He is currently finishing courses to obtain his Master's Degree in Conservation Medicine from the National University of Costa Rica, graduated from the General Biology Career with an emphasis on Ecology and Sustainable Development from the Latin University of Costa Rica (Lauréate International Universities)
Scholarship Winner 2008 Ellen Trout Zoo Crocodilian Conservation Award for the Specialized Course ¨Biology and Management of Crocodiles of the World. Taught by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) in conjunction with Alligator farm Florida.
He has worked for different Productions of Television Programs in the management of Wild Animals.
November 2009 National Geographic Channel. (Dangerous Encounters with Dr. Brady Barr) Documentary. ¨The most dangerous snakes in the world (Velvet – Bothrops asper) ¨
October 2007 National Geographic Channel. (Crocodile Chronicles with Dr. Brady Barr.) Documentary: “Why are the Tárcoles Crocodiles going blind?”
April 2006 National Geographic Channel. (Crocodile Chronicles with Dr. Brady Barr.) Documentary: “Super Crocodiles (Tárcoles)”
August 2010 GBS Productions. Wild Animal Management (Documentary for BBC Tropical Environments)
December 2011 American Production. Management of Caucel (Leopardus weidy), White-faced Monkey (Cebus capuchinus), Velvet (Bothrops asper)
Commercial Brand Claritine with Jeff Corwin.
In 2012 he participated in various commercial filming with wild animals throughout the country.
In 2013 he worked again with Jeff Corwin in a private event at the Five Seasons Hotel managing 6 species of wild animals.
In 2015 he participated as a crocodile expert in a Discovery Channel filming for SHARK WEEK 2016.
Achievements in his career as a Biologist:
Natural Museum of Herpetology. Costa Rica University. Field research, production, and collaboration of research papers, such as Rediscovery of the “extinct” Holdridge Incilius toad holdridgei: Viewed 25 years later. Costa Rica (2009) A new species of ding frog ¨Diaspurus ventrimaculatus¨ (Anura: Eleutherodactylus: Diasporus) from the Talamanca mountain range, Costa Rica (2009).
Wild World S.A. Wild World Serpentarium. Administrator of four museums: Atlantic Tramway Snake Farm in the Jungle, Tramway Pacific Snake Farm, Atlantic Tramway Butterfly Farm to the Rain Forest, and the Atlantic Tramway Frog Farm rain forest aerial.
IN Bio Park. Administrator and caretaker of the reptiles Collaborator of Report 11(in depth) Costa Rican Wildlife Documentaries. Costa Rican Crocodiles and Caimans – The Great Crocodile Migration – The Costa Rican Golden-eyed Frog (Agalichnys annae).
2010: Founder and Biologist of the Refugio Animal de Costa Rica
Our crew
Rodolfo Vargas
Our founder
Siguenos
Alice Boracchia
Volunteer and Communication Manager
Innate lover of animals.
In charge of everything that concerns the Volunteer Program and communication of the Shelter; with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Finance and Bachelor’s Degree in Public Relations; Alice works full time to ensure that environmental education messages reach all visitors and the media.
President of the shelter's Non Profit organization, she fights daily to have enough funds to cover all that the shelter mission's needs. If you wish to help us in this hard task, feel free to donate, every penny saves lives:
Jennifer
Head Animal Keeper
Jennifer is in charge of animal welfare at the shelter. She is a psychologist by profession, having earned her Master’s Degree in Psychology in 2016. Since then, she has focused her vocation on developing a deep understanding of behavior and the well-being of all living beings.
In 2021, she completed the Animal Welfare Technical Program at the University of Costa Rica (FOGAUS), specializing in wildlife, strengthening her academic background with specific tools for the management, care, and rehabilitation of fauna.
Since 2019, she has worked and volunteered at six different rescue centers in Costa Rica, in addition to collaborating on wildlife and exotic animal rescue and management projects in the United States, Germany, Turkey, Austria, and Canada.
Her life is dedicate to: promoting welfare, rehabilitation, and deep respect for every individual under her care.
Angie
On Site coordinator
Angie is the on-site Administrative Coordinator at the Refuge, overseeing the daily operational and administrative processes that keep everything running smoothly. A passionate lover of snakes and wildlife, she brings dedication and enthusiasm to her work every day.
Angie is committed to creating a welcoming and comfortable environment for both visitors and staff, ensuring that everyone who walks through the Refuge feels supported, valued, and at home.
Dr. Sebastian Guardia
Head veterinary
Sebastián Guardia, DVM is a wildlife veterinarian based in Costa Rica. He has worked in research with marine species and, since 2020, has dedicated his clinical and conservation efforts primarily to terrestrial wildlife.
Attending veterinarian at Refugio Animal de Costa Rica, where he is responsible for the medical management of sanctuary residents and wildlife rescues admitted under Article 98 of the Ley de Conservación de Vida Silvestre (LCVS) of Costa Rica.
His clinical approach prioritizes rehabilitation whenever feasible, with decision-making guided by conservation status, ecological services, and long-term welfare outcomes. The Refuge functions as both a rescue and research hub, contributing to the One Health initiative through the study of disease ecology at the interface of wildlife, ecosystems, and public health.
Yuri
Head Chef
Yuri is our head chef, and she does far more than simply prepare meals — she creates a true sense of home for our volunteers and visitors.
Through her delicious dishes, she brings comfort and warmth to everyone who sits at her table. Yuri lovingly accommodates our vegetarian, vegan, and allergy-sensitive volunteers with countless creative and flavorful options, surprising them each day with meals made from the heart.
Majo
Animal Feeding coordinator
Majo is in charge of the animal kitchen, overseeing the preparation, diet formulation, and nutritional balance of every meal provided to the animals at the Refuge.
Every dish prepared for our wildlife goes through Majo’s careful review, ensuring that each diet meets the specific needs of every individual under our care.
With dedication and love, she prepares each meal with special attention, making sure our animals receive not only proper nutrition but also the highest standard of care.
Our Wildlife Care Team
