from 1,162€

Perfect 4.6rating (184)

Sloth And Wildlife Conservation Supporter

location
2 - 4 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+

rating  Perfect 4.6  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Very high response rate

Especially suitable

Age 18+
Singles
Couples
Families
Groups
50+

About the program

Volunteer with sloths, monkeys and a range of other wildlife in their native home of Costa Rica and help protect these amazing animals from the dangers of deforestation.

Begin your volunteer adventure and head to the rainforests of Costa Rica, where you can take part in the vital conservation of some of the country's most vulnerable wildlife. Your help will enable the sanctuary to care for the many animals that come through its doors, giving these creatures another ...

About the program

Begin your volunteer adventure and head to the rainforests of Costa Rica, where you can take part in the vital conservation of some of the country's most vulnerable wildlife. Your help will enable the sanctuary to care for the many animals that come through its doors, giving these creatures another chance at life.

Founded in 1999 by two young girls, the project has grown from a humble fund-raising initiative designed to raise money to plant trees in the rainforest, to the phenomenal animal sanctuary that we see today. Take part in the enrichment of its resident animals, observe their behaviours, and keep their environments clean and suitable at all times. You could also take part in food preparation, the maintenance of enclosures, and monitoring of animal health.

Your time spent on the project will be crucial in the protection of sloths, monkeys, and a plethora of other exciting animal species, aiding the centre to run smoothly and effectively - and therefore, allowing the sanctuary to provide further care for any animal that needs it.

Activities

Enrichment: You will complete a variety of enrichments that help exercise the animals' wild instincts. These enrichments can be both environmental and nutritional. The environmental enrichment activities entail the volunteers to head into the rainforest under the supervision of an animal caretaker to find the leaves of native trees and palms to make the animals’ enclosures as close to their natural habitat as possible. During nutritional enrichments, volunteers will come up with ways to make the animals work for finding their food. This keeps their hunting instincts going strong.

Food Preparation and Distribution: You will spend time collecting, preparing, and then distributing food and water to the animal residents at the centre. You will do this alongside a trained animal caretaker who will ensure that you approach the enclosures in the correct manner, and have prepared the correct food for the right animal. 

Enclosure Cleaning: To ensure that all of the animals at the centre have a hygienic and suitable environment in which to live, you will help by cleaning the enclosures on a regular basis (typically once a day.) Cleaning will be done alongside an animal caretaker resident at the project site.

Rescue & Release: With almost 200 rescues and releases taking place per year, you may have the opportunity to join the team in either activity. Whether witnessing the rescue of a monkey or watching a sloth find its way to freedom, this is certainly an enjoyable part of the project.

Boot Camp & Nursery: You will have the opportunity to see young sloths up close as you pay a visit to the on-site boot camp or nursery. This is an educational activity, as you will gain an understanding of what it takes to aid the species' conservation.

Sloth Tracking: Once per week, you will head out into the forested grounds of the reserve in search of a sloth which had previously received care at the sanctuary. Prior to its release, the sloth was fitted with a tracking device to allow members of the team to locate it and make behavioural observations from a safe distance.


Suitabilities

When taking part on this volunteer project, be aware of the fact that much time will be spent on your feet and therefore a moderate fitness level is required for participation. In addition to this, Costa Rica can be very humid, so do bear this in mind when deciding whether this project is for you. Finally, in reference to the reforestation activities outlined above, do note that this involves a lot of walking on uneven ground and on terrain that can at times be quite treacherous (especially after the rains!) In addition to wearing suitable footwear and breathable outdoor gear, please consider your own physical capabilities before taking part in this particular activity.

Location

This project is based within the rainforest, with an approximate 10 minute drive through palms to the door of your accommodation. Volunteers will share accommodation with up to 8 other people, in a spacious building complete with kitchen, toilet, shower, dining area and 4 bunkbeds (one single bed may also be available, if not already occupied). For a fee of £150 per night, volunteers can upgrade to private cottage accommodation.

The project grounds are vast and natural, shrouded in trees but still well-kept. There is an onsite pool if the volunteers wish to cool off or unwind in their spare time, and there is also a restaurant, and a communal seating/lounge area in the foyer.

Equipment to bring

Volunteers are advised to bring a head torch, as it is very dark at the project site from around 5/6pm onwards and the walk between the restaurant and your accommodation is not well-lit (a head torch may also come in handy on some activities.) It is also wise to bring a rain jacket/waterproof clothing, plenty of spare socks, and some waterproof shoes with good grip.



Typical day

Itinerary

The itinerary here is subject to change, but as a rough guide is as follows:

Day one: Arrive at the project site from the airport, either by taxi transfer or a combination of bus and taxi transportation. Depending on your arrival time, you may be shown around the project site (including the ...

