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Brilliant 4.71rating (174)

Local Wildlife Helper

location
2 - 24 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • Stand shoulder to shoulder with endangered animals, working to safeguard the Earth's incredible creatures.
  • Champion the cause of environmental preservation, leaving an indelible mark on our planet.
  • Elevate your resume with international volunteer experience, showcasing your commitment to global conservation.

Highlights

  • Stand shoulder to shoulder with endangered animals, working to safeguard the Earth's incredible creatures.
  • Champion the cause of environmental preservation, leaving an indelible mark on our planet.
  • Elevate your resume with international volunteer experience, showcasing your commitment to global conservation.
  • Immerse yourself in Costa Rica's extraordinary biodiversity and awe-inspiring landscapes, nurturing your love for nature.
  • In your free time, set out to explore Costa Rica's amazing destinations, each a unique gem.

  • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    Help local wildlife in Costa Rica. Take care of monkeys, sloths and local wildlife. Make a difference and become a volunteer in this wonderful Animal Rescue Center. 🐒

    The Program

    The Animal Rescue Center in Costa Rica is dedicated to protect and help endangered Costa Rican wildlife indigenous to our beautiful country. First and foremost, their goal is to ensure the welfare of injured animals and help them recover from their physical and psychological wounds. They ...

    About the program

    The Program

    The Animal Rescue Center in Costa Rica is dedicated to protect and help endangered Costa Rican wildlife indigenous to our beautiful country. First and foremost, their goal is to ensure the welfare of injured animals and help them recover from their physical and psychological wounds. They rescue, rehabilitate and ultimately release the animals back to their natural habitat. It is a non-profit organization. The center has an on-site hospital staffed by dedicated vets/interns and comfortable living quarters which can house up to 60 volunteers at anytime. The animal enclosures include but are not limited to an aviary, sloth gardens and monkey cages all surrounded by nature in order to allow the animals a place as close to their natural habitat as they recover from their wounds.

    The Animal Rescue Center takes care of a variety of animals including monkeys, sloths, anteaters, possums, birds, and more - basically anything that needs help! (Note: Animal population is subject to change and cannot be guaranteed).

    The Location
    The volunteer project is located in the Alajuela region near Turrucares, in a beautiful natural setting. The area is characterized by small rivers, extensive meadows, hills and rich flora. Turrucares is located pretty much right in the middle of Costa Rica not too far from the capital, San José. The Pacific coast with its dream beaches is also not far and is ideal for a weekend trip.


    Typical day

    As the name of the program suggests, the day-to-day work of the volunteers revolves mainly around caring for the animals. In addition to procuring food, preparing it and feeding the animals, this also includes cleaning, repairing and expanding the cages and enclosures. Volunteers also help maintain ...

    Typical day

    As the name of the program suggests, the day-to-day work of the volunteers revolves mainly around caring for the animals. In addition to procuring food, preparing it and feeding the animals, this also includes cleaning, repairing and expanding the cages and enclosures. Volunteers also help maintain the on-site walkways leading to the cages and pens.

    • Volunteers work between 5 and 7 hours on 6 days per week. The day off must not be necessarily a Sunday as volunteers work in shifts. (Important: this is the relevant information according to the working schedule. The weekly schedule mentioned with days and time frames does not apply!!)
    • As a volunteer you should have a deep desire to work hard and understand the situation of the animals as you are responsible for the welfare and daily care of the animals. You will not only be involved in the daily care and cleaning work, but also in construction and maintenance work aimed at improving the living conditions of the animals. The sanctuary also reintroduces animals if they are willing to survive on their own in their natural habitat, although this is not always possible.
    • The animals, especially the monkeys, love to play. Volunteers always have fun designing and making toys for the animals. This helps the animals get over the traumatic experiences they've had in the past and reminds staff and volunteers how great it is that there is a rescue center for these wonderful animals.
    • The animal rescue station is also open to visitors; their entrance fees and donations are important sources of income for the center to be able to finance the work with the animals. From time to time, volunteers also help to look after the guests, educate them about the animals and their dangers and they ensure that everything is in order during a visit.

    Note: The tasks may vary. They depend on factors such as number of volunteers, weather, season, current needs of the project, as well as self-motivation. Not every volunteer may be fully involved in all these tasks.

    Free-time activities

    The volunteer project is located in the Alajuela region near Turrucares, in a beautiful natural setting. The area is characterized by small rivers, extensive meadows, hills and rich flora.

