Zoo Ave

Zoo Ave is a must see in Alajuela. It may take set you back a half a day in your trip up north, but it is well worth it. This zoo is host to an amazing number of bird species native to Costa Rica, as well as a good variety of other animals. The place is a non-profit organization that has the following three goals:

Environmental Education. Zoo Ave accomplishes this not only with the zoo itself, which has great descriptions of the different animal species and signs that inform of key threats to Costa Rican wildlife, but also with education efforts through radio, TV, and the production of didactic materials. They also have educational outreach programs that help inform school children of environmental issues in Costa Rica.
Costa Rican Wildlife Rescue. Zoo Ave rehabilitates and releases into the wild animals that are injured, orphaned, or mistreated by humans in captivity. On top of its direct humanitarian importance, the wildlife rescue program often helps out endangered species of Costa Rica that are so important to the local ecosystem.
Care of Endangered Species. Even when not related to the rescue of wild animals, Zoo Ave cares for endangered species in captivity to give them a fighting chance in the future.

How to visit Zoo Ave

Zoo Ave is located 10 km west of Alajuela in La Garita de Alajuela. You can take a bus that goes toward Atenas and have the bus driver notify you when you go by Zoo Ave. This bus will cost you about $.50. If you are driving, you can take the Pan-American to the Atenas exit. Go east for a few kilometers and you'll see the Zoo on your right side.

Map of Zoo Ave and the surrounding area

Here's a map that shows San Jose on the right side, which gives you a good idea of the proximity of Zoo Ave (the icon marked with "A" on the map), which resides in Garita, a short bus trip from the center of Alajuela.

What do I need to take to Zoo Ave?

The birdwatching at the zoo is spectacular, but since it is a zoo and not natural environment, no need to take your binoculars. Do bring your camera, though. You wouldn't want to miss a shot at a male peacock showing off his plumage. These critters roam free around the zoo and are quite friendly as peacocks go (I usually find them quite aloof). Oh, you also need to carry with you $14 for the entrance fee, or $5 for citizens/residents. This fee is well worth the experience in this magnificent zoo. Plus, your patronage helps keep the environmental aspects of the project alive, helping preserve beautiful Costa Rican wildlife. Without your visit today, tomorrow your grandchildren will go to "Museum Ave" where all the dead Costa Rican birds are displayed in all their resplendant petrified glory. So, if I haven't sold you yet, go visit their website. UPDATE: The old Zoo Ave website appears to have moved, and has been replaced by a German-speaking website at zooave.org. The real website can now be found at zooave.com.