When the Taliban was toppled nearly 12 years ago in Afghanistan, a small number of biologists saw an opportunity on the margins of the war effort. The country's far reaches had barely been examined and were thought to contain some of the world's least understood species. But studying them would require complex, and sometimes tense, negotiations with some of the world's most isolated people.

Animal rights activists are celebrating the Environment Ministry's decision to close Costa Rica's two public zoos next May. However, zoo administrators are not going out without a fight and plan to take the case to court.

John Herrera co-founded the LCCU, the first fully bilingual financial institution in the state of North Carolina, to provide immigrants from Latin America with bank accounts and other financial services.

Opponents of the multinational biotech giant will hold a global protest on Saturday, with 400 cities participating.

Park service commits $120,000 to land, air and boat patrols.

Students got a clean slate in exchange for improving their grades, helping with volunteer work and attending class.

Police will monitor community celebrations to prevent the banned “Burning of Judas” tradition.

The BIG BLUE: The dolphins have illuminated intriguing social behaviors, some that we ourselves exhibit.

The Dutch captain visits with The Tico Times during a recent trip to Costa Rica.

If the colón were to rise against the dollar, the survival of local exporting companies would be threatened.