In the lush heart of Guanacaste, a single dream arose that would change the fate of wildlife in the Tamarindo area. In 2007, Vanessa Jarrin, driven by an unwavering passion for wildlife conservation and ecology, founded the Monkey Park Foundation, and thus, soon after Apami Wildlife Centre was born. 

Vanessa became a pioneer for equality by being the first Costa Rican, and the first woman to found a wildlife and rehabilitation center in the country. The difficult and dark reality was that victims of the illegal pet trade, confiscated and injured animals had nowhere to go as no adequate shelter existed for them. Because of the Monkey Park Foundation, this is no longer the case. 

Apami is much more than a refuge, it’s an immensely powerful connection to both our local communities and the wildlife we coexist with. Vanessa and her team have worked relentlessly to provide amazing opportunities for those who seek to immerse themselves in nature, contribute directly to the welfare and betterment of wildlife, and be part of projects that ensure the sustainability of our facilities.