animals
costa rica
intermediate English
From 4 to 12 weeks
Minimum age: 18 YO
Costa Rica is a paradise for nature and animal lovers, offering opportunities for sustainable tourism. The country is home to numerous protected natural parks where wildlife thrives in their natural habitats.
This animal refuge is located on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, near Puerto Viejo. It serves as a sanctuary for sick, injured, and orphaned animals, with a focus on monkeys, sloths, mammals, birds, and reptiles. The refuge provides 24-hour veterinary care and rehabilitation services to ensure the animals can be released back into the rainforest whenever possible. Visitors to the refuge can participate in informative workshops and educational programs, allowing for interaction with both animals and people. It is a place to work as a team, gain valuable experiences, and make a difference. The refuge also encompasses a 49-hectare property of primary forest, which serves as an ideal release site for many animals, providing them with a chance to thrive in a healthy and natural environment, free from human interference.
The staff and on-site volunteers are responsible for monitoring the rehabilitation process, ensuring the released animals' safety and monitoring their feeding until they are fully ready for independence. Volunteer tasks include cleaning and maintaining the facilities, preparing meals for the animals, training, and observing activities at the rescue center. The work involves direct interaction with different species and animals at the center, but tasks may vary, and some days may be dedicated to center maintenance or meal preparation in Costa Rica, the epitome of sustainable tourism.
– Dormitories (shared rooms) at the rescue and rehabilitation centers. Services included at the animal rescue center
– Each room provides 4 single beds with quality mattresses, mosquito nets, individual reading lights, electrical outlets for charging electronic devices, and a lock.
– Each dormitory has its own bathroom with 1 toilet and 1 hot shower.
– Bed sheets and towels are included.
– Wi-Fi.
– Cleaning service.
– Washing machines available at an additional cost (approximately 8 USD per load).
– Common area to relax and socialize with other volunteers in the project.
– Meals are not included – There is a fully equipped communal kitchen (cutlery and utensils, stove, oven, microwave). Volunteers can store their food and drinks in the refrigerators. Lunch can be brought to the center, where a refrigerator and microwave are available.
Since the rescue center offers visits throughout the week and the animals require constant care, volunteers coordinate their 5 working days with the center (therefore, having weekends free is not necessary). Work starts at 7:30 AM and finishes around 4:00 PM (this is an estimate, as it ends when the work is completed, which can be earlier or later).
You will arrive in San José on Saturday. You will spend a night in San José and then take a bus on Sunday to the project on your own.
– Minimum 4 weeks
– Intermediate English
– 18 years old
– COVID-19 vaccination
