Charities Unite to Urge Immediate Action in Response to Costa Rica’s Shocking Fatal Wildlife Electrocution Crisis

Costa Rica, a country known for its diverse wildlife and commitment to environmental conservation, is facing a growing crisis. A recent report by leading charity International Animal Rescue (IAR) has revealed a sharp increase in the number of wild animals being electrocuted by power lines. This alarming trend has prompted the launch of an urgent national campaign, backed by IAR, calling for immediate government action to combat the issue.

According to conservationists, the problem has worsened due to unregulated development and a lack of insulated power lines. Despite the government introducing an Executive Decree No. 44329 in early 2024, which aimed to tackle the issue, its implementation has been almost non-existent.

Gabriela Campos, Director of IAR Costa Rica, explains the severity of the situation, stating that “in Nosara alone, nearly 100 electrocuted animals were reported in a single year. These aren’t isolated incidents—they represent a national emergency for biodiversity.” Campos urges the public to sign the campaign’s petition, which aims to pressure the government and utility companies into taking action.

The victims of these electrocutions include iconic species such as howler monkeys, sloths, and anteaters, which are crucial to the country’s wildlife tourism industry and its ecosystems. These animals are often forced to use power lines as bridges to cross roads or travel across land cleared for development, where their natural arboreal routes have been disrupted.

Gavin Bruce, CEO of IAR, emphasizes that this is not just a local issue but a global conservation crisis. He calls on the Costa Rican government and energy providers to honor their commitments and take the threat seriously, stating that “the suffering these animals endure is unimaginable and entirely preventable.”

The statistics are shocking, with the Jaguar Rescue Centre in the Caribbean region reporting 53 electrocuted animals in 2024. Tragically, approximately 90% of these animals do not survive, often experiencing severe trauma. Dr. Francisco Sánchez, IAR’s veterinary director in Costa Rica, describes the injuries as “catastrophic and deeply painful,” with many animals requiring amputations or long-term care. The impact goes beyond the individual, as the death of a dominant male in a Howler Monkey troop can lead to infanticide by rival males, resulting in even more indirect fatalities.

So why is this happening? The main drivers of wildlife electrocution in Costa Rica are rapid, unregulated development, poorly maintained or outdated power infrastructure, and a lack of environmental impact assessments to prevent uninsulated power lines from being installed in fragile ecosystems. Additionally, mitigation efforts have been inconsistent and treated as an afterthought, and there is a lack of effective enforcement of existing environmental laws.

In early 2024, the government introduced Executive Decree No. 44329, which aimed to prevent and mitigate wildlife electrocutions. However, over a year later, little has been done to implement the decree. IAR is now urging the public to take action by signing their petition, demanding the full implementation of Decree 44329. The campaign, titled “This Is NOT Pura Vida,” is collecting digital signatures worldwide, in the hopes of holding the Costa Rican authorities accountable and pushing for real change.

To sign the petition and help save Costa Rica’s wildlife, visit https://www.estonoespuravida.org/english. Every signature counts in the fight to protect the country’s diverse and precious wildlife.