Help local wildlife, like monkeys and sloths, in Costa Rica and get involved in this amazing Animal Rescue Center.
This volunteer program is especially suitable for:
The Animal Rescue Center in Costa Rica is dedicated to protect and help endangered Costa Rican wildlife indigenous to our beautiful country. First and foremost, their goal is to ensure the welfare of injured animals and help them recover from their physical and psychological wounds. They rescue, rehabilitate and ultimately release the animals back to their natural habitat. It is a non-profit organization. The center has an on-site hospital staffed by dedicated vets/interns and comfortable living quarters which can house up to 60 volunteers at anytime. The animal enclosures include but are not limited to an aviary, sloth gardens and monkey cages all surrounded by nature in order to allow the animals a place as close to their natural habitat as they recover from their wounds.
The Animal Rescue Center takes care of a variety of animals including monkeys, sloths, anteaters, possums, birds, and more - basically anything that needs help! (Note: Animal population is subject to change and cannot be guaranteed).
As the name of the program suggests, the day-to-day work of the volunteers revolves mainly around caring for the animals. In addition to procuring food, preparing it and feeding the animals, this also includes cleaning, repairing and expanding the cages and enclosures. Volunteers also help maintain the on-site walkways leading to the cages and pens.
Volunteers work between 6 and 8 hours per day from Monday to Friday/Saturday. The weekends are usually free and you can travel or explore the beautiful surroundings. Excursions to the dream beaches of Costa Rica are also possible.
As a volunteer you should have a deep desire to work hard and understand the situation of the animals as you are responsible for the welfare and daily care of the animals. You will not only be involved in the daily care and cleaning work, but also in construction and maintenance work aimed at improving the living conditions of the animals. The sanctuary also reintroduces animals if they are willing to survive on their own in their natural habitat, although this is not always possible.
The animals, especially the monkeys, love to play. Volunteers always have fun designing and making toys for the animals. This helps the animals get over the traumatic experiences they've had in the past and reminds staff and volunteers how great it is that there is a rescue center for these wonderful animals.
The animal rescue station is also open to visitors; their entrance fees and donations are important sources of income for the center to be able to finance the work with the animals. From time to time, volunteers also help to look after the guests, educate them about the animals and their dangers and they ensure that everything is in order during a visit.
Note: The tasks may vary. They depend on factors such as number of volunteers, weather, season, current needs of the project, as well as self-motivation. Not every volunteer may be fully involved in all these tasks.
The volunteer project is located in the Alajuela region near Turrucares, in a beautiful natural setting. The area is characterized by small rivers, extensive meadows, hills and rich flora.
Turrucares is located pretty much right in the middle of Costa Rica not too far from the capital, San José. The Pacific coast with its dream beaches is also not far and is ideal for a weekend trip.