Traffickers often use inhumane capture methods, which can lead to high mortality rates during transport or confinement. “These animals are frequently confined to cramped spaces, fed inappropriate diets and suffer from illness,” officials said. “As they grow, they may become aggressive or unmanageable, leading some people to abandon them near rescue centers or surrender them.”

Anyone who suspects a wild animal is being trafficked, kept in captivity or sold illegally is encouraged to report it by calling SINAC’s hotline at 1192 or by filing a report through the “Denuncias SINAC” section on the agency’s official website.

Under Costa Rica’s Wildlife Conservation Law No. 7317, hunting, trading or keeping wild animals in captivity is strictly prohibited. Offenders may face fines ranging from $600 to $26,000 or prison sentences of one to three years.

The most recent wildlife trafficking case was reported last week when the Environmental Prosecutor's Office carried out six raids on private properties in the community of Bijagua in the canton of Upala, in Alajuela Province, as part of an investigation into alleged wildlife trafficking.

The case began with an anonymous tip that wild animals were being displayed at six tourist venues. Authorities said the owners were under investigation for allegedly capturing, transporting, concealing and exhibiting wild animals.

According to officials, wildlife specimens including sloths, macaws and turtles were found at the locations. The capture, sale or breeding of these species is strictly prohibited.

Park rangers rescued the animals and transported them to a wildlife rescue center, where veterinarians conducted health evaluations.

The tourism center owners now face charges for allegedly keeping protected wildlife.

From 2014 to 2025, SINAC reported more than 60,000 seizures of wildlife and plant species linked to illegal trafficking activities in Costa Rica.

In a separate incident, park rangers at Tortuguero National Park in Limón province recently rescued a baby Florida manatee after it became stranded on a beach.

SINAC is the government agency responsible for managing Costa Rica’s national parks and protected areas.