... Costa Rica Travel ... |
... San José Zoo - Costa Rica ...
by infocostarica.com
staff
Nestled in
a forested ravine in historical Barrio Amón, the Parque
Zoologico Nacional Simón Bolivar offers visitors a sampling
of Costa Rica’s abundant animal life amid a peaceful oasis
of gardens and tree-lined paths. Although modest in scope, the
zoo does covers almost 6 acres and is home to approximately 50
species of Costa Rican wildlife and some exotic creatures as well.
Named
after a popular South American freedom fighter, the zoo officially
opened its doors in July of 1921 providing Josefinos (residents
of San José) with an attractive weekend alternative. Among
the park’s goals is the desire to educate visitors about
environmental issues, to exhibit a representative sample of Costa
Rica’s wildlife and to provide an alternative recreational
area for urban families.
Neglected
over the years and passed along between various government agencies,
the zoo is now under the auspices of FUNDAZOO, which has made
a concerted effort to upgrade facilities and change the zoo’s
reputation from a “prison for animals” to a center
for public awareness and wildlife education. Even so, public outcry
continues to criticize the zoo’s small enclosures (especially
for larger animals such as the lion and lioness) and lack of proper
signage.
The park includes
a children’s discovery area, a snake and reptile house,
a restaurant and a gift shop. Among the zoo’s wildlife species
are a lion, jaguars, monkeys, raccoons and crocodiles, as well
as an assortment of exotic tropical birds. There are also a variety
of labeled native plants on the grounds, and a brochure describing
them is available.
Location: Barrio Amón, Ave. 11, Calles 7 & 9 (go north
on Calle 7 and east on Ave. 11 to get there).
Hours: Open all year (except Easter Friday) from 8:00 am to 3:30
pm weekdays and 9:00 am to 4:30 pm on weekends.
Admission: Infants – free, children 3 to 6 pay $2.70, adults
pay $4.25 and seniors pay $2.30.
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