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Fantastic 4.50rating (105)
  • Life On Land

Macaw & Animal Reserve Supporter

location
2 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • Work alongside dedicated professionals and passionate volunteers in a sanctuary recognized for its commitment to environmental education and conservation.
  • Engage in reforestation efforts and discover the vibrant ecosystems of Costa Rica while making a meaningful impact on local wildlife.
  • Live and work in a breathtaking natural setting while connecting with nature and wildlife like never before.

Highlights

  • Work alongside dedicated professionals and passionate volunteers in a sanctuary recognized for its commitment to environmental education and conservation.
  • Engage in reforestation efforts and discover the vibrant ecosystems of Costa Rica while making a meaningful impact on local wildlife.
  • Live and work in a breathtaking natural setting while connecting with nature and wildlife like never before.
  • Get ready for an active volunteer experience that not only supports wildlife conservation but also enriches your life with unforgettable moments.
    • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Groups

    About the program

    Take care of rescued animals - especially macaws -, to rehabilitate and reintroduce them into the wild.

    About the Program

    The Macaw Reserve was created in the year 1994 by two Costa Ricans for their grand admiration for the parrots. In addition, the reserve began as a result of their preoccupation with the constant threat that these emblematic birds face, the loss of their natural habitat and their ...

    About the program

    About the Program

    The Macaw Reserve was created in the year 1994 by two Costa Ricans for their grand admiration for the parrots. In addition, the reserve began as a result of their preoccupation with the constant threat that these emblematic birds face, the loss of their natural habitat and their extraction from the forest as pets. For these reasons there has been an incredible reduction in the population of native, wild macaws in Costa Rica, further highlighting the importance of such a sanctuary of conservation. 

    The Macaw Reserve has the primary purpose to conserve native, wild macaws of Costa Rica and develop a captive management and breeding program to rescue, rehabilitate and reintroduce them into the wild, with support from the Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE), the National Police and volunteers from civil society. 

    Additionally, the Sanctuary facilitates programs of reforestation, environmental education and ecotourism. For this reason, the proyect was declared by the Central Municipality of Puntarenas, a place of educational, scientific and touristic interest, by motion created on July 13th 2015.

    Our Volunteers

    Things to bring:

    • Love for animals and nature 
    • Being prepared for sometimes physically demanding work 
    • Ability to integrate and adapt to the center's rules 
    • Enjoy to communicate with the guests of the center
    • Good knowledge of Spanish or English

    Typical day

    Your Tasks

    • Assisting with care for animals
    • Preparing food and helping the keeper distribute the portions for each animal 
    • Cleaning and repairs of the facility and viewing areas
    • Maintainance of pathways and areas around animal pens
    • Helping in discussions and workshops with schools and visitors
    • Attending ...

    Typical day

    Your Tasks

    • Assisting with care for animals
    • Preparing food and helping the keeper distribute the portions for each animal 
    • Cleaning and repairs of the facility and viewing areas
    • Maintainance of pathways and areas around animal pens
    • Helping in discussions and workshops with schools and visitors
    • Attending visitors

    The day begins at 6 am cutting fruit und vegetables. You will bring the fresh cut food to the animals and clean their bowls. At 8:30 am you'll have a typical breakfast - rice and beans, fruit and vegetable. The works continues until lunch at 12:00 md and after lunch your work continues according to the special works that have to done. Be prepared for hard work and a lot of dirt!

    Free-time activities

    The Reserve is in a remote area - be prepared to chill after work and make friends with the workers and their daily life. There is an Airport for Ultralight Airplanes and Gyrocopter in footwalk distance - if you ever wanted to make this incredible experience to fly with such an airplane ... here you ...

    Free-time activities

    The Reserve is in a remote area - be prepared to chill after work and make friends with the workers and their daily life. There is an Airport for Ultralight Airplanes and Gyrocopter in footwalk distance - if you ever wanted to make this incredible experience to fly with such an airplane ... here you have the opportunity! It's not cheap, but it is unique! (See the picture.)

    Puntarenas is close it's a rather big city - cruise ships land here - and you can go to the beach here ... although there are much nicer beaches on the pacific coast! ;-)

    You can use your free days for excursions and there are so many lovely places to go in Costa Rica ... National Park Monteverde, Volcano Arenal, meet us in Sámara and enjoy surfing for some days, visit the caribbean coast and/or our rainforest lodge ...

    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 (fluently) or Spanish (basic level)

    Required Documents

    Medical insurance valid in Costa Rica (bring a copy)

    Nationality Restrictions

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

    Other Skills

    You should bring some experience with birds and animals.

    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 accomodation and three meals a day.


    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. From the airport to the Animal Reserve the cost is aprox. 70 US$

    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).

    Accommodation

    It is a volunteer house (cabina) that is very simple and you share it with other volunteers.

    Food & Beverages

    You'll have breakfast, lunch and dinner with the other volunteers and workers based on the tipical Costarican diet, for example rice, beans, vegetables, meat and fruit.

    Internet Access

    Limited 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

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

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

    Program Fees

    $401 per week 2 - 12 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES

    Duration

    2 - 12 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 > Aranjuez

    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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    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