivar zoo in central San Jose would become a botanical park next year. Another zoo west of the city, the Santa Ana Conservation Center, also would close, AP reported. Together they hold 400 animas of 60 species, including a lion, crocodiles, monkeys and a tapir. The animals will either be released into the wild or sent to rescue centers.
Fundazoo, the foundation that runs the zoos, asked an administrative tribunal in Costa Rica to block the closure, arguing that its contract to run the zoos has been renewed through 2024.
Costa Rica banned circuses with animals in 2002 and has also barred sport hunting.
Democracy and liberty are cherished in Costa Rica, evidenced once again by the freeing of their captive animals. This is a country that has no army, navy or air force and uses its money to invest in its people and protect its environment for all who live there, humans and other species. What’s not to love about a country with these values?
You can find out more by visiting Costa Rica in our Countries section.