Costa Rica Wildlife Rescue Centre

Take care of endangered Asian elephants rescued from the logging and tourism industries. Get involved up close with feeding, cleaning and enrichment activities.

ย 
Location: Aranjuez of Puntarenas, Costa Rica
Availability: All Year Round
Price: Average $350 per week
Starting from $470
Duration:
1 – 12 weeks
Start Day:
Any day

Highlights

Program Overview

About the Program

We extend to you a warm invitation for an exhilarating experience volunteering to help the wildlife of Costa Rica. Embark on the journey of your life in one of the safest countries in Latin America, renowned for its effervescent culture and warm hospitality. Situated in a tropical utopia, Costa Rica boasts a rich tapestry of landscapes that include the fiery spectacle of active volcanoes, majestic mountain ranges, lush valleys, expansive plateaus, and the stunning coasts of both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. Explore our pristine beaches with their unique volcanic sand, and the lush mangrove forests that surround them.
ย 

In the heart of this diverse geography lie our incredible ecosystems: the rainforest, the highland moor, and the delicate dry forest. To ensure their survival, 25% of our territory is dedicated to protected wilderness areas to preserve our valuable biodiversity. With over 5% of the worldโ€™s biodiversity, Costa Rica stands out as one of the wealthiest places in flora and fauna.

If you are looking to work with wild animals, you can have the opportunity to learn about the ethology and management of animal species such as jaguars, sloths, macaws, tapirs, anteaters) and more.

If you seek an experience involving close physical interaction with animals, such as direct contact, we encourage you to find a project more aligned with those expectations. However, suppose you wish to invest your time meaningfully, learning about and contributing to the well-being of these beautiful creatures. In that case, we welcome you to to join the team.

ย 

ย 

Why this program?

We offer a wide array of tasks, all crucial for the care and support of our animals. No previous experience in wildlife management is required; we place the highest value on respect for the animals and a sincere commitment to activities that promote their well-being. Every minute you spend helping, whether itโ€™s for a day or a year, significantly contributes to our mission.

The volunteer program for wildlife conservation in Costa Rica is a unique gateway to a cultural and natural experience in a country brimming with biodiversity. This program steers clear of wildlife domestication and is thoughtfully crafted for individuals or families โ€” seeking a transformative experience.

Our mission is to educate about the importance of not removing organisms from their ecosystems and promote harmonious coexistence with species in their natural habitats. By participating in our program, you will develop practical skills to assist animals in need while respecting their natural behaviors and instincts.

What is included in this program?

Your program fees cover:
  • Accommodationย (See below for detailed information)
  • On Site Support Staff
  • Airport Collectionย (See below for detailed information)
  • Food & Water (3 Meals per day)
  • Contribution to the refuge centre towards the Elephant’s care and food
  • Wifi
  • Welcome Orientation
  • Registration Fee

What will I be doing?

Wildlife volunteers who come to join our team to help with the daily routine of caring for the animals. Volunteers actively participate in various tasks, including feeding monkeys, jaguars, tapirs, macaws, sloths, and many other species. Additionally, volunteers take part in the animal rehabilitation and rescue process.

They also carry out maintenance work in enclosures and conduct environmental enrichment activities to enhance the well-being of the animals permanently housed within the compartments.

All tasks are carried out under the guidance of veterinarians, biologists, the center director, and other professionals.

This volunteer opportunity provides valuable experience in managing wild animals while preventing accidents that could endanger both the animals and the caregivers and contributes to our conservation efforts.

We work to improve the lives of jaguars, tapirs, sloths, macaws, and many other Costa Rican wildlife. As a volunteer, youโ€™ll be involved in vital activities such as:

  • Feeding animals.
  • Cleaning enclosures.
  • Assisting animals in emergencies.
  • Participating in rehabilitation and release efforts.
  • Tree planting.
  • Assisting in conducting sanctuary tours.
  • Maintaining animal enclosures and the property.
  • Constructing organic structures for the animals.
  • Participating in environmental enrichment for various species.
  • Agricultural production (for both volunteers and animals).
  • Cleaning the animal feeding stations.
  • Providing water to animals.
  • Washing enclosure floors.
  • General sanctuary maintenance.
  • Feeding baby animals.
  • Providing fresh grass to our herbivores.
  • And any other tasks that arise!

ย 

Who will I be working with?

All tasks are performed under our wildlife specialistsโ€™ strict guidance and supervision, including natural resource managers, biologists, and veterinarians, ensuring the best practices in animal care and management.

How do I get to the program?

You will stay on site at the volunteer base area of the elephant refuge. Surrounded by lush foliage and amazing views.
ย 

What do we expect from a volunteer?

