Take Care of Animals in Danger of Extinction
Coordinator | Marion
Coordinator | Marion
Book with Flex Option!
Choose new departure dates or change to a different volunteer program at no extra costs.
Highlights
Get close to exotic wildlife
Help to protect animals in danger of extinction
Explore a country that is famous for its rich biodiversity and dream beaches
Boost your CV with international volunteer experience
Enjoy a country with year round pleasant climate
Help support parrot conservation efforts in the rainforest in Costa Rica. Amazing animals are in danger of extinction - help to protect them!
This volunteer program is especially suitable for:
Age 18+
Singles
Couples
50+
If you have always
wanted to work with exotic animals in breathtaking nature, this wildlife
conservation project in Costa Rica offers you the opportunity to turn your
dream into action. Get involved in animal welfare and help protect endangered species, like the beautiful macaws, jaguars, white-tailed deer, tapirs, sloths and turltes, among other species. The main causes of the acute threats are the
continued destruction of their habitat (for example, slash-and-burn,
colonization) and, on the other hand, illegal pet trade. Unfortunately,
parrots and other exotic animals are still very popular pets today, making poaching a
lucrative business. In addition to these main reasons, there are a number
of other reasons such as the hunting and persecution as crop pests, the entry
of other species into the habitat, the endangerment of breeding grounds and
nesting trees.
This Wildlife Sanctuary in Costa Rica was founded back in 1994 with the aim of protecting wild parrots. Most of these animals were hunted by people, persecuted and expelled from their environment. Today, in addition to the parrots, there are also jaguars, sloths, monkeys, turtles or ocelots, etc. that live in the nature reserve of the center. The center works hand in hand with the National Nature Conservation Agency (SINAC), national fire protection and national volunteers, who feel strongly attached to nature and animal welfare. There are 550 animals of different species at the center (number is subject to changes).
The center takes care of the recovery of injured animals and their rehabilitation. In the best case, animals can be reintroduced, but unfortunately this is often not possible because they would immediately be victims of humans or other species again. Many of the animals live forever in the center where they can at least live in safety, if not in freedom. The Wildlife Sanctuary also performs important tasks in environmental education. It is open to visitors and they are informed in detail about the Costa Rican wildlife and their dangers of modern civilization.
This Wildlife Sanctuary in Costa Rica was founded back in 1994 with the aim of protecting wild parrots. Most of these animals were hunted by people, persecuted and expelled from their environment. Today, in addition to the parrots, there are also jaguars, sloths, monkeys, turtles or ocelots, etc. that live in the nature reserve of the center. The center works hand in hand with the National Nature Conservation Agency (SINAC), national fire protection and national volunteers, who feel strongly attached to nature and animal welfare. There are 550 animals of different species at the center (number is subject to changes).
The center takes care of the recovery of injured animals and their rehabilitation. In the best case, animals can be reintroduced, but unfortunately this is often not possible because they would immediately be victims of humans or other species again. Many of the animals live forever in the center where they can at least live in safety, if not in freedom. The Wildlife Sanctuary also performs important tasks in environmental education. It is open to visitors and they are informed in detail about the Costa Rican wildlife and their dangers of modern civilization.
Typical day
One of the key objectives of the center is the
well-being of the wildlife. Together with volunteers, the local staff strives to
improve the living conditions of the animals. To achieve this goal, the help of
the volunteers is necessary, because the few permanent employees are not enough
for that much work. Most of the time, the volunteers help to prepare the food
for the animals, clean up the cages enclosures, and also maintain the paths
through the center. This wildlife sanctuary in Costa Rica is like a green oasis and has
several acres of reforested rainforest. Since then, the area has served as a
sanctuary for many other species, also including mammals like ocelots, monkeys,
sloths as well as reptiles.
Volunteers also work at the visitor’s center and guide visitors through the
facility. This is a very important task to raise awareness regarding environment
and species protection.
Volunteers are also
engouraged to help with repair and construction work to maintain and improve
the center’s facilities.
Note:
The different work areas are divided according to current need and weather
conditions.
For all volunteers, a compulsory introductory tour will take place at the
beginning of the volunteer work in order to provide the newcomers with
important information on rules of conduct for their own safety and those of the
animals.
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.
