Rafa (Panthera onca) is one of the oldest living jaguars in Costa Rica. He was brought to the center when he was only 3 months old. His mother had been preying on cattle in a farm in Guatuso, Alajuela. Her whereabouts were unknown, it is believed she ran off with her other cub. Rafa was caught and turned in to SINAC.
Jaguar cubs live up to 2 years with their mothers, until they learn how to hunt and survive in the wild. Any cub separated from its mother earlier than that will pretty much face life in captivity. Jaguars are expected to live from 12-15 years in the wild, in captivity they can live up to 23 years. Rafa will turn 20 in 2019.
Bruno (Puma concolor costaricensis) was bought off from poachers who claimed to have found him in his den. The man who bought him had a canopy tour operation where Bruno was kept as an attraction. He was later confiscated and transferred to the Center.
Pumas are very curious and have been found to follow and even chase humans. However it is not common for them to attack unless they feel threatened.
Curubanda (Panthera onca) was found at 10 months of age in a farm near Santa Rosa National Park. She was diagnosed with moderate eyesight problems, therefore was not able to reintroduced to her habitat. Her mother's whereabouts are unknown and whether she was hunted, or ditched her cub.
Nicoa (Leopardus pardalis) was rescued in Nicoya by a family who found him in a cattle field. He presented cataracts in both eyes, and having undergone surgery still presents eyesight problems, therefore couldn't be introduced into his habitat.
After two sessions and a fair amount of urine sprayed on me and my gear, Nicoa allowed me capture these shots.
Kira (Herpailurus yagouaroundi) was held captive in a beach resort. She presents deformities in her hind legs probably due to the poor diet and small enclosure she had to live in. Collaborations between vets led to her transfer to the Center.
Simona (Alouatta palliata) was found near a river bank, possibly abandoned by her troop.
Howlers are some of the most common species brought to the Center due to electrocution, winds and human conflict. They can usually be reintroduced, however their natural social structures often prevent them from being accepted into other troops.
Coco (Ramphastos sulfuratus) was rescued along with its sibling Cuco. They were being sold in the illegal exotic pet trade.
Eva (Amazona auropalliata) was kept illegally as a pet in Abangares. Due to her life in captivity she has behavior problems that won't allow her to be released.
Anastasia (Ara macao) was kept illegally as a pet. The stressful conditions in which she was kept led her to pluck her own feathers out.