Costa Rica Launches Campaign to Stop Tourists from Bringing Wildlife Souvenirs

San Jose, Costa Rica – Tourists arriving at Costa Rica’s main international airport are being encouraged to leave wildlife and souvenirs made from animal parts out of their luggage through a new awareness campaign.

#WhatYouCarry Initiative Launched

The #WhatYouCarry campaign, led by Humane World for Animals and Costa Rica’s Judicial Branch, urges visitors to take home memories and authentic experiences instead of wildlife, plants, or animal-part souvenirs.

Officials say such purchases fuel illegal wildlife trafficking, cause animal suffering, and damage fragile ecosystems. The initiative includes banners at the Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) and digital content.

Seizures Highlight Scale of Trafficking

Between 2024 and 2025, Costa Rican authorities seized 4,366 wildlife and plant specimens at airports and border crossings. Most were reptiles, amphibians, feline claws and bones, insects, mollusks, corals, and plants like orchids.

The Forensic Science Department of the Judicial Investigation Agency (OIJ) reports a 330% increase in wildlife cases referred for identification since 2023, indicating a persistent challenge requiring research and public awareness.

Funding and Collaboration

The #WhatYouCarry campaign is part of an initiative funded by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), managed by Humane World for Animals in coordination with Costa Rica’s National Environmental Security Commission. Travelers can find more information at www.whatyoucarrycr.com.