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COSTA RICA'S LEADING ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER

Costa Rica Shuts Down State Zoos, Ends Animal Captivity

The government of Costa Rica has announced the closure of the country’s two state zoos, following an 11-year legal battle over a law prohibiting the caging of wild animals in captivity. The contract with the Fundazoo Foundation, which managed the zoos, will not be renewed. The 400 animals under the Foundation’s care will be transferred to rescue centers, such as SOAVE, for examination and assessment before their final destination is determined. Although there will no longer be zoos with caged animals in Costa Rica, private parks and rescue centers will continue to operate.

Power Outages Scheduled by ICE Across Costa Rica

The Costa Rican Electricity Institute announced upcoming power outages due to critically low energy reserve levels in the National Electric System. The situation is attributed to reduced hydroelectric flows, non-compliance of leased thermal plant suppliers, and increased domestic energy demand. ICE assured that industrial sectors, high-voltage customers, hospitals, and major health centers will not be affected by the measure. However, some ICE executives mentioned poor planning and delays in private thermal plants contracted to guarantee electricity supply during the dry season. ICE remains committed to minimizing the impact of power cuts.

Exchange rate crisis hits Costa Rica’s banana sector

Standard Fruit Company of Costa Rica confirmed the dismissal of 412 workers from its banana farms due to the abrupt appreciation of the Costa Rican cologne, which has negatively impacted the competitiveness of Costa Rican fruit exports. The company also stated that more layoffs could occur if the exchange rate remains the same or drops further. The decision affected all seven of the company’s banana farms, and employees were paid full benefits. Other areas of the company, including pineapple farms and a free trade zone for services, are also at risk of layoffs. The business sector had previously warned that the current exchange rate is unsustainable for their productivity and that without changes, many companies would close or lay off personnel.

Today's Top News

Second U.S. Deportation Flight Lands in Costa Rica as Migration Debate Intensifies

Costa Rica has taken delivery of the second group of migrants deported by the United States, as a plane carrying 65 individuals touched down...

Rare White Anteater Spotted in Costa Rica in Bajo La Paz

Costa Rica is home to hundreds of animal species that surprise locals and foreigners alike. Recently, an especially unusual sighting occurred in Bajo La...

Basketball Icon Michael Jordan Touches Down Again in Costa Rica

Basketball legend Michael Jordan has returned to Costa Rica for the third time this year. The former NBA star and Hall of Famer has...

Netflix and Prime Video Revive Latin American Literature Boom with Big-Budget Adaptations

Decades after the Latin American literature "boom," which made magical realism the region's distinctive hallmark, several of its most notable books are gaining new...

Endangered Jabiru Birds in Costa Rica Face Habitat Loss and Climate Threats

The jabiru belongs to the family Ciconiidae. It is the largest bird found in Costa Rica and one of the most endangered species in...

What Tourists Can Do: Disposing of Trailside Trash in Costa Rica

The first time I hiked into the dry tropical forest along the Tamarindo Estuary, I found a narrow trail and a sign warning of...

Costa Rican Indigenous Community Mourns Death After Medical Neglect

The Indigenous populations of Costa Rica have suffered from the neglect of the government and its institutions. In this case, unfortunately, a 29-year-old woman...

Costa Rica Abstains From UN Vote Condemning Russia’s Ukraine Invasion

Costa Rica abstained from recognizing and condemning Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The country’s representatives refrained from voting on a resolution discussed during the recent...

American Dream Dies: Migrants Flee Trump’s Deportation Push

Saudy Palacios crossed the dangerous Darién Gap jungle, on the border between Panama and Colombia, with the dream of reaching the United States, having...

Eavesdropping in Costa Rica Will Supercharge Your Spanish Fluency

Eavesdropping – the very word in English suggests a rude and invasive action. It conjures up images of a wiretap, or an ear against...