The Zoave Wildlife Rescue Center, located in Garita, Alajuela province, is now open to the public for tours featuring the country’s only capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris), four rare specimens of the world's largest rodent species.

Capybaras are semi-aquatic mammals native to South America and are closely related to guinea pigs and rock cavies. Distant relatives include agoutis, chinchillas, and nutrias. Typically found near rivers, lakes, and wetlands, capybaras inhabit savannas and dense forests. They are social animals that usually live in groups of 10 to 20, though herds of up to 100 have been documented. Capybaras are often hunted for their meat, hides, and oil extracted from their skin.

According to the National System of Conservation Areas (Sinac), the capybaras were brought into the country illegally through wildlife trafficking from South America in May 2025. Park rangers and police discovered the animals during a routine operation on Route 34 in Orotina, Alajuela.

During the stop, officers pulled over a vehicle allegedly occupied by five men. Upon encountering law enforcement, the individuals fled the scene, abandoning the vehicle on the roadside.

A search of the vehicle revealed five capybaras caged inside the trunk. Two suspects, identified by the surnames Torres and Navarrete, were arrested at the scene. Authorities also seized 60 doses of crack cocaine, several packets of marijuana and two knives. The suspects were handed over to the Public Prosecutor’s Office, and all contraband was confiscated.

Park rangers from the Alajuela station transported the animals, one adult male, one adult female, and three juveniles, to Zoave for veterinary evaluation and care.

Unfortunately, one of the adults died several days later. The remaining four animals have recovered and are now in good health.

Tourists visiting the rescue center can view the capybaras and explore a wide variety of other rescued wildlife, including pumas, jaguars, scarlet macaws, monkeys, reptiles, and peacocks.

Entrance fees range from $12 to $35 and can be purchased at the center’s ticket office or via the Zoave website.

Capybaras are currently listed as a species of "Least Concern" on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. However, under Costa Rica’s Wildlife Conservation Law No. 7317, hunting, trafficking, or keeping wild animals in captivity is strictly prohibited. Violators face fines ranging from $600 to $26,000, or prison sentences of one to three years.

From 2014 to 2025, Sinac has recorded more than 60,000 seizures of wildlife and plant species linked to illegal trafficking across Costa Rica.

Sinac is the government agency responsible for managing all national parks and protected areas in the country.

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