    Turrucares is located pretty much right in the middle of Costa Rica not too far from the capital, San José. The ...

    Free-time activities

    The volunteer project is located in the Alajuela region near Turrucares, in a beautiful natural setting. The area is characterized by small rivers, extensive meadows, hills and rich flora.

    Turrucares is located pretty much right in the middle of Costa Rica not too far from the capital, San José. The Pacific coast with its dream beaches is also not far and is ideal for a weekend trip.

    There are plenty of possibilities to spend your free time with fellow volunteers, be it in the city of San José, in the nature or doing outdoor activities.

    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 Spanish (basic level) or English (basic level)

    Required Documents

    Volunteer Questionnaire

    Nationality Restrictions

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

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    The volunteer program includes:
    • Shared room in the Volunteer House
    • Breakfast, lunch, dinner
    • Airport pick-up in San José with 2 overnight stays in San José (single room, breakfast & dinner)
    • Transfer from San José accommodation to bus terminal for journey to project site *
    • Advice from our experienced staff
    • On-going support via WhatsApp, phone or mail
    • Elaboration of your application profile in Spanish
    • Your placement in the volunteer project
    • Pre-departure information
    • Packing list
    • Country handbook
    • Intercultural guide
    • Welcome meeting in San José
    • On-site volunteer coordinator
    • 24/7 emergency number
    • Advice on travel insurance
    • Certificate of participation
    *the costs for local transportation from San José to the volunteer project are not included.

    Airport Pickup at Juan Santamaria International Airport

    Airport pick-up and overnight stay in San José are included in the program. Volunteers will have an orientation session in San José before heading to the project site. The local travel from San José to the project is not included.

    Accommodation

    The volunteers at this animal rescue center in Costa Rica live together in dormitories in the simple but cozy volunteer house. 
    • The house is equipped with the essentials. 
    • There is a dining area where volunteers meet to eat. This area is also the meeting point where volunteers gather to talk, relax or make plans for their free time. 
    • Local cooks, who primarily prepare local meals (including vegetarian and vegan options), provide delicious food.
    • The volunteer house has electricity, drinking water, WIFI internet and a good working cell phone signal. 
    • The washing machine can be used at an additional cost.

    Food & Beverages

    The volunteer program includes daily breakfast, lunch and dinner. Special dietary requirements can be accommodated but have to be informed to us in advance.

    Internet Access

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

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    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

    The project is open year round. Every volunteer can set start and end dates as there is no special day for check- in and check-out. Before arrival, our experienced team will be at your disposal to assist you throughout the booking process and travel planning. With the booking confirmation you will receive our 24-hour emergency number, so that you can reach us in case of emergency.

    In addition to the assistance given by our office staff you will be supported by our partner organization in Costa Rica located in San José, as well as the on-site volunteer coordinator on-site.

    Depending on the day of arrival in Costa Rica, the program includes two nights in San José in a single room with a host family (including breakfast and dinner). Before you leave for the project site, you will take part in an orientation talk with our coordinator in San José.

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

    Program Fees

    $479 per week 2 - 24 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    2 - 24 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
    4.7
    Top Pick
    One of the top picks on Volunteer World, according to travelers
    2025
    Bisher verlief wirklich alles optimal. Wir wurden sehr herzlich bei Sonja in San José die erste 2 Nächte aufgenommen und im Projekt selber ...
    2024
    Everything is alright. The family host in San José is very kind. I visited San José yesterday. This morning I arrived at the rescue center ...
    Nathalie K.

    Local Wildlife Helper

    2023
    Hey there, I love my experience, it is amazing !!! Tomorrow I am going to visit and I am working, it's going very well ! Thank you for ...
    Floriana D.

    Local Wildlife Helper

    2025
    The journey went very well and everything here is going smoothly. The place is truly beautiful and I'm really enjoying the delicious food. ..
    2026
    If I base my review strictly on the project and the people at the rescue center, the work itself is very special. You get to work with ...
    Léonie Rijnders

    Local Wildlife Helper

    Location


    Meet your project coordinator

    Marion
    174
    reviews
    4.71
    Brilliant
    2003
    Founded

    Verified

      Good response rate
    Spoken languages: Spanish, English, German
    Travel safely by using Volunteer World for your communication and bookings. This way, you can benefit from the Flex Option, Refund Guarantee, and Resolution Support.

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    Contact Marion
      Good response rate
    Spanish, English, German

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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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    Price details