"Environment Minister Rene Castro says the country, long known for its biodiversity, is going in a new direction to protect wildlife: "No cages."

As part of the government's plan, the Simon Bolivar Zoo in the capital of San Jose -- which currently houses hundreds of animals -- will be transformed into a botanical garden. And the Santa Ana Conservation Center west of the city will be turned into a park.

The Central American country banned circuses with animal acts more than a decade ago.

Sport hunting is also banned."
http://edition.cnn.com/2013/08/07/world/americas/costa-rica-zoo-cages