Costa Rica’s has the most biodiversity on earth, and has four percent of all known species in their zoos. They want to close two government zoos, the Simon Bolivar Zoo and the Santa Ana Zoo. But their plan has failed, because of  FUNDAZOO.

Costa Rica wanted to close the zoos, because of the emergent new environmental consciousness that questions the humanity of keeping animals in cages. The two zoos are the 97 years old Simon Bolivar Zoo in central San Jose. It would become a botanical park next year. The Santa Ana Zoo, in the west side of the city, would also change its vocation. Together, they display more than 400 animals of 60 different species, including lions, crocodiles, monkeys, and more. If the zoos closed, the Simon Bolivar Zoo would become a biological education center and the Santa Ana Conservation would become a forest reserve. Certain animals would be sent to animal rescue centers in other countries, like the jaguar and an African lion.

The authorities wanted to close the zoos for  August, 19, 2015, but Fundazoo a non-profit association that issues from Costa Rica’s Environment Ministry wants to keep zoos open the for another ten years, since they weren’t given enough notice to finish their management contract. They want to renovate the Simon Bolivar Zoo in Barrio Amon near the city center. The renovations are a response to criticism for the enclosures and some outdated cages. Also, the crocodiles and the caimans will soon be put in a bigger environment. Eduardo Bolanos and René Castro went to an administrative tribunal to block the closure last Friday. They have signed a contract that will ensure the zoos to be open for ten more years due to contractual obligations. The contract were designed to lasts for twenty five years, so the Environmental Ministry of Costa Rica can’t close the zoos until 2024.

At this moment, the Simon Bolivar Zoo and the Santa Ana Conservation are open to visitors.

UPDATED: Costa Rica wants to close its zoos and free all captive animals

No, Costa Rica is not closing its zoos

http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/costa-rica-zoos-to-close-free-animals-1.1344905