Typical day

Itinerary

The itinerary here is subject to change, but as a rough guide is as follows:

Day one: Arrive at the project site from the airport, either by taxi transfer or a combination of bus and taxi transportation. Depending on your arrival time, you may be shown around the project site (including the kitchen, laundry room, pool and other facilities), and you will also be given time to settle in and introduce yourself to your fellow volunteers! Enjoy a delicious evening meal, prepared for you by a member of the project staff.

Project days: After breakfast, you will begin your day's work (around 8:30am), undertaking a series of activities such as enrichment and behavioural observation. The latter part of the day may involve 'walking' the animals, which means to take them out of their enclosures and to exercise them. This task is discretionary, but should the sanctuary staff assign you this task, you will likely be allocated one animal to work with and observe closely. One of the days in the week you will have the opportunity to visit the local Marina with your team, enjoying some delicious Costa Rican cuisine by the waterside!

Final day: Sadly, it's time for you to bid farewell to your fellow volunteers! Enjoy a delicious final meal of your choosing, prepared for you by the project staff. Share stories, reflect on any stand-out moments from your time spent volunteering, and enjoy exchanging photos and videos taken at the project with your fellow volunteers (if you so wish!)

If you are heading to the airport, there is a bus from nearby Quepos which will take you directly to departures; this costs $7 USD (but please note that if this is your preferred transportation method, you will need to make your own way to Quepos). If you would prefer to have a taxi from the project site to the airport, the volunteer coordinator will be happy to arrange this for you, and costs around $150 - $220 USD.


Free-time activities

The project has its own pool on site, but if you would like to take part in a range of other activities, head to one of the nearby attractions. Go swimming at the beach, or enjoy time surfing, jetskiing or parasailing. Elsewhere, Manuel Antonio National Park is an excellent day out!

Free-time activities

The project has its own pool on site, but if you would like to take part in a range of other activities, head to one of the nearby attractions. Go swimming at the beach, or enjoy time surfing, jetskiing or parasailing. Elsewhere, Manuel Antonio National Park is an excellent day out!


Requirements

Requirements

Minimum Age: 18 years

In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

Language Skills

You need to speak English (basic level)

Required Documents

Hepatitis A vaccine and Tetanus vaccine

Nationality Restrictions

No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

Time Commitment

Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday

What's Included

What's Included

Services by The Great Projects

  • A monetary contribution to the project itself
  • Full orientation from the project managers 
  • Accommodation and meals as indicated
  • All activities
  • Wifi
  • Laundry facilities (once a week) 
  • Access to a swimming pool 

Accommodation

During your time at the project, you will be staying in shared accommodation with up to 8 other volunteers. The bathrooms at the project site are also shared between volunteers, and you will have access to a full kitchen with multiple fridges so you will be able to have a steady supply of cold water and chilled snacks! 

If you wish to upgrade your accommodation during your stay, then one of the luxury cottages may be available for an additional cost so please enquire with us to check availability. 

Food & Beverages

Lunch is the main meal of the day at the project and this large meal will always consist of rice, beans, a salad and vegetables, with the other parts of the meal changing on a regular basis to ensure variety. Breakfast and dinner are also prepared for you!
Clean drinking water and a variety of juices and sodas are available to drink throughout the day at the project site, but please note that whilst alcohol is not prohibited, it is not provided. 

Please note that the project is able to cater for vegans, vegetarians, and those with allergies but please let us know before you travel so that we can inform the project team and they can get the appropriate foodstuffs in. 

Internet Access

Good access at the project site

What's NOT included?

What's NOT included?

Airport Pickup at Juan Santamaria International Airport

An airport pickup isn't included within the program fees either.

Flight Tickets

The nearest airport is Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) in San Jose. We assist you to find cheap flights to Costa Rica. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

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. GET A QUOTE

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. VACCINE CHECKER

Details on arrival

Volunteers will be accepted at roughly any time, but please try to be considerate with your arrival times (10am til 8pm would be the ideal timeframe.) In addition to this, be aware that buses and taxis may not always be available, operating on somewhat of a schedule. For further information, please contact our travel team.

The project takes on volunteers every day throughout the year, including Christmas, New Year and Bank Holidays. The doors will always be open provided volunteers are happy to get involved, so get in touch today!

Availability
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Program fees

2 weeks 1 day (min. stay) 1,162€
3 weeks 1 day 1,716€
4 weeks 1 day (max. stay) 2,146€
Average fees 530€/week

Program fees

530€ per week 2 - 4 weeks Age 18 - 50+

Payment methods

Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

NO CREDIT CARD FEES


Duration

2 - 4 weeks

Deposit

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

Your final payment will be agreed with The Great Projects during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


Meet your organization

The Great Projects

Perfect 4.6 rating (184 reviews)

Agency - founded in 2003

Verified by Volunteer World

  Very high response rate

Coordinated by

Lauren

Spoken languages: English

About the project

The Great Projects work with organisations worldwide to establish high standards in animal welfare and conservation within the responsible tourism sector.

