By Wendy Anders

Even in a crowded San José, Costa Rica shanty, a police patrol can become an unexpected wildlife adventure.

Yesterday afternoon, public safety officials found themselves rescuing a colorful keel-billed toucan from the southern Costa Rican district of Alajuelita, reported police, who said the event is the result of a bolstered wildlife protection initiative by police.

Last year, officers found themselves knee deep in rescues throughout the country involving everything from parakeets, parrots, and hawks, to sloths, margays, agoutis, turtles and iguanas.

When officers were patrolling in the December 8th shantytown of Alajuelita yesterday, they approached several young people inside a vacant lot, related the officers. Next to one of the trees on the site, the officers noticed a cage with what appeared to be a juvenile toucan inside, due to its small size, continued police.

The officers proceeded to untie the cage and transfer the bird to Alajuelita police department, and from there, the toucan was brought to the Herpetological Wildlife Refuge in Santa Ana, west of San José.

Shelter staff examined the animal, who appeared to be in good health, and provided it with attention, explained police.

Wild animals are hunted and then sold not only for use as pets in Costa Rica, but also for human consumption, said police. Others they have rescued were injured in attacks, tree falls, electrocutions from electric wires, or by vehicles, and local wildlife centers attempt to rehabilite and release the animals, said police.