The government announced its plan to close the country's two public zoos in July. The move was a result of growing concerns over animal captivity and welfare. According to reports, over 400 animals in the zoos will be transferred to private animal-rescue centers around the country.

At the Monkey Park wildlife-rehab center near Tamarindo, Costa Rica, volunteers are known to clean animal cages, wash dirty dishes and even prepare the animal's meals. But, Costa Rica has been reported to struggle to provide care for its captive wildlife.

Environment Minister Rene Castro said at a press conference in July, "We are getting rid of the cages and reinforcing the idea of interacting with biodiversity in botanical parks in a natural way".

The rescue centers have already taken in more than 2,000 new animals this year. The figure is way above than what they used to get a year.

Maria Pia Martin is a wildlife veterinarian at Kids Saving the Rainforest, a rescue center near Manuel Antonio National Park. He said that they were forced to turn away animas as it was not possible for them to receive so many animals. It was not easy for them to turn down animals, but they had to prioritize who they can save in order to do best for them.