White-faced capuchin monkeys (Cebus imitator) are among the most intelligent primates in Costa Rica — and that intelligence needs to be exercised every single day.

At Proyecto Asis, our caregivers use enrichment toys to stimulate natural behaviors like foraging, problem-solving, and manual dexterity. These are not store-bought accessories. Every toy is handmade from safe, natural materials — and visitors can help build them.

What Are Enrichment Toys and Why Do They Matter?

Animal enrichment is a core principle of responsible wildlife rescue. When a monkey arrives at our sanctuary after injury or rescue from illegal captivity, rehabilitation isn’t just physical — it’s behavioral. Enrichment toys help animals:

Practice species-typical behaviors (foraging, manipulating objects, exploring)
Exercise cognitive problem-solving skills
Maintain physical dexterity needed for eventual release
Reduce stress in a sanctuary environment

For white-faced capuchins, whose hands and minds are in constant use in the wild, enrichment is not optional — it is essential care.

How Visitors Help at Proyecto Asis

In the video above, you can see a young visitor working alongside our guide Carlos to assemble enrichment toys that go directly to our capuchin monkeys. She’s selecting live worms — one of the natural food rewards hidden inside the toys — under the guidance of our team.

This is exactly what guests experience during our Wildlife Tour + Volunteer: a 2.5-hour program (Monday through Saturday, 8:30 AM and 1:30 PM) where visitors participate in real sanctuary work — preparing diets, building enrichment toys, and observing feeding from a respectful distance, in line with Costa Rica’s Ministry of Environment regulations.

It is suitable for all ages and families are welcome.

Join Us in La Fortuna

Proyecto Asis is a certified wildlife rescue sanctuary and educational center located in La Fortuna de San Carlos, steps from Arenal Volcano. We care for over 30 rescued species, and every tour directly supports their recovery and long-term welfare.

Wildlife Tour + Volunteer — from $60 USD adults / $35 USD kids (ages 5–9)
→ Book your spot here

Mercer Elementary takes a trip to Costa Rica Wildlife and Sloth Sanctuary, Tours, Homestay, lodging and Volunteer Programs

We had the honor of hosting a very special group of young explorers from Mercer Elementary School in Pennsylvania, USA — all the way from the comfort of their classroom!

Thanks to the passion and coordination of substitute teacher Cindy Crytzer, third and fourth-grade students took a virtual tour of Proyecto Asis led by our own Adriana Borbon, where they got to “meet” our rescued spider monkeys, capuchin monkeys, toucans, and more. 🐒🦉🌿

They learned why wild animals belong in the wild — not in our homes — and how many of our residents came to us after being taken in as pets, only to be abandoned when their needs became too much. As Adriana shared:

“Keep them in your hearts, yes. But keep them in the wild.” 💚🌎

These bright students saw firsthand how we care for animals who can no longer return to their natural homes and heard stories about the intelligence of capuchin monkeys (yes, they use tools!) and the beauty of Costa Rica’s biodiversity.

We’re so grateful to be part of moments like this — inspiring the next generation of wildlife advocates, no matter where they are in the world. 🌍✨

Full Story at the Record Argus