Wildlife Conservation Volunteering

The country 

Costa Rica, a piece of tropical paradise in Central America, is known for its sun-kissed beaches with waves perfect for surfing, stunning sunsets, misty crater lakes, exciting paths and hiking trails, breath-taking waterfalls and white-water rapids. Costa Rica’s culture bears heavy influences by its Spanish colonizers but parts of it have other strong influences as well, such as Jamaican and