KSTR Re-Wilding Center Manuel Antonio (Sloth/Primate Park)

The KSTR Re-Wilding Center in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica, offers visitors a unique opportunity to encounter rehabilitated sloths and primates in an intimate setting. With a stellar 4.9-star rating, the center’s morning tours provide a captivating wildlife experience, allowing guests to observe the animals’ behaviors while learning about the organization’s conservation efforts. However, what sets this park apart is its unwavering commitment to animal welfare, ensuring a respectful and enriching experience for both the creatures and their human visitors.

Key Points

• KSTR Re-Wilding Center is a non-profit wildlife rehabilitation center located in Quepos, Costa Rica, focused on the conservation of local ecosystems.
• The center offers morning tours with close animal encounters, led by knowledgeable guides and capped at 25 travelers.
• Visitors can expect to see and learn about injured animals, such as sloths and primates, being rehabilitated for potential release into the wild.
• The center maintains a strong commitment to animal welfare, prohibiting direct contact with the animals to ensure their well-being.
• The tour experience includes snacks, transportation, and educational insights, providing a hassle-free and enlightening exploration of Costa Rican wildlife and conservation efforts.

Overview

The KSTR Re-Wilding Center Manuel Antonio, also known as the Sloth/Primate Park, is located in Quepos, Costa Rica and is operated by the non-profit organization Kids Saving the Rain Forest.

With 245 total reviews and a 99% recommendation rate from travelers, the park has an impressive 4.9-star rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews.

For a morning tour, visitors can expect to pay $70 per person and enjoy close encounters with the sanctuary’s animals.

The center has also been awarded a Badge of Excellence, further solidifying its reputation as a top-notch wildlife experience in the region.

Tour Experience

Although the morning tour at the KSTR Re-Wilding Center lasts for a limited duration, visitors can expect to enjoy a maximum group size of 25 travelers.

The tour is stroller accessible, though not wheelchair friendly. After the tour, guests receive snacks and have the opportunity for close encounters with the sanctuary animals.

Confirmation of the booking is provided at the time of reservation, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour.

The experience concludes with return transportation to the original meeting point for a small additional fee per person.

Meeting and Pickup

Visitors meet at the Blue Banyan Inn, located 5 km north from Finca Anita and 300 meters east in Naranjito, Costa Rica. This is the designated meeting point for the KSTR Re-Wilding Center tour.

For an additional $5 per person, the center provides pickup and drop-off service from this location. At the end of the tour, guests return to the same meeting point.

The tour isn’t accessible for wheelchairs, but strollers are allowed. The meeting and pickup logistics are straightforward, ensuring a hassle-free start and end to the immersive KSTR Re-Wilding Center experience.

Animal Care and Conservation

The KSTR Re-Wilding Center in Manuel Antonio operates with a clear purpose – the rehabilitation of injured animals and their potential release back into the wild.

An onsite veterinarian provides insights into the challenges of animal care and rehabilitation. Visitors can observe the animals in cages, but touching isn’t allowed to ensure the well-being of the creatures.

The facility’s commitment to animal welfare and conservation of Costa Rican ecosystems is evident. Guests appreciate the educational value and the personal stories shared by knowledgeable guides about the animals’ journeys and the center’s role in protecting the nation’s wildlife.

Guest Reviews

What do guests have to say about their experience at the KSTR Re-Wilding Center? Overwhelmingly positive, with reviewers praising the knowledgeable guides, commitment to animal welfare, and educational value.

Key highlights from guest reviews include:

1. Detailed information and personal stories about the sanctuary animals

2. Emphasis on wildlife conservation and Costa Rican ecosystems

3. Appreciation for the facility’s focus on animal rehabilitation and potential release

4. Satisfaction with the close viewing of animals in a respectful, hands-off manner

Location and Accessibility

The KSTR Re-Wilding Center Manuel Antonio is situated in Quepos, Costa Rica, approximately 5 kilometers north from the Blue Banyan Inn.

Guests can be picked up and dropped off at the meeting point for an additional $5 per person. While the facility is stroller accessible, it isn’t wheelchair friendly.

Guests can be picked up and dropped off at the meeting point for an additional $5 per person. The facility is stroller accessible, but not wheelchair friendly.

The tour lasts the morning, with a maximum group size of 25 travelers.

After the tour, guests can enjoy snacks and have close encounters with the sanctuary’s rehabilitated animals, though direct contact isn’t permitted to prioritize the animals’ well-being.

Center’s Mission and Approach

Operated by the non-profit organization Kids Saving the Rain Forest, the KSTR Re-Wilding Center Manuel Antonio focuses on rehabilitating injured animals with the goal of releasing them back into the wild.

The center’s approach includes:

1. On-site veterinary care and specialized rehabilitation programs for sloths, monkeys, and other primates.

2. Educational tours that provide visitors insights into the challenges of animal conservation in Costa Rica.

3. Partnerships with local authorities to rescue and care for wildlife.

4. A commitment to minimizing human interaction to ensure the animals’ well-being and successful reintegration into their natural habitats.

Visitor Information and Tips

How can visitors make the most of their experience at the KSTR Re-Wilding Center in Manuel Antonio?

Get there early to beat the crowds and have the best chance of seeing the animals active.

Wear comfortable shoes and bring a hat, as the tour involves walking.

While no touching is allowed, get ready for some up-close encounters with the sanctuary’s inhabitants.

After the tour, enjoy snacks provided and reflect on the important conservation work.

With a knowledgeable guide, a maximum group size of 25, and free cancellation, this is a must-do activity for nature lovers visiting Costa Rica’s Manuel Antonio region.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Park’s Operating Hours?

The park’s operating hours are not explicitly stated in the provided information. However, it is a morning tour, suggesting the park is likely open during standard daytime hours to accommodate visitors.

Are There Any Gift Shops or Souvenir Stands On-Site?

The park does not have any on-site gift shops or souvenir stands. The focus is solely on the animals and their rehabilitation, with no commercial activities distracting from the educational and conservation-oriented mission of the facility.

Can Visitors Bring Their Own Food and Drinks?

Visitors are allowed to bring their own food and non-alcoholic drinks to the park. There’s no requirement to purchase food on-site, though snacks are provided after the tour. Guests can enjoy their own refreshments during the visit.

Are Photography or Video Recording Allowed During the Tour?

Guests are allowed to take photos and videos during the tour, though they’re advised not to use flash to avoid disturbing the animals. Visitors should follow the guide’s instructions to ensure the animals’ well-being.

What Is the Dress Code or Recommended Attire for Visitors?

The recommended attire is comfortable, lightweight clothing suitable for warm tropical weather. Visitors should wear closed-toe shoes, as the tour involves walking through natural areas. Bringing sun protection like hats and sunscreen is also advised.

The Sum Up

The KSTR Re-Wilding Center in Manuel Antonio offers a unique and immersive wildlife experience. With its focus on animal welfare, knowledgeable guides, and stunning natural setting, the center provides visitors a chance to connect with rehabilitated sloths and primates. The captivating tours and the center’s dedication to conservation make it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Costa Rica’s rich biodiversity.