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Animal welfare

Authorities tell Ponderosa Adventure Park to stop animal reproduction, feeding tours, selfies

Ponderosa Adventure Park, previously known as África Mía under a different owner, celebrated the birth of its first giraffe in 2009. 

Selfie with a wild animal? Not in Costa Rica

Costa Rica became the first in the world to launch a national campaign against "cruel or inappropriate selfies with wild animals."

President Solís signs new Animal Welfare Law

The new law introduces prison sentences ranging from three months to one year for those found guilty of killing a domestic or a domesticated animal, and a series of monetary fines for animal cruelty.

Death of crocodile in traditional Costa Rican activity stirs controversy

A traditional Good Friday celebration resulted in the death of a crocodile in a Guanacaste town.

Death of Kivú the lion unleashes blame game

Following Kivú's death, many people turned to FUNDAZOO’s facebook profile blaming the organization for keeping the lion in his metal cage during most of his life.

Crocodile found dead in Gulf of Nicoya following thousands of washed up fish

Something very bad is happening in the Gulf of Nicoya, where a dead crocodile turned up just days after thousands of dead sardines washed ashore.

Kivú’s health condition worsens; officials evaluate options

A final recommendation on the lion’s fate will be announced Thursday to the Ministers of Environment, and Agriculture and Livestock, followed by a public announcement.

Supreme Court deems wording of Animal Welfare Bill unconstitutional

Supreme Court Justicies opined that the broad definition of animals in the Animal Welfare bill represents a violation of the principles of reason and proportionality.

Tico-style bullfights: some call it animal abuse, others a tradition

Although killing the bull is not allowed in Costa Rica-style bullfights, animal rights advocates claim bulls are subjected to cruel abuse.

Kivú the lion recovers at his new home

Kivú has been behaving normally as he recovers from anesthesia; he drank water and ate beef, chicken and innards.

Environment officials move Kivú the lion to a new home

Kivú’s new home it’s a 300-square-meter (some 3,300 square feet) area away from visitors and surrounded by nature.

Officials demand the removal of Kivú the lion from public display

Environment Minister Édgar Gutiérrez confirmed that the government has received three requests from organizations willing to provide Kivú with a new home and finally get him out of his cage for good.

Zoo administrator fights to avoid relocating Kivú the lion

Officials of the Fundación Pro Zoológicos, the administrator of the Simón Bolívar Zoo, announced that they will launch a fundraiser to build a new space for Kivú the lion at his current home in downtown San José.

Crocodile that attacked U.S. surfer captured in Tamarindo

Tamarindo's Tourism Chamber was the latest to put itself at the center of Costa Rica's crocodile debate by requesting the removal of a dangerous croc.
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Costa Rica Prosecutors Investigate Pico Blanco Plane Crash That Killed Five

Prosecutors in Costa Rica have opened a negligent homicide investigation into the November 2024 crash of a commercial passenger plane on Cerro Pico Blanco,...

Prison Cases at Costa Rica’s Constitutional Court Jump 124% Amid Crackdown

Prison-related cases at Costa Rica's Constitutional Chamber rose from 2,130 in 2020 to 4,780 in 2025, as tougher prison rules collide with the state's duty to feed and treat inmates.

Fire Chief Says Fernández Gave No Order on Ambulance Deal, but a Memo Cites Her

A Sept. 25 memo cites President Fernández as the basis for a $13.88 million no-bid ambulance deal the fire chief defends.

Red Tide Spreads in Costa Rica’s Gulf of Nicoya and Cooking Won’t Make Shellfish Safe

SENASA widened the Gulf of Nicoya red tide ban. Cooking doesn't make oysters, mussels or pianguas safe.