IAR Costa Rica to Release Five Rescued Howler Monkeys on World Monkey Day
On Friday, December 12, 2025, International Animal Rescue (IAR) Costa Rica will mark World Monkey Day with a momentous event. Five howler monkeys, each rescued from life-threatening injuries, will be released into the wild in a symbolic act of recovery and hope. This release not only showcases the success of IAR’s mission to rescue, rehabilitate, and return wildlife to their natural habitats, but also highlights the urgent need for protection of Costa Rica’s wildlife.
The release will take place on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, near the areas where the monkeys were originally found. These monkeys, who have all suffered from electrocution, trauma, and injury, will now embark on a new chapter in their lives back in the forest where they belong.
Among the five monkeys is Nilo, who was electrocuted in Esperanza, Nosara on July 31, 2024. Despite sustaining deep burns and nerve damage, Nilo has undergone a long rehabilitation process that included wound care, physiotherapy, and social reintegration. Today, he is able to confidently climb again. Another member of the group, Seiba, was electrocuted in San Juanillo on October 30, 2025. Despite her severe burns, she has made an extraordinary recovery and regained full climbing ability, making her release particularly meaningful.
These five monkeys represent the full spectrum of IAR Costa Rica’s life-saving work. Their release also coincides with the organization’s recent accreditation by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), a global recognition of excellence in animal care, operational standards, and ethical practice that has been years in the making.
Kristin Leppert, Program Director for Wildlife at GFAS, reflected on the journey leading up to this accreditation and expressed her gratitude for IAR Costa Rica’s commitment to upholding the highest standards of animal care and operational excellence. She stated, “We are thrilled to welcome IAR Costa Rica to the GFAS family and proud to stand in support of your work to protect Costa Rican wildlife.”
While this release is a cause for celebration, the challenges facing Costa Rica’s wildlife remain pressing and preventable. The harsh reality behind these rescues is that electrocutions should never happen in the first place.
Uninsulated electrical cables continue to pose a serious threat to howler monkeys and other arboreal wildlife in Costa Rica. Many of the animals admitted to IAR Costa Rica’s rescue center have sustained catastrophic injuries that require months of intensive care. Francisco, a veterinarian at IAR Costa Rica, has treated countless electrocuted animals and has witnessed the crisis firsthand. He stated, “Every week, we treat monkeys that should never have been injured in the first place. These electrocutions are entirely preventable. When power lines are uninsulated and transformers remain exposed, wildlife pays the price.”
IAR Costa Rica’s No Es Pura Vida campaign aims to raise awareness about this issue and push for policy change. The organization is calling for the rapid implementation of Costa Rica’s Ministerial Decree on wildlife-safe electrical infrastructure, as well as a coordinated effort between power companies, municipalities, and conservation groups.
As these five monkeys return to the forest, their release serves as a reminder of what is possible when rescue, policy change, and community support work together. However, it also serves as a stark reminder of what is at stake if progress stalls. IAR invites the public to support their efforts to end this crisis. With an increase in animal admissions at the rescue center this year, the organization is appealing for donations to expand their capacity to care for injured animals and advocate for policy enforcement.
On this World Monkey Day, let us raise awareness and demand the protection that these animals urgently need. To learn more about IAR’s efforts to protect howler monkeys and other wildlife, please visit https://www.internationalanimalrescue.org/projects/howler-monkeys.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.