Saturday, April 25, 2009

San José Zoo- Simon Bolivar Zoo Costa Rica

San José Costa Rica has a ZOO- it’s called the Simon Bolivar Zoo. Who knew?

With Costa Rica being Costa Rica, who’d a thought they needed a zoo, when most can venture out into their backyards and see the wildlife in their natural habitat.

If you’re expecting the San Diego Zoo or ‘ANY’ zoo in Australia, you’ll be VERY disappointed to say the least. The Simon Bolivar Zoo just isn’t that kind of zoo. But if time is of the essence, or perhaps you didn’t see ALL the animals you we’re hoping too while visiting Costa Rica, then this zoo just may be an option. All the Costa Rican animals are represented: Capuchin, Spider and Squirrel monkeys, toucans, caimans, tapirs, margays and jaguarundi’s and a host of other Costa Rican wildlife.

I must admit it was a little weird having a zoo almost smack dab in the hustle and bustle of San José, but it didn't take long to understand the zoo is mostly a place for the 'locals'- the school kids and tico families to get a glimpse and an education of the animals that call Costa Rica home.

Here's our visit to the Simon Bolivar Zoo, you can decide for yourself if it's worth a LOOK.



Personally, if you want to see wildlife in it's Natural Habitat, I recommend this: A Trip down Cano Negro.

We have ALL your Costa Rica Travel Information at Travel Costa Rica NOW. and don't forget our Costa Rica Travel Tip Videos posted on YouTube. Hope it HELPS!

4 comments:

International Mom said...

Hi, I absolutely hate this zoo. and find it an insult, that a country such as costa rica can have a zoo like this. i took my mom there, and we went to use the bathroom. and the freaking septic tank is the lake right in front of the bathroom. it was disgusting. and that's to say absolutely nothing at all about the horrible, teeny tiny cages where the stressed animals live.

i recommend so many other places to go to.

Unknown said...

Yeah, we do too. Generally, I don't care for zoos PERIOD, but we had heard this zoo was really bad a few years ago (in regards to the animals well-being) and wanted to see if it had gotten any better. We were just happy to see the animals didn't look too bad considering.... but no, we don't really recommend it either, We may have been a tad to nice on this video. That said, we really were expecting WORSE. I still find it odd that in the video the monkey was actually eating what looked like a chickens foot....... ummm.

International Mom said...

I love your videos by the way! You can capture a lot. My main gig with this zoo, is that it's in Costa Rica. You know, with all the hype they've got going. You'd think they would do soemthign better with the zoo. And you know what's crazy, they don't think it's bad. My husband works in wildlife and the foundation that handles the bronx zoo and san diego zoo, come here for conventions and do you know where costa rica holds them???

at the ZOO!!!!!!

Unknown said...

haha, if that wasn't so SAD it would be funny. Yeah, you're definitely right, this is Costa Rica for God sake, if they're going to even have a ZOO it should be SH** (figuratively not literally). Oh, and thanx we always appreciate the nice comments.