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Fantastic 4.50rating (105)
  • Life On Land

Animal Rescue & Release Center

location
4 - 8 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • Work closely with diverse species—from toucans to anteaters—and make a direct impact on their survival while gaining experience in animal rescue.
  • Located on Costa Rica’s stunning Caribbean coast, you’ll be surrounded by breathtaking rainforests, pristine beaches, and some of the world’s most incredible wildlife.
  • If you love animals and respect nature, this is the perfect opportunity to combine your passion with purpose in one of the world’s richest ecosystems.

Highlights

  • Work closely with diverse species—from toucans to anteaters—and make a direct impact on their survival while gaining experience in animal rescue.
  • Located on Costa Rica’s stunning Caribbean coast, you’ll be surrounded by breathtaking rainforests, pristine beaches, and some of the world’s most incredible wildlife.
  • If you love animals and respect nature, this is the perfect opportunity to combine your passion with purpose in one of the world’s richest ecosystems.
  • While volunteering, take time to discover Costa Rica’s active volcanoes, cloud forests, waterfalls, and vibrant marine life in the nearby national parks.
    • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples

    About the program

    If you love animals and if you don't mind dirty work ... you're in demand here!

    About the Program

    In this program any kind of animals who need help are treated with medical care and are prepared to be rereleased into nature. Usually there these kinds of animals in the rescue center: raccoons, sloths, monkeys, wild cats, owls, kinkajous, coatis, toucans, anteaters and many more ...

    About the program

    About the Program

    In this program any kind of animals who need help are treated with medical care and are prepared to be rereleased into nature. Usually there these kinds of animals in the rescue center: raccoons, sloths, monkeys, wild cats, owls, kinkajous, coatis, toucans, anteaters and many more … any animal that needs help is welcomed and treated with love.

    Our Volunteers

    Our volunteers should love to work with animals and be respectful with animals and the environment in general. They should be ready to do physically hard work. We are looking for volunteers who like to communicate, are interested in animals and have a good sense of responsibility. They should obey the center rules and follow the instructions of our employees. 

    The Location

    Costa Rica is a little tropical paradise between two oceans. Hardly any other country has such an abundance of plants and animals on such a small terrain. 25% of it's area is protected by national parks. Active volcanos, hot springs, rain and cloud forests, mountain rivers, spectacular waterfalls, subterranean caves, coral reefs, mangroves, amazing caribbean and pacific beaches and a fascinating animal world invite you to discover and enjoy. The program is located at the caribbean coast.

    Typical day

    Be prepared for sometimes physically demanding work from 7:30 am to 3:30 pm.

    During a four weeks stay you will be working three weeks in the center and one week in a release station. This will be organized with you when you arrive. 

    Your Tasks

    Your work mostly includes:

    • Help caring for animals
    • Preparing ...

    Typical day

    Be prepared for sometimes physically demanding work from 7:30 am to 3:30 pm.

    During a four weeks stay you will be working three weeks in the center and one week in a release station. This will be organized with you when you arrive. 

    Your Tasks

    Your work mostly includes:

    • Help caring for animals
    • Preparing food and helping the keeper with the portions for each animal 
    • Cleaning and repairs of the facility and viewing areas
    • Maintenance of pathways and areas around animal pens
    • Production of workshop materials in environmental education
    • School visits and interaction in discussions and workshops 
    • Research the internet for didactic material to build a bibliography of environmental education
    • Attending to visitors, guiding them

    Free-time activities

    You are close to the caribbean coast ... there is a lot to do and to chill.

    Puerto Viejo is a little village with great leisure time possibilities: swim, surf, dive, snorkel, go on biketours. In the evenings there is a lot of music everywhere. The National Park of Cahuita is close, our rainforest ...

    Free-time activities

    You are close to the caribbean coast ... there is a lot to do and to chill.

    Puerto Viejo is a little village with great leisure time possibilities: swim, surf, dive, snorkel, go on biketours. In the evenings there is a lot of music everywhere. The National Park of Cahuita is close, our rainforest lodge is a 40 min bus ride away and you can also 'hop over' to Panamá ...

    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 18 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (intermediate level)

    Required Documents

    Scan & copy of tb-test or/and vaccinated against tb (tubercolosis), Medical insurance valid in Costa Rica and Copy of medical insurance

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    The fee includes accommodation in the hostel on the project. You have to provide your own meals; calculate about 15-20 US$ per day. There is a supermarket nearby and there is a kitchen in the hostel where volunteers cook their meals.

    We organize the journey to the project and we also do hostel reservations in San José if needed (mostly it is needed!) - and, if you will combine projects, we will also organize the transportation between the projects. You will have to pay the cost for the pickup and the transport.

    Airport Pickup at Juan Santamaria International Airport

    You will be picked up at the airport by our driver with a sign with your name and you will directly get in contact with your german, english, spanish speaking coordinator via phone. The driver will drive you to the reserved hostel (if necessary), give you the bus ticket (he will buy a ticket in advance to reserve you a seat in the bus), pick you up at the hostel the day of your journey to the project and bring you to the bus.
    The cost will be around 70 US$ plus the hostel night (around 13 US$ (dorm) and 40 US$ (single/double room).
    Remember to be latest on Saturday in San José, to travel on Sunday to the hostel, so you can start on Monday in the morning in the project!

    Accommodation

    The hostel belongs to the project.

    Internet Access

    Limited access at the project site
    You don't have to pay anything yet

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Food & Beverages

    Food, snacks or beverages are at extra costs.

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) in San Jose. We assist you to find cheap flights to Costa Rica. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Costa Rica provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in Costa Rica you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Costa Rica. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    This program is available all year. It starts every Monday. Please arrive at least on Saturday before the programs starts. 

    On Sunday you will travel to your hostel and on Monday you have to start at 11 am at the project site.

    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program Fees

    $298 per week 4 - 8 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES

    Duration

    4 - 8 weeks

    Deposit

    Reserve your spot with just a few clicks and a small, secure deposit. You can pay by credit card, PayPal, or other convenient methods.

    Final Payment

    You’ll agree on the final payment method with your local organization during the application process. This final payment is only due closer to the start of your trip.

    You don't have to pay anything yet
    4.5
    Top Pick
    One of the top picks on Volunteer World, according to travelers

    Location

    Americas > Central America > Costa Rica > Puerto Viejo de Talamanca

    Meet your project coordinator

    Sofia
    105
    reviews
    4.50
    Fantastic
    2006
    Founded

    Verified

      Very high response rate
    Spoken languages: English, Spanish, French, German
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    You might also be interested in

    Volunteer Abroad  >  Animals  >  Wildlife Conservation in Costa Rica
    Contact Sofia
      Very high response rate
    English, Spanish, French, German

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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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    Price details