Animal Rescue Center

One of the most exciting animal projects and “the dream” of many people is working in an animal rescue center. Here you have Costa Rica’s exotic wildlife in one spot, you`ll encounter everything from sloths, monkeys to anteaters. These beautiful animal sanctuaries are located next to the ocean, surrounded by tropical rainforest. They were founded by animal conservationists out of necessity for injured animals. These stations can only be kept alive with the support of volunteers. You take care of injured and orphaned animals. Look behind the scenes – Go wild!

Quick Facts

Locations:                    Pacific and Caribbean coast

Availability:                  year-round

Minimum stay:           1 week at Pacific coast

4 weeks at Caribbean coast

Work time:                  5 days/ week

Accommodation:       shared room in Volunteer house

Food:                            full board Pacific coast

self-catering Caribbean coast

About the project

The animal rescue centers are a fascinating place to approach exotic wildlife. Due to Costa Rica has one of the most diverse nature and wildlife in the world, you can work with many different animals at the same time. From monkeys, sloths, parrots up to anteaters, toucans and reptiles. As a volunteer you take care of abandoned, injured, orphaned and confiscated animals. Almost every day animals arrive in the stations, especially sloths and monkeys. Some have burns caused by power lines or have been hit by cars, others have lost their mothers, or had traumatic experiences. These animals need a lot of care and nurturing, especially the orphaned babies. Once the animals are fully rehabilitated, they are released back into their natural habitat. The rescue centers also provide a home for animals which cannot be returned to their natural habitat because of disability or injury. You will assist the team with daily animal husbandry tasks, such as preparing and providing food, general care of the animals, cleaning enclosures and designing and collecting materials for environmental enrichment. You will meet lots of like-minded, new people and have the opportunity to experience the pristine wilderness of Costa Rica.

Your tasks

– Feeding and providing water to the animals

– Preparing specific food mixtures and nutrients for the animals

– Assisting in the general cleaning and facility maintenance

– Monitoring behavior

– General care for a variety of animals

– Assisting in offering tours to the public

– Assisting in the reintroduction of animals to their primary habitat

Accommodation

Pacific Coast: Surrounded by jungle you live with the other volunteers in the Volunteer House, which is located right next to the animal rescue center. The house has 4 bedrooms each with 2 beds, 2 bathrooms, a small kitchen and a large veranda with hammocks where you can relax and enjoy nature. Hot water and Wifi is available.

It is possible to book a single occupancy room for an additional charge.

Caribbean coast: In this project the accommodations have to be booked extra and is not included (excluding one week at the reintroduction station). There are several options available.

The volunteer house is located directly next to the animal rescue center. It is a beautiful new Eco-hostel designed for your comfort and convenience. It has 4 single beds with mosquito nets and individual reading lights. In the common area you can relax on the comfortable sofas and share experiences with other volunteers from all over the world. There is also a fully equipped modern kitchen, Wifi and hot water. Not far from the volunteer house you can find supermarkets to buy your supplies. One night there costs US $ 20 without food.

Alternatively, we can also organize an apartment or hostel, which is a bit further from the project, but is very easy to reach by bike (can be rented).

This rule applies for the first 3 weeks. In the fourth week you will live at the volunteer house in the reintroduction area, which is included in the price. Breakfast is included.

Costs for participation in this project

$350 / 4 weeks (Caribbean)

$690/ 2 weeks (Pacific)

(plus organization fee)