Free-time activities
Weekends are the perfect time to enjoy an exciting
hike through Costa Rican nature since the main attractions of Costa Rica is its
system of national parks and protected areas, which cover around 25% of the
national territory, in order to protect the rich variety of flora and fauna,
which is estimated to contain 5% of the world's biodiversity in less than 0.1%
of the planet's land mass. In addition, Costa Rica has countless amazing
beaches on both the Pacific and the Caribbean Ocean.
Costa Rica is the perfect place to combine volunteer work with tourism, enjoy
activities like:
- Adventure sport
- Dream beaches
- Ecotourism
- Local culture
- Bird / wildlife watching
- Visits to unique National Parks
- Rural tourism
- Sightseeing and history in San José
Water Sports
Swimming
Sightseeing
Diving/
Snorkling
Snorkling
Shopping/
Souvenirs
Souvenirs
Climbing
Hiking
Sports
Riding
Yoga/
Meditation
Meditation
Requirements
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.
You need to speak English (intermediate level)
at High School level
CV and Volunteer Questionnaire
No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.
Your helping hand will be required on
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday
What's Included
- Accommodation in volunteer house
- Full-board (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Airport pick-up San José and transfer to your overnight homestay in San José (2 nights in San José)
- Transfer from your homestay in San José to the bus station to start your journey to the volunteer site
- Consultation from our experienced staff
- Translation of application profile
- Volunteer work placement
- Advice regarding travel insurance
- Advice on local travels
- Orientation session upon arrival
- Orientation kit
- Country handbook
- Local support
- 24/7 Emergency Number
- Certificate of Participation
You will be picked up at the airport in San José and brought to your homestay (single room) where you will stay overnight. The next day, after an orienation session, our local staff will bring you to the bus station where you will start your journey to the volunteer project site (costs for bus ticket not included).
Note: If you arrive on a friday or saturday in San José you will stay at the homestay in San José until monday.
Volunteers live together in the volunteer house in dormitories. Bathrooms, a kitchen and common areas are available as well. Meals are included.
Full-board (breakfast, lunch, dinner) is included.
Good access at the project site
Visa, flights, travel insurance or vaccinations are NOT included in the program fees.
The nearest airport is Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) in San Jose. We assist you to find cheap flights to Costa Rica.
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.
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
The volunteer work can be joined throughout the year. The start and end date can be set flexible, according to your availability and travel plans. Ask our experienced staff to coordinate your participation in this meaningfull volunteer project.
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
2 - 24 weeks
Program fees
2 weeks
(min. stay)
$995
3 weeks
$1,260
4 weeks
$1,525
5 weeks
$1,790
6 weeks
$2,055
7 weeks
$2,320
8 weeks
$2,585
24 weeks
(max. stay)
$6,825
Average fees
$391
/week
Please note that the above shown program fees are estimated.
South America Inside
will let you know about the final price during your application process.
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.
Your final payment will be agreed with South America Inside during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.
Why book with Volunteer World
Volunteer World is the world's leading comparison platform for international volunteer opportunities. We guide you through a safe and easy
application process
- including all necessary payments. Planning your next meaningful trip with Volunteer World gives you free access to our:
Quality Assurance
High ethical standards & transparent social impact
Flex Option
Change your reservation at no extra costs
Refund Guarantee
We refund your fees if South America Inside cancels your trip
Support & Mediation
We cover your back no matter what happens
Our services are free of charge!
All program fees are charged directly by South America Inside.
What are people saying about Volunteer World?
Take Care of Animals in Danger of Extinction
Help support parrot conservation efforts in the rainforest in Costa Rica. Amazing animals are in danger of extinction - help to protect them!
$391/week
You might be also interested in
Escazu, Costa Rica
As part of our local animal shelter, you'll be responsible for a variety of activities such as feeding, maintenance and engaging with animals!
Tenerife, Spain
Contribute to critical whale & dolphin conservation initiatives in the beautiful subtropical island archipelago - Canary Islands.
Napoli, Italy
Help the refugee and migrant community to gain a foothold in Europe by supporting shelters, schools, health care and activities tailored to their long-term integration.
Antigua, Guatemala
In this wonderful project you work very close with the local as the farm operates as a community center where especially women and children can learn and persoanlly grow.
Quito, Ecuador
Be a volunteer at a women's shelter in Quito. Help women and their children who have suffered domestic violence. Learn about local culture while empowering these women.
404 Not Found
Why am I seeing this?
You requested a page that doesn't exist on this site any more. This could be caused by a link you followed that was out of date, by a typing in the wrong address in the address bar, or simply because the post has been deleted.