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In the heart of Diamante’s Animal Sanctuary, home of many rescued, you can find howler monkeys swinging from tree branches, colorful toucans chattering away, and even sloths lounging lazily. Amidst this diverse crowd, there’s an unlikely duo that has stolen the spotlight: a coati and a raccoon, best friends who have shared an incredible journey together and are now the newest members of our Animal Sanctuary.

From Domestication to Sanctuary Life

Their story began far from the sanctuary. As pups, the coati and raccoon were taken from the wild and raised as pets, a fate that unfortunately befalls many exotic animals in Costa Rica. While they might seem cute and playful, wild animals like these are not suited for domestic life. 

The sanctuary, regulated by Costa Rican wildlife authorities, works tirelessly to provide a home for animals rescued from illegal pet trade and other harmful situations. Because these two were domesticated from a young age, they lack the survival skills needed to live in the wild. The sanctuary, therefore, offers them a permanent home, where they can thrive under the watchful care of experienced staff.

Meet Jessie, the Coati: The Spirited Explorer

The coati is a bundle of energy, constantly on the move with its long, flexible snout poking around every corner. Known for their playful and social nature, coatis are often found in groups in the wild, using their keen sense of smell to forage for food. At the sanctuary, this coati is always the first to explore new areas, climbing trees with ease and darting around with its ringed tail held high. It’s a natural-born adventurer, never staying still for long.

Rocket The Raccoon: The Clever Tactician

On the other hand, the raccoon is more deliberate and cautious. With its iconic black mask and dexterous paws, it has earned a reputation as the clever one. Raccoons are known for their problem-solving abilities, often using their hands to manipulate objects and find hidden snacks. Rocket’s favorite: Crabs! 

Despite being more solitary by nature, this raccoon has formed a close bond with Jessie, its coati friend. 

A Unique Friendship

The coati and raccoon have become inseparable, moving as a team throughout their shared enclosure. The coati’s high energy and inquisitiveness often set the pace, leading them to new discoveries, while the raccoon follows, carefully investigating each new find with its tiny paws. 

Watching them play together is a highlight for visitors. The coati loves to wrestle, bouncing around and pouncing with playful nips, while the raccoon counters with surprising moves, using its paws to gently push back.

Life Among Many Others

This dynamic duo is just one of many remarkable stories at the sanctuary, which is closely regulated by Costa Rican wildlife authorities, ensuring that all rescued animals receive the best possible care in a lifelong home.

While this coati and raccoon might never return to the rainforests they were born into, they’ve found a new kind of wilderness together at the sanctuary. 

These two, once separated from their natural world, have formed a partnership that transcends species boundaries. Their story is a powerful reminder of the importance of wildlife conservation and the impact humans can have on these incredible creatures.

Together, they’ve found a place where they can be themselves—curious, clever, and free to play—surrounded by the care and compassion of the sanctuary staff.

Visit Diamante’s Animal Sanctuary to meet these and many other animals, learn their stories and how to preserve their species in nature.