Costa Rica’s iconic howler monkeys and other arboreal wildlife are facing a silent threat this World Wildlife Day, as they continue to be electrocuted by high voltage power lines. International Animal Rescue (IAR) is calling for urgent action to prevent this tragedy, which not only devastates local wildlife but also disrupts vital ecosystems.
These howler monkeys play a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity and regenerating forests, making their declining population a serious threat to Costa Rica’s delicate rainforest ecosystems. The situation is particularly dire for infant monkeys, who are often found clinging to their electrocuted mothers, orphaned and traumatized.
The Costa Rican government took a step towards addressing this issue in January 2024, with the issuance of Decree No. 44329-MINAE, which requires energy providers to take wildlife protection measures before installing power lines. However, IAR warns that implementation is lagging, leaving countless animals at risk.
CEO of International Animal Rescue, Gavin Bruce, emphasizes the urgency of the situation, stating that while the government’s decree is a promising step, real action must be taken to insulate power lines and make infrastructure safe for wildlife.
The toll on rescue teams is also significant, as IAR Costa Rica’s Veterinary Director, Francisco Sánchez Murillo, and his team at the IAR Wildlife Rescue Center fight daily to save electrocuted monkeys. Murillo describes the emotional toll of witnessing the suffering and trying to save these animals, only to lose them. He stresses the need for action to be taken immediately.
But amidst this darkness, there is some positive news. After a period of rehabilitation, a troop of howler monkeys has been successfully released back into the wild in Costa Rica, thanks to the dedicated efforts of the International Animal Rescue (IAR) team. This includes Estrellita, an orphaned monkey who miraculously survived after suffering severe burns and being rescued from her deceased mother following a tragic electrocution in March 2024.
The successful release of this troop is a testament to the dedication and expertise of IAR’s team in Costa Rica, according to Gavin Bruce. He believes that this release not only gives hope to these four monkeys but also to all wildlife affected by human impact. IAR remains committed to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rewilding these incredible animals, ensuring they have a future where they can thrive.
IAR urges the Costa Rican government and utility companies to accelerate the insulation of power lines and implement immediate mitigation measures to prevent further loss of life. The organization also calls on the public, conservationists, and global supporters to raise awareness and demand action. For more information, visit https://www.internationalanimalrescue.org/animals/howler-monkeys.
