Wildlife Rehabilitation Supporter

The Project

This project takes place at a wildlife sanctuary, which is privately owned. The sanctuary rehabilitates and studies Costa Rican wildlife. They receive animals from the government that are in danger due to illness, injury, or an unsafe environment. Animals that come to the center receive medical attention and care, and the majority of them are returned back to the wild. Those who are not able to survive in the wild stay at the center and help educate people on wildlife and nature. The center receives visitors who are shown around the site. The center is not funded by the government, but relies solely on donations, sponsorships, volunteers, and visitors. 

The rescue center prides itself in giving animals the care they deserve while also making sure most of them are able to be released back into the wild. 

Your Tasks  

On a day-to-day basis, volunteers are expected to feed the animals and clean their cages. There are also times when you will have to fix and construct cages. Volunteers are encouraged to spend time daily observing the animals and observe their behavior.

As a volunteer, you should have a passion to work with and understand the animals, as you will be responsible for their wellbeing and care. You will also help with the rehabilitation of animals by helping decide when they are ready to be returned to the wild and studying where the safest place to release them is.

Volunteers are asked to be very creative when designing and creating toys for animals, such as monkeys who love to play with them. The toys allow them to have fun and get over any trauma they have experienced in the past.

If you have any previous experience, for example in veterinary work, your help would be greatly appreciated by the team at the center. This project is very rewarding, as you will be able to see how the work you have done is helping the animals.

Working in nature means that there are many outdoor activities to choose from, such as hiking, animal and bird watching, swimming and various other excursions in the area. You can even make trips to the coast and the capital of Costa Rica.