Parque Zoologico Simon Bolivar, San Jose

Simon Bolivar Zoological Park (Parque Nacional Simón Bolívar), also known as Zoológico Simón Bolívar, is a historic urban park located in downtown San José. It covers an area of approximately 14 hectares and is home to the oldest botanical garden and zoo in the country. The park's name pays tribute to the Latin American national founder Simón Bolívar.

The origins of Simon Bolivar Zoo date back to 1884 when Swiss naturalist and botanist Henry Pittier created the Garden of Plants and Animals, a park associated with the Costa Rican Geographic Institute. The park was initially located near Costa Rica High School (Liceo de Costa Rica) but later moved to its current location in Barrio Amón. The zoo was established in 1916, and a botanical garden was added in 1921, as part of the celebration of Simon Bolivar's birth anniversary.

One of the notable features of Simon Bolivar Zoo is that all animals housed in the facility are orphaned, injured, or disabled and are nursed back to health by the park's staff in hopes of releasing them into the wild. This approach to animal care sets Simon Bolivar Zoo apart from traditional zoos, where animals are bred in captivity and live their entire lives in confinement.

The zoo held a collection of 11 species of mammals, about 30 species of birds, more than ten species of reptiles, as well as species of frogs and fish. Today, visitors to Simon Bolivar Zoo can enjoy a wide range of plant and animal life while learning about the important role of conservation in protecting the natural world.

Why You Should Visit:
Good variety of rescued animals and birds, with the place having lush foliage and plants that provide shade and a nice natural habitat for the creatures.

Tip:
Try to get there at the opening or between 12-1pm so you can see the animals being fed.