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Fantastic 4.53rating (81)
  • Life On Land

Wildlife Rescue Center

location
2 - 24 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
Verified
You don't have to pay anything yet

Especially good for

Age 18+
Singles
Couples
Groups

About the program

Volunteers in the wildlife program in Costa Rica work in animal rescue centers aimed at helping endangered species.

Costa Rica is famous for its rich biodiversity. Many people from around the world come to Costa Rica to experience its lush rain-forests and exotic wildlife, In fact, Costa Rica is one of the more biodiversity-dense countries in the world and it is home to more than 500,000 species, which ...

About the program

Costa Rica is famous for its rich biodiversity. Many people from around the world come to Costa Rica to experience its lush rain-forests and exotic wildlife, In fact, Costa Rica is one of the more biodiversity-dense countries in the world and it is home to more than 500,000 species, which represent nearly 4% of the total estimated species worldwide. Development, agriculture, illegal exotic animal trade, and contamination affect many wildlife species that are under constant threat. Volunteers in the wildlife program in Costa Rica work in animal rescue centers aimed at helping endangered species. If you like being outdoors and love working with wild animals, the wildlife program is for you!


Who is this program better for? People that like manual labor , are not afraid to get their hands dirty , and understand the importance of wildlife conservation.  

What could I be doing?

 -Taking care of the animals (feeding, cleaning);

- Building cages and shelters for the animals;

 -Preparing food for the animals;

-Educating visitors about the importance of wildlife conservation;

-Doing maintenance tasks around the rescue center.

Typical day

Working hours are usually 6 hours per day, monday through thursday. The center will provide you any equipment that you need. You will be working with the personal of the rescue center

Typical day

Working hours are usually 6 hours per day, monday through thursday. The center will provide you any equipment that you need. You will be working with the personal of the rescue center

Free-time activities

One of the reasons Costa Rica has so many varied activities is thanks to the variety of the country itself! Costa Rica is considered a tropical country, but it features its own plethora of microclimates. Each of these destinations – which might be separated by only a few hours of driving – ...

Free-time activities

One of the reasons Costa Rica has so many varied activities is thanks to the variety of the country itself! Costa Rica is considered a tropical country, but it features its own plethora of microclimates. Each of these destinations – which might be separated by only a few hours of driving – feature their own unique and unforgettable adventures. There are hot springs tucked away in lush rainforests, hanging bridges over misty cloud forests, palm-tree studded white-sand beaches, dramatic seaside cliffs, the arid rolling hills of Guanacaste – there’s no end to the experiences! Visit 

Arenal Volcano and wonder at a massive volcano and surrounding verdant rainforest, and then the next day you might find yourself only a few hours away relaxing on Papagayo’s white sand beaches, watching the kids stand-up paddleboard, or kayaking among the mangrove jungles of Tortuguero. 

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 (basic level) or Spanish (basic level)

Required Documents

CV, background check and application form and passport

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 and Thursday from 08:00 - 16:00

What's Included

What's Included

On-site Services

We are using the fees to pay
  • Accommodation
    Participation in cultural activities.
  • On call support throughout the service.
  • Coordination with the host country organization of volunteer service.
  • Orientation to volunteer work or intern placement
  • Welcome at airport with transport.
  • Certificate of program completion.

Airport Pickup at Juan Santamaria International Airport

One of our coordinator will pick you at the arrivals exit in the airport. The trip to San Ramón last around forty minutes.

Accommodation

Host family , in private room with two meals per day. Shared bathroom with the family. Normally the families have experience hosting volunteers.

Food & Beverages

Host family , in private room with two meals per day

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

Please pick a Sunday for your arrival date.

Our volunteer program advisors will help you choose the best Sunday upon application.

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

Program Fees

$573 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
4.5
Top Pick
One of the top picks on Volunteer World, according to travelers
•
2019
My name is Louisa and I was a volunteer in Costa Rica for 6 month. I had applied for the Wildlife program because I wanted to do something ...
Louisa Kohler

Wildlife Rescue Center

•
2025
I can't write enough great things about this program. The clinic we helped at really felt like we were improving people's lives. The staff ...
•
2025
Our experience with this program was nothing short of amazing. From the moment we arrive de, the staff made us feel welcomed and well taken ...

Location

Americas > Central America > Costa Rica > San Ramón

Meet your project coordinator

Diego
81
reviews
4.53
Fantastic
2005
Founded

Verified

  Good response rate
Spoken languages: English, Spanish
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.

You might also be interested in

Volunteer Abroad  >  Animals  >  Wildlife Conservation in Costa Rica
Contact Diego
  Good response rate
English, Spanish

Most volunteers ask about

Do you have any more questions? Send a message to Diego
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Travel dates

1. - 1. Jan 1

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Price details