Fact Check: Costa Rica abolish state owned zoos and animal park

Fact Check: Costa Rica Abolishes State-Owned Zoos and Animal Parks

What We Know

Costa Rica has officially closed its last two state-run zoos, the Simón Bolívar Zoo and the Santa Ana Conservation Center, as of May 2024. This decision follows over a decade of legal challenges after the country passed a wildlife protection law in 2013 that aimed to prohibit the captivity of wild animals in government facilities. The Ministry of Environment and Energy announced that it would not renew its contract with Fundazoo, the organization that managed these zoos, allowing for the relocation of approximately 287 animals to rehabilitation centers and sanctuaries (source-1, source-2).

Franz Tattenbach, the Minister of Environment and Energy, stated that the closure aligns with Costa Rica's vision for wildlife protection, emphasizing that captivity should only be justified for animals unable to return to their natural habitats due to health or behavioral issues (source-1). The government plans to transition to sanctuaries and rescue centers, marking a significant shift in wildlife management policies in the country (source-2).

Analysis

The closure of Costa Rica's state-run zoos is a landmark decision in wildlife conservation, reflecting a broader trend towards animal welfare and ethical treatment. The move follows the 2013 wildlife protection law, which aimed to end the captivity of wild animals in state facilities. This law faced legal challenges from Fundazoo, which delayed the closure until now (source-1, source-4).

The credibility of the sources reporting this event is generally high, as they include reputable news organizations and wildlife advocacy groups. For example, the New York Times and Tico Times are well-established media outlets, while the FAADA Foundation is recognized for its work in wildlife protection (source-1, source-4).

However, it is important to note that while the closure of state zoos is a significant step, it does not affect the 18 private zoos still operating in Costa Rica, which may continue to house wild animals (source-2, source-5). This distinction highlights the complexity of wildlife management in the country and the ongoing discussions about the role of private zoos.

Conclusion

The claim that Costa Rica has abolished state-owned zoos and animal parks is True. The government has officially closed its last two state-run zoos, marking a significant shift towards wildlife sanctuaries and rehabilitation centers. This decision aligns with the country's long-term vision for wildlife protection and ethical treatment of animals, following years of legal challenges against the captivity of wild animals.

Sources

1. After Outlawing Public Zoos, Costa Rica Relocates Hundreds of ...
2. Costa Rica Closes Last State-Run Zoos: Nearly 300 Animals ...
3. Costa Rica Outlaws State Zoos, Relocating Hundreds of Animals
4. Costa Rica Shuts Down State Zoos, Ends Animal Captivity
5. Animal Captivity Ban: Costa Rica to Close State Zoos and ...
6. Costa Rica closes last state-run zoos following decade long ...
7. Pioneering Protection: Costa Rica’s Historic Closure of State ...