Rescue, rehabilitation, and release of wildlife in Costa Rica: a case study on opossums (Didelphis marsupialis)

Costa Rica is internationally recognized for its exceptional biodiversity, supported by diverse ecosystems and a large network of protected areas. Despite these protective measures, wildlife continues to be affected by urban expansion and other human-related threats. Wildlife rehabilitation has therefore become a vital tool to mitigate these impacts. Defined as the temporary care of sick, injured, or orphaned wildlife with the goal of release, it has evolved into a multidisciplinary field that mixes animal welfare, ecology, biology, and veterinary medicine. While its primary objective remains the recovery of individual animals, rehabilitation contributes indirectly to conservation through scientific knowledge, environmental education, and public engagement. This thesis examines wildlife rehabilitation within the Costa Rican context, focusing on a case study involving eight orphaned individuals of common opossum (Didelphis marsupialis) admitted to a rescue center. Through analysis of clinical interventions, husbandry practices, behavioral conditioning, and release outcomes, this dissertation evaluated how well real-world rehabilitation processes align with recommended guidelines, identifying both strengths and practical limitations.