NATUWA Wildlife Sanctuary

NATUWA Wildlife Sanctuary in Aranjuez, Puntarenas Province, Costa Rica, is a haven providing refuge and protection to wild animals impacted by human activities such as hunting, habitat removal, and deforestation. These actions render species vulnerable, causing significant damage to natural ecosystems and often displacing animals from their natural habitats.

Many of these displaced animals find the care and rehabilitation they need at NATUWA. Our sanctuary allows these dislocated animals to return to their natural habitat. Unfortunately, human actions make reintroduction challenging, and this is where our volunteers become crucial.

Volunteer Contribution at NATUWA Wildlife Sanctuary

At NATUWA, your role as a volunteer is indispensable to our conservation mission. You will work closely with our local Costa Rican workers, playing a crucial part in the daily care of our diverse animal residents. This includes feeding, cleaning enclosures, and providing enrichment for a wide range of species, such as six species of macaw, umbrella cockatoos, amazon parrots, parakeets, Eclectus parrots, various monkey species, peccaries, deer, tapirs, ocelots, and jaguars.

Your dedicated efforts are essential in restoring the health of our numerous residents, approximately 500 animals, many of whom require extensive care as they cannot return to the wild. While our primary focus is providing the best quality of life for these animals, such as jaguars and sloths, your work supports any emergency interventions that might enable certain animals to be reintroduced into their natural habitat. The significant workload at our sanctuary contributes to each volunteer being incredibly valuable to us.

• Animal Care and Maintenance: Engaging in direct animal care, you will help maintain the well-being of our animals by performing tasks like cleaning enclosures and following specific nutritional guidelines set by our in-house nutritionist. This ensures that all animals, from the vibrant macaws to the majestic jaguars, receive the highest standard of care.
• Monitoring and Prevention: As an eco-guardian, you will better understand our animals' behaviors and needs. Your close observation skills will aid in the early detection of health issues, allowing for timely intervention and care from our veterinary team.
• Environmental Enrichment: Your involvement in environmental enrichment is essential in fostering natural behaviors and mental stimulation for our animals. This aspect of your role helps create a more dynamic and naturalistic environment for them.
• Economic and Community Impact: Your participation as a volunteer extends beyond animal care. Your financial contribution by joining our program supports the sanctuary's operations and the livelihoods of our local staff and the broader community. This creates a ripple effect of positive change, benefiting the area's human and animal residents.

Volunteering at NATUWA is an opportunity to make a significant impact. You will contribute to the direct care and rehabilitation of wildlife and support the broader mission of environmental conservation and community development. This experience promises to leave a lasting impression on both the sanctuary and you as a volunteer.

Educational and Cultural Experience:

Our sanctuary collaborates with local universities, providing a rich educational experience. Costa Rican students often come to NATUWA to complete their graduation thesis or business practices in ecotourism. This offers a fantastic opportunity for volunteers to immerse themselves in Latin American culture, learn from students, and contribute to meaningful conservation projects.

Local Community Engagement:

NATUWA is nestled in the peaceful country town of Aranjuez, known for its friendly locals and dirt roads. Volunteers are encouraged to engage with the community, bring games like footballs and frisbees, and participate in local soccer matches. The sanctuary's proximity to a small supermarket and a grass soccer field allows volunteers to integrate seamlessly with the local lifestyle.

Living Arrangements:

Volunteers stay within the sanctuary in housing that provides a unique living experience. We require volunteers to wear pants and rain boots for work (available for purchase here for around USD 15). Although bedsheets are provided, bringing a mosquito net for a twin-sized bed is recommended for comfort.

Food and Expectations:

We provide and cook all meals for our volunteers, focusing on a wholesome diet that supports your work here. We expect a positive attitude and a willingness to contribute to our shared goals.

Join Us:

Hear our past volunteers about their life-changing experiences at NATUWA and see how you can make a difference. Make your application in Volunteer World to learn more and participate in this vital conservation effort.