Take part in an enriching and unique volunteer experience in Costa Rica. Engage in animal preservation activities and explore the amazing nature of Costa Rica. You will be volunteering at an Animal Rescue Center north of the capital city San José.
The goal is to rescue, heal, and preferably return native Costa Rican animals to the wild. At the facility there are roughly 150 animals (this number can shift up and down). In an effort to improve the future for the local wildlife, the animal rescue center's philosophy incorporates a strategy that emphasizes education, research, and species protection (plants and animals). Increasing public knowledge of issues like nature and animal conservation is a crucial component. There are workshops and educational programs at the center, which is open to day visitors.
The rescue center works closely with the Costa Rican Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE). After being rescued, wild animals in need — whether from the illegal trade, sick, injured, or mistreated animals — arrive at the facility through a variety of channels, mostly through MINAE. At the center the animals receive medical attention and care. In addition to finding safety here, they receive medical attention, rehabilitation, and eventually are allowed to return to their native habitat.
It is important to note that not all animals can be put back into the wild. Serious injuries that render an animal incapable of long-term independent and safe movement in the wild, such as climbing, flying, hunting, or food-gathering, are deemed unreleaseable. Furthermore, it is seen inappropriate to release animals that have become habituated to people as a result of human interaction (such as through pet ownership). These animals can find safety and a permanent home in the protected areas at the rescue facility.
About twenty-five people, including volunteers and regular staff, are involved in animal welfare. For more than 20 years, the interdisciplinary team has been passionately committed to this goal and has successfully given countless wild animals a second chance at life. The animal rescue center helps a wide variety of wild species, including weasels, porcupines, wild cats, kinkajous, parrots, otters, armadillos, raccoons, reptiles, and so on. It specializes in helping animals like toucans, sloths, and owls.
The animal rescue center is nestled within lush, tropical green forests. The surrounding area is a nature lover's and adventure seeker's heaven, with a stunning backdrop of mountains, rivers, and waterfalls. Life abounds in all its forms and hues here!
