What the tropical nation of Costa Rica lacks in size, it more than makes up for in a wealth of biodiversity. Despite occupying just 0.03% of the planet’s surface, the region’s lush forests are home to an incredible 500 thousand unique organisms — representing over 4% of all the known species on Earth. For the hundreds of animals held captive in the country’s zoos, however, that hotbed of life had been replaced by the cold bars of a cage. But now Costa Rican government has announced plans to close its zoos, freeing creatures from their long captivity. The closures will take effect in March 2014, when the government’s contract with the organization that operates its two zoos is set to expire.
2013