Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary is funded solely by donations, our tours, and our volunteer program. 100% of your funds will go to ensuring the good health and safety of the animals in our care.
About Us
History of the Wildlife Sanctuary
Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary began on the southern side of Osa, Costa Rica, founded by an American couple who initially managed a small sanctuary. After learning they would need to close, they met Thomas J. Rademacher, the former owner of the Villas Alturas Hotel, who generously offered to relocate the sanctuary to its current site. With financial support from Mr. Rademacher, the sanctuary was able to build proper enclosures for the animals, inspiring the name “Alturas.”
Additionally, the rescue center was opened, transforming it into both a sanctuary and a rescue center, called Alturas Rescue Center. The sanctuary began operations with a small team, combining both hired staff and contracted professionals.
Today, the land is owned by a group of U.S. investors, with two owners joining sanctuary staff on the current board. The sanctuary operates from rented facilities and continues to grow, supported by a committed team of managers, veterinarians, animal care staff, and volunteers from around the world.
Our mission remains focused on rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing injured or orphaned wildlife while educating and involving the local community in conservation efforts.
24/7 Wild animal rescue and Rehabilitation
If you encounter an injured wild animal in Costa Rica please contact us on our Animal emergency phone number: +506 8589 7812
The main work that we do at Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary is rescue injured wildlife, treat them, rehabilitate them, and release them back into the wild. We run a fully equipped clinic and are lucky enough to have two specialist wildlife vets work full-time.
The main reason for wildlife intakes are due to road traffic accidents, electrocutions, domestic animal attacks, the pet trade and orphans. Since the initiation of this center, we have rescued over 3,500 animals!
Serving through Education
As humans impinge on the natural habitat of rain forest animals, many injuries occur. An important educational center for local, national, and international visitors, Alturas is improving human-wildlife co-existence through education, reducing human-related wildlife injuries.
Please join us with your gift. You will be providing life-saving care and rehabilitation for rainforest animals and important education that protects their futures!
Thank you in advance for your generosity!