Meet your organization

Looking to volunteer abroad with animals? Here at The Great Projects we believe that there is a better way to holiday. Our award-winning wildlife volunteering abroad with animals projects and signature tours are not only designed to provide truly unique and life-changing experiences for volunteering worldwide, but our donation and conservation pledges ensure that your travel will have a lasting and sustainable impact on some of the planet's most incredible and endangered species and the local communities which live alongside them.

It all began with The Great Orangutan Project in Malaysian Borneo and after a number of years working with local authorities, passionate project facilitators, and hard-working volunteers to create a sustainable, progressive, and effective project - The Great Projects decided to use the experiences and knowledge we had gained to expand our expertise to other projects in Asia, Africa, South America and Europe!

Now with over 35 projects, you can be confident in the fact that you’ll be able to volunteer with some of the world's most incredible wildlife species in completely breath-taking environments. From orangutans in the Bornean rainforest to whale sharks in the Indian Ocean; you’re sure to find something suited to your interests. What’s more, The Great Projects make sure that with us, volunteers are completely immersed into the heart of the matter, at site, delivering an experience like no other as you become familiar with the life of an animal keeper, game ranger, or wildlife conservationist.

Plus, every time someone volunteers with The Great Projects  in addition to their fee which covers accommodation, food, and transfers, we donate up to £350 to the project visited to help the project itself. Therefore, our ecotours and projects are not only designed to be an experience that you will remember for the rest of your life, but you will also join a project knowing that your travel truly does help to save endangered animals and the local communities with which they live alongside.

Here at The Great Projects, we believe that we should practice what we preach. We send volunteers to worldwide destinations on a range of truly unique and thoroughly worthwhile projects that make a real, sustainable difference to their causes. What’s more, The Great Projects provide them with dedicated UK-based staff that ensure volunteers have informative and friendly help throughout all stages of their experience, from initial enquiry to their return.

Through this, we can show volunteers that there is a better way to holiday. Our award-winning wildlife volunteering abroad with animals projects and signature tours are not only designed to provide truly unique and life-changing experiences for volunteering worldwide, but our donation and conservation pledges ensure that your travel will have a lasting and sustainable impact on some of the planet's most incredible and endangered species and the local communities which live alongside them.


Further, The Great Projects does not only aim to provide travel destinations that hold responsibility for animal welfare, but also to the environmental, economic and social impact of our conservation projects as a whole.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

Here at The Great Projects, we are completely dedicated to providing our volunteers with the utmost protection with regards to health and safety.

Adventurous travel always involves some degree of risk. Our priority is to keep you safe and protect you as much as possible whilst still giving you an authentic experience of life in your chosen destination.

We conduct extensive risk assessments to make sure we have identified potential hazards and done everything we can to reduce them and we make sure you have the information you need about the destination you are visiting and how to stay safe and healthy while you are out there. We also are partnered with Endsleigh Insurance who are able to offer volunteers comprehensive insurance for all of our projects.

184 reviews · rating4.6

Petra Noordanus rating5

2024 at Wildlife Sanctuary Supporter

My experience with The Great Project is very good! I had a great time at Naankusé Wildlife Sanctuary. Everything was well organized and when we had changes to our arrival time at the last minute, this was arranged immediately. I recommend The Great ...
Elisabeth Kroes rating1

2023 at Wildlife Sanctuary Supporter

What a money they make in this volunteer-factory. Paid for 3 weeks, left in 2 days! Poor management, throw you in the deep and lets see if you can swim.... no decent info/instructions but promotion about paying for other ...
Chiara Tiberti rating4.8

2023 at Wildlife Sanctuary Supporter

Staying in Naankuse and Timbila was a wonderful experience. An opportunity to live Namibia's culture and its wildlife in a different and precious way. We loved it! The Great Project supported us perfectly in organizing the trip; really an excellent experience. ..
Louise Tessier rating4.2

2023 at Wildlife Sanctuary Supporter

I wanted to go to Naankuse for a long time and the experience was good. There are many volonteers at the farm (close to 70) and it can take a little while to feel comfortable. The activities are interesting and the staff that accompagnies us are very friendly and it’s clear that they care about ...
SHAYNE PORTER rating3.8

2023 at Turtle Conservation Experience

TURTLE PRGRAMME. Was a great experince and was good to contribute in a meaningful way. The assistance required is ongoing and team make a great differance to the turtle ...
Ann Van Hove rating4.2

2023 at Wildlife Sanctuary Supporter

Naankuse is a lovely home for the animals. They do their very best to care for the animals and release them in the wild when possible. If it's not possible they provide a loving home for life. I found it a great experience as a first time volunteer on my own. Yes, it's hard work and you have a ...

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