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#
of Tapir's seen
5
Number
of Macaws seen
12
How
long Frosty would last in the peccaries enclouser
not long (they
have big teeth!)
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Lesson
Plans
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Rehabilitating endangered species!
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When we were in Tortuguero last week, we
met one of Pika's friends, Luis. Luis told us about a
project he had been working on for the past 6 years. La
Finca Lodge's goal is to rehabilitate Costa Rica's most
endangered species. The idea came from a farmer who realized
that Costa Rica was in danger of losing some its most
incredible wildlife. |
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farm was converted into protected land for tapirs,
peccaries, macaws,
and even jaguars. Animals are kept in cages, but the project
is definitely not a zoo. Most of the cages are a few acres
in size. The cages are some of the largest in Costa Rica,
and are intended to resemble the natural habitat of the
animals. So far, the project has been the only place that
has been successful in reproducing tapirs
and peccaries in captivity. And even though they aren't
the most beautiful animals in the forest, they are important
to the ecosystem as a whole. |
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All
of the animals are either orphaned as babies from illegal
poaching or hurt in the wild. The site has a veterinary
clinic to research the animals and make sure that they
are getting healthier. Eventually the animals that are
reproduced will be released into the wild. |
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Projects
like La Finca Lodge are very important to the ecosystem,
because the success rates of captive breeding are actually
higher than they are in the wild. The project is also
a great place for education. To be able to see endangered
species up close, gives researchers and scientists a
better understanding of the animals' natural habits
and needs. Also, education plays a key role in protection.
By showing that there is a need for these animals in
the wild, perhaps there will no longer be a need for
poaching or illegal hunting of these amazing animals.
Happy
Trails,
Frosty
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Critters
of Costa Rica Index
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