Wildlife Volunteering in Costa Rica

About the program

This essential program works to save Costa Rica’s wildlife that is facing a crisis of epic proportions. Development, agriculture, illegal exotic animal trade and contamination are just a few of the issues that affect wildlife and many species are under threat. Volunteers on this program will spend time working in animal rescue centers aimed at helping endangered species and wildlife in general. The work here is hands on with volunteers involved in feeding duties, enrichment, cleaning and all the tasks required to run a wildlife rescue center. Hurt, displaced, abandoned and sick animals are rescued by the centers, brought back for care, then if possible, released back into a safe native environment on completion of their rehabilitation. Close contact and handling of animals to be released is kept to an absolute minimum.

It will be hard and physical work at times, and volunteers must be prepared to work hard and get a little dirty! It will however be extremely rewarding as volunteers see first-hand how they are making a real difference to the lives of these wonderful creatures. Extra hands are always needed, and greatly appreciated at wildlife centers which are underfunded and greatly under resourced.

Goals of this Project:

• Work to save the lives of vulnerable animals
• Improve the prospects of the indigenous animals of Costa Rica
• Learn about the animals of Costa Rica and ultimately how to protect them
• Assist with educating the public about animal welfare
• Create an environment that enables different cultures to work together with the goal of saving animal lives.

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Volunteer's role

Volunteers will contribute in a number of ways and can expect to undertake the following tasks:

• Clean animal enclosures/compounds
• Animal feeding duties
• Animal enrichment tasks
• Assist with rehabilitation and release efforts
• Assist with animal emergencies as required
• Maintain animal shelters and the property in general
• Planting and gardening activities
• Construct and improve animal environments

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Requirements

Love Volunteers welcomes all those 18 years and over (17 with parental consent) who wish to give their time and energy to help protect and conserve the native wildlife of Costa Rica. This project is best suited to those who are either pursuing a career in animal conservation or zoological studies, or who simply wish to explore an interest in this field. However, the project is open to all and does not require participants to have specific education, qualifications or experience, as you will be shown everything you need to know by one of local project leaders.