Costa Rica to shutter both its zoos, release animals in ten years

The biodiverse nation intends to shut down both of its zoos and release all captive animals.

This news is too awesome not to share. In 2013, the beautifully diverse country of Costa Rica announced that it would become the first country in the world to shut down its zoos and free all captive animals. Home to 4% of all known species, the tropical nation is one of the most biodiverse locations on Earth – a major reason why tourism is its #1 industry.

Unfortunately, the country is now contractually obligated to keep the doors of its two zoos open for another ten years, after a court ruling last Friday (more info below). Still, the news of its intentions (documented in 2013) are inspiring enough to share, and activists are continuing to appeal in favor of the government’s desire to transform its zoos into cage-less bio parks. Read Article