Hotel Byblos in Costa Rica Hosts Fundraiser to Save Local Animal Rescue Center

MANUEL ANTONIO, COSTA RICA, August 15, 2012 (Press-News.org) Hotel Byblos Resort in conjunction with Kids Saving the Rainforest will be hosting a community fundraiser to collect funds and supplies to enable the continued care and operation of the only locally government sanctioned wild animal rescue center located near Costa Rica's world famous Manuel Antonio National Park.

Kids Saving The Rainforest, a not for profit Costa Rican organization and US non profit 501 C 3, was founded 13 years ago with the Monkey Bridge Program, and later expanded by an overwhelming community need to include an Animal Rescue Center for the Quepos and Manuel Antonio area. Founded by two young pre-teen girls who recognized the need to help the local wildlife as tourism developments began to effect their natural habitat, this will be Kids Saving the Rainforest first fundraiser since it was founded. Accustomed to bringing in enough proceeds for the Rescue Center through their own souvenir shop, with the downturn in the economy, this badly needed facility will be forced to close it's doors if they can't raise enough money to cover their monthly expenses. "A full time resident vet, animal caretaker, volunteers and a guard all live on the property helping to rehab the many injured or confiscated animals. Unfortunately, this comes with a certain fixed cost, not to mention the food, maintenance, vet supplies and numerous other items required to care for a variety of exotic animals.", laments rescue center coordinator Jennifer Rice. "The rescue center is the only legal facility in the Central Pacific area, and is a very necessary part of our community." adds Ms. Rice. All injured wild animals are brought by the community or by MINAET, the government entity in charge of overseeing the National Park system. At present there are some 55 different animals being treated to include exotic birds, 4 species of monkeys, 2 species of sloths, armadillos, agoutis, coati mundis, marmesets, timirins, and other exotic wildlife. Most are eventually re-released in the wild, though some are beyond rehabilitation and must stay permanently at the rescue facility.

The fundraiser will be held from 1pm until 5 pm at Byblos Hotel on September 9th, coinciding with Costa Rica's National Children's Day. There will be live music, kids activities, ice cream, drinks, food, a raffle, and lots of fun! Tickets will be on sale at numerous local businesses and are $25 for adults and $10 for children. More information is available from Anita Myketuk at 506-2777-1002.

"Saving injured wildlife is an integral part of living in this area." says Kimberly Barron, Director of Marketing at Hotel Byblos. "This is not just a feel good fundraiser; these beautiful animals are one of the main attractions for tourism in our area. Local Manuel Antonio hotels and tourism operations that depend on National and International visitors cannot afford to ignore the need for a full service animal rescue center. With plans to offer awareness tours of the facility to area visitors, the rescue center's continued operation is a win win for all concerned." adds Ms. Barron.

This is just one step in the overall animal rescue plan for the Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica area, and with corporate and social responsibility programs of tourism operations like http://www.bybloshotelcostarica.com, not only will the local wildlife benefit, but the local tourist economy as well. If you would like to help, it's easy by shopping at the Kids Saving the Rainforest souvenir store located at Hotel Mono Azul. All proceeds go directly to saving the rainforest and the endangered animals of our area. For more information about how you can make a donation please call 506-2777-2592 or you can donate directly via the KSTR website: http://www.kidssavingtherainforest.org.

Byblos Resort & Casino in Manuel Antonio is conveniently located to World Class Sportfishing in nearby Quepos Port, Manuel Antonio National Park and Beaches, close proximity to numerous Spas and Restaurants, as well as a variety of local tour options. Offering all the modern amenities of a 3-star boutique resort, while conserving the essence of jungle style lodging, rooms at Byblos offer ample views of the local Wildlife and Pacific Ocean. Accommodations feature air conditioning, telephones, cable TV, safe box, hair dryer, mini-refrigerator, microwave and coffee maker, and are tastefully designed with hardwoods by local craftsmen. Complimentary parking and Wireless internet access is available, as well as our poolside Bistro Pizzeria, Billfish Sportsbar & Grill with complimentary billiards tables, and our air conditioned Casino.