We would like to share with all of you our very important animal-handling rules and regulations, which follow international protocol and are designed to protect the animals.
All people who touch or handle any animal species at Veragua Rainforest must belong to the scientific research team of the Foundation for Rainforest Research (Veragua Foundation).
Each individual must have a permit from the Costa Rica Ministry of the Environment. Further, the only reason why any animal is handled at Veragua Rainforest is because it is part of an ongoing investigation for the conservation of the same species. For example, we handle 44 species of bats at Veragua Rainforest–to identify the bat species that live in Veragua Rainforest and to measure the consequences of climate change. This is our research topic for which we record and report information to decision makers in the field of conservation.
While it is forbidden for visitors to handle animals at Veragua Rainforest, we enjoy showing visitors what we do in the field of research. So, when you have a day off, please visit Veragua Rainforest to learn more about what we do. It would be a pleasure to meet you and share with you our work!