Indigenous Wildlife Rescue Supporter

Agency
·
founded in 2010
Love Volunteers
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Coordinator | Hannah
Coordinator | Hannah
Book with Flex Option! Choose new departure dates or change to a different volunteer program at no extra costs.

High­lights

Volunteer and contribute to the preservation of threatened species
Experience the adventurous life near a rainforest
Get the chance to work closely with endangered animals
Enjoy your free time in the peaceful rural area of the country
Be fully immersed in the astounding nature and beauty that Costa Rica has to offer
Research the animals of Costa Rica to learn more about their lives and ultimately, how to protect them. This volunteer program is especially suitable for:
Age 17+
Singles
Couples
Families
Groups
50+

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 fantastic 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.

How you can help

This program truly gives volunteers the chance to experience a wildlife program working with some of the most amazing creatures on earth. Volunteers will meet new friends, learn a huge amount about Costa Rica’s native species and about caring for animals and wildlife centres – all while experiencing the amazing culture and landscapes of this stunning country. And there’s the feeling of satisfaction for volunteers of knowing they’ve worked hard to help the lives of individual animals and the continuation of the species in general.

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

As with all of our Animal Welfare Programs, physical interaction between humans and wild animals is restricted. Please remember these are rescue centers, not petting zoos. 

Typical day

A volunteer’s work day on this project will generally last between 4 and 6 hours, normally 6 days a week and while we ask all volunteers to be flexible in this regard, a typical daily schedule is likely to go something like this:

6:00am Morning animal feeding duties

Volunteers can be part of the morning feeding ritual once they have settled in (normally at least 3 days into the placement).

8:00am Breakfast

8:30am VOLUNTEERING DUTIES START

A tea break at around 10:30am and lunch between 12 and 1pm are normally fitted into the busy schedule but often the timing of breaks will change based on the needs of the local staff and number of volunteers on hand.

1:00pm Afternoon animal feeding duties

Volunteers can be part of the afternoon feeding ritual once they have settled in (normally at least 3 days into the placement).

3:00pm VOLUNTEERING DUTIES END 

Afternoons and evenings are free time to relax with fellow volunteers. Dinner is typically ready by 5pm.

Free-time activities

Volunteers on this project are primarily placed at a fantastic Wildlife Sanctuary in Alajuela Province, just 30mins west of San Jose.

Due to the nature of this project, volunteers stay on-site at the Rescue Centre which is somewhat remote. Afternoons and evenings are generally spent on-site relaxing after a hard days work.  Weekends offer the opportunity to explore further afield and the local staff will be happy to recommend activities and help with bookings.


Swimming
Concert/
Music
Hiking

Require­ments

In order to join the program you need to be at least 17 years old on the program start date.
Language Skills
You need to speak English (basic level)
Required Documents
Emergency contact
Nationality Restrictions
No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.
Other Skills
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. Importantly though, all applicants must first and foremost have a genuine willingness to help, show drive and initiative.
Time Commitment
Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 06:00 - 15:00

What's Included

Services by Love Volunteers
  • Dedicated pre-departure support
  • Exclusive access to the LV Trip Planner! 
  • Airport pick-up on arrival 
  • Orientation & full safety briefing on arrival
  • Accommodation
  • Food & Meals
  • 24/7 local support network 
  • Project placement & onsite supervision
  • Lifetime LV Alumni Membership
  • The opportunity to make a REAL difference!
  • Certificate of Completion 
  • LV registration fee
Airport Pickup at Juan Santamaria International Airport

Our local team will meet with volunteers in San Jose and arrange transport to Alajuela.  

Volunteers should either fly in prior to 10am Sunday or arrange accommodation in San Jose Saturday night from where they will be collected on Sunday.

On Monday at the project site a full orientation session is provided to cover all aspects of the local area and placement. This is a great opportunity to meet the program coordinators and other volunteers and ask any last minute questions.  

  • Program Arrival Day: SUNDAY prior to 10am
  • Program Departure Day: SATURDAY
  • International Airport: Juan Santamaria International Airport, San Jose (code: SJO)
Accommodation

Volunteers on this project will be accommodated on-site at the Rescue Centre. Rooms are dorm-style and shared by up to 4 volunteers, split by gender. Bathroom facilities are typical of jungle accommodations and rustic.  Electricity and cold running water is available but may be limited. Laundry can be done on-site. Wifi isn't available at the rescue centre so volunteers are advised to purchase a local SIM card and data package for internet access.

Bedding is provided so volunteers need only bring toiletries and a towel. 

Packing

*Mandatory

  • Rubber boots.
  • *Natural repellent (without DEET).
  • Sunscreen.
  • Mosquito net.
  • *Long pants (working pants).
  • Clothing that dries quickly.
  • Hat.
  • Afterbite.
  • Shower sandals.
  • Quick drying towel.
  • Beach items.
  • Many pairs of socks.
  • Reusable water bottle.
  • Topical medicine for allergies.
  • Allergy pills.

Optional items:

  • Thin bed sheets (one pair is provided).
  • Bandana.
  • Long sleeves.
  • Rain jacket.
  • Work gloves.
  • Books

Dorm Room
Food & Beverages

Three meals per day are provided at the project and are included in the program fee. Meals are typical Costa Rican fare like beans and rice. Participants are welcome to bring or purchase their own snacks. Volunteers are often expected to help with cooking and cleaning up (using a roster-based system), so everyone contributes at meal times – bringing a wonderful ‘family’ feel to this project! Nice!

Internet Access
Sorry, no access at the project site
What's NOT included?
Visa, flights, travel insurance or vaccinations are NOT included in the program fees.
Flight Tickets
The nearest airport is Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) in San Jose. We assist you to find cheap flights to Costa Rica.
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.
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.

Dates & Fees

NO CREDIT CARD FEES

Details on arrival

This project is available year-round, arriving every SUNDAY. Spaces on this project are limited and therefore subject to availability. Early booking is recommended.

Availability
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Duration
1 - 12 weeks

Program fees

Costs: Prices in USD
1 week (min. stay)
$718
2 weeks
$1,015
12 weeks (max. stay)
$4,499
Average fees
$546 /week

Please note that the above shown program fees are estimated. Love Volunteers will let you know about the final price during your application process.
Deposit (15%)
The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.
Final Payment (85%)
Your final payment will be agreed with Love Volunteers during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.

Why book with Volunteer World

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Our services are free of charge!
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What are people saying about Volunteer World?

Indigenous Wildlife Rescue Supporter

Research the animals of Costa Rica to learn more about their lives and ultimately, how to protect them.

$546/week

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