KSTR's focus is the Central American squirrel monkey (Saimiri oerstedii), an endangered primate found only in a narrow strip of forest along Costa Rica’s Central Pacific coast. In 2023, KSTR discovered that more than a third of all rescued primates were infected with a parasite called Prosthenorchis elegans. It causes severe emaciation, internal damage, and often death. Their program combines wildlife triage and surgery, vector control through fumigation, diagnostic research, public education, and community outreach — all aimed at giving these monkeys a fighting chance. They’ve already treated dozens of squirrel monkeys, successfully saving eight that otherwise would not have survived.

KSTR is breaking ground on a new research center, expanding facilities, and working with partners like the University of Calgary to study the parasite and develop non-surgical treatments. Plus, their education programs are reaching schools, towns, tourists, and even 100,000 people online — making sure everyone knows that waste management and human activity directly impact wildlife health.

This is the only program in Costa Rica tackling parasite-related threats to squirrel monkeys head-on. It’s innovative, collaborative, and deeply committed to long-term survival of these charismatic little primates.