Born in the Costa Rican rainforest, a small idea that started with two young girls planting trees has grown into a sanctuary giving rescued wildlife a second chance.
Founded in 1999, the project began as a fundraising initiative focused on reforestation. Today, the sanctuary provides a haven for sloths, monkeys and a variety of other rescued animals. As a volunteer, you’ll get behind the scenes and help with the everyday work that keeps the sanctuary running, from preparing food and cleaning enclosures to creating enrichment, observing animal behaviour and monitoring their health.
You won’t just be watching Costa Rica’s wildlife from a distance. You’ll be helping care for animals that rely on the sanctuary every day, while supporting the team responsible for their welfare. Whether you’re preparing a meal for a hungry resident, creating something to keep an animal occupied or spotting changes in their behaviour, the work you do contributes directly to their care.
It’s a chance to experience Costa Rica’s wildlife from a completely different perspective, while supporting animals on their journey through rehabilitation and, where possible, release back into the wild.
Activities
Enrichment: You’ll create a range of enrichment activities designed to encourage the animals’ natural behaviours and keep them mentally and physically stimulated. This includes both environmental and nutritional enrichment. Under the guidance of an animal caretaker, you may head into the rainforest to collect leaves, branches and other materials from native trees and palms, helping recreate elements of the animals’ natural habitats within their enclosures. For nutritional enrichment, you’ll find creative ways to make the animals work for their food, encouraging natural foraging and problem-solving behaviours and keeping their wild instincts alive.
Food Preparation and Distribution: You’ll help prepare and provide the animals with their daily meals and treats, working closely with the sanctuary’s experienced animal care team. You’ll learn about the individual needs of each animal, including their specific dietary requirements, and how to follow established feeding plans. Careful preparation and consistent feeding routines play an important role in keeping the sanctuary’s residents happy and healthy.
Enclosure Cleaning: Help to keep enclosures clean, safe and maintained to high welfare standards. Your work will also extend across the wider site, from assisting with small repairs and painting to collecting natural materials for enrichment and helping maintain the grounds. While these tasks may seem simple, they play an important part in creating a safe, stimulating environment for the animals.
Rescue & Release: With almost 200 rescues and releases each year, you may have the opportunity to join the team for either activity! Whether it's the rescue of a monkey or a sloth finding its way to freedom, it is always a heartwarming moment that underpins what you’ve been working towards.
Free Time: Each week, you’ll have a day off to relax and recharge. Take a dip in the onsite pool, explore the local area, or make the most of your time in Costa Rica with an optional day trip. For the more adventurous, you could try kayaking, parasailing, or zip-lining, or head out to explore a nearby national park (please note that these activities will be at your own cost).
