Tamarindo is a beautiful place surrounded by natural forests and beautiful beaches. As word gets out at just how fantastic the lifestyle is around Tamarindo more and more development occurs to accommodate the burgeoning human population and the associated industry that goes with it.

Unfortunately, as more humans enter the area, it does start to take its toll on the native wildlife which is put at risk due to the encroaching human influence.

For the past 50 years Monkey Park has been operating in an effort to reduce the impact of humans visiting or living in the area and provides a place of refuge for animals that have been placed in harm’s way. The aim of Monkey Park is to rehabilitate the animals prior to release back into the wild, as well as provide a program which educates visitors and locals on how to reduce their environmental footprint on the local area.

Of course there are a few resident animals who are unfortunately never going to be in a position to be released back into the wild. These animals are much loved and will be well looked after for the rest of their life.

As a non-profit organization Monkey Park is making positive strides towards reducing the rate of decline of the native flora and fauna and help preserve the ecosystem in its native state. It operates on donations but also has the backing of the Costa Rican Ministry of Environment, Energy, and Telecommunications (MINAET). The funds raised by Monkey Park go into research, education, and funding the park itself to look after the animals.

Despite the name Monkey Park does not discriminate in its care of the local animal population and is often home to a diverse range of species. At any one time visitors can experience animal exhibits which house everything from a prehensile-tailed porcupine to an ocelot. Birds such as the majestic spectacled owl and the scarlet macaw have been known to visit from time to time, and even the American crocodile has been welcomed into Monkey Park for care and rehabilitation.

The park is set up in such a way as to allow visitors to view the animals in exhibits which have been created to closely resemble their natural habitat as much as possible — albeit with a creative flair that illustrates and educates about the local history and customs. Visitors are treated to a guided tour where they will learn more about the animals and how human encroachment is affecting their habitat.

One recent addition is the butterfly garden which is a seasonally changing display to increase the local population of butterflies in the surrounding area. Once visitors have finished touring Monkey Park they are welcome to dine at the recently refurbished restaurant where diners can sample even more of the local culture through food and drink- with all proceeds going directly to funding the park and its operations.

Andrew Makarik

to@welovecostarica.com

Andrew Makarik is the main editor of WeLoveCostaRica, a fan of this sunny country. He is also a loving husband and a has a lovely daughter. By being a devoted family man and the biggest Costa Rica fan, he wants to make more people feel at home there. WeLoveCostaRica unites people and helps them find new home or a new travel destination. This website is a friendly community where everyone can find not only information, but also new friends and travel pals. Andrew is also passionate about IT and programming, so he himself maintains a friendly atmosphere in this cozy environment of WeLoveCostaRica.com.