Zoo Ave

I had read in the travel books about Zoo Ave just off the Interamerican Hwy. about 3 kms. You take the La Garita-Alajuela turn-off when coming from San Jose. It is by and large a breeding centre for endangered spieces and a rehabilitation centre for abused and injured animals. It also has a large zoo section and is one of only two zoos in the world that have a Quetzal. I had read that is was both a "must see" and by others disappointing. So Rob and I went on Monday to check it out.

It was a nice way to spend an hour or two but I do think the entrance fee of $15.00 pp is a little high. Locals and children do get in for much less. There are endless variety of birds, lots of turtles and few large cats and the Quetzal. When we were there they (the quetzals) were at the back of the cage so could hardly see them. The cages are large with lots of local fauna and water which is good for the animals but made is hard to see some of the animals as they could be way at the back of their area. It is well maintained however and everything looked well cared for. Signs describing both animals and plants were both in English and Spanish. There is a short video presentation also that explains their rehabilitation work. The goal is to breed national species for reintroduction into the wild. The zoo has successfully bred the scarlet macaw, green macaw, curassow, guan, and about 50 other native bird species with the help of a human-infant incubator. The breeding center is off-limits however.

Forgot their name-but local to Costa Rice and cute

Roots looked like iron

Bamboo Trees - huge

Fiery-billed Aracari

Not sure what breed this is

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Meow of the female Mountain Lion

[mp3:mp3/meow.mp3]