Volunteers are very much appreciated and are essential to the proper running of the rescue center; however, in all that we do the animals must come first. We encourage you to make friends and socialize after work in the evenings. However please always be respectful to the animals, other volunteers and staff that live here. There is a limit to the amount of noise and disturbance that can take place at the rescue centre, and any unruly partying or reckless behaviour will not be tolerated.
ย 
In order to become an volunteer with us you need to fulfill the following criteria:
โ€ข You must be in good physical and mental condition
โ€ข You must be able to tolerate hot and humid climate
โ€ข You must be able to speak English
โ€ข You must be 18 years old or over
โ€ข You must have a positive and practical attitude towards animal welfare and wildlife conservation
โ€ข You must be vaccinated against tetanus

  1. No smoking inside the property.
  2. In order not to tame the animals, please do not talk to them.
  3. Do not feed the animals (outside feeding time).
  4. When taking pictures, the use of flash is prohibited.
  5. The use of any illegal drug is prohibited.
  6. Alcoholic beverages are not allowed.
  7. Be respectful of the staff of the sanctuary (sexual harassment, racism, homophobia, or xenophobia will not be tolerated).
  8. Do not allow strangers (outsiders) to enter the sanctuary.
  9. People working in shorts are not allowed.
  10. Follow the safety rules according to the activity (gloves, helmet, eyeglasses, boots, pants).
  11. Do not carry electronic devicesย (Cell phones and cameras) while working.
  12. Insect repellents containing DEET are strictly prohibited.
ย 

What can you expect from us?

Our Volunteer Coordinators are able to help whenever you need assistance. They can help with scheduling issues, animal issues, illness, emergencies back home, as well as personal support while you are away from home. Our coordinators can be very busy, but we have an open door policy so you can come and talk to us any time you need.
ย 

What should I bring?

Mandatory Items:
-Rubber boots
-Natural repellent (DEET-free)
-Sunscreen
-Long pants (suitable for work)
-Quick-drying clothing
-Hat
-Afterbite treatment
-Shower sandals
-Quick-drying towel
-Multiple pairs of socks
-Reusable water bottle
-Topical allergy medication
-Allergy pills
-Hydration powder packets (for adding to water in case of dehydration)
-Sunburn relief cream or gel (such as aloe vera)
-Beach gear

*Optional Items:*
โ€“ Thin bed sheets (one set provided)
โ€“ Bandana
โ€“ Sleeve shirts
โ€“ Rain jacket
โ€“ Work gloves
โ€“ Books

ย 

Typical working day

Morning Feeding and Daily Tasks:

  • 6:00 am โ€“ 8:00 am: Start your day with the morning feeding of the animals under expert supervision. This is a unique opportunity to see the animals at their most active.
  • 8:00 am โ€“ 8:15 am: Breakfast time! A well-deserved break to recharge your energy.
  • 8:15 am โ€“ 10:30 am: Engage in daily tasks (details provided in the list).
  • 10:45 am โ€“ 12:00 pm: Continue with the morningโ€™s assigned tasks.

Lunch and Relaxation Time:

  • 12:00 pm โ€“ 1:00 pm: Time for a nutritious lunch, followed by free time to use the WiFi or enjoy a restorative nap.

Afternoon Feeding and Free Time:

  • 1:00 pm โ€“ 3:00 pm: Afternoon feeding for the animals, again with supervision. These hours are crucial for maintaining the routine and care of our residents.
  • After the Afternoon Feeding: Volunteers have free time to explore, rest, or engage in recreational activities.
  • 6:00 pm: Dinner is ready, a perfect time to share experiences with other volunteers and unwind after a productive day.

Requirements

What’s Included

Dates & Fees

Program fees

Starting from $470

Click here to view detailed program fees details

Duration

1 week minimum to 12 weeks maximum

Availability

This program is available all throughout the year. You are able to arrive any day of the week.

We are able to collect volunteers from Juan Santamaria Airport any day of the week.

    “One of the best experiences of my life. Iโ€™m glad to experience this, I have met wonderful people and made real friendships. The Ghanaian people are so welcoming and share their culture with you, they are so open minded and free to work with.”

    ~ Jeremy F / Sea Turtle Conservation Volunteer

    ย The trip was a unique experience for me! My expectations were exceeded by far and I am glad to have found the project. If you don’t mind getting up at night on patrols to find turtles and eggs, this project is great. In addition to working at school, on the farm and collecting and recycling plastic waste on the beach, this project is very versatile and never gets boring. I can only recommend this project!

    – Lara S / Sea Turtle Conservation Volunteerย 

    Apply Now

    Submit your details below to begin the application process.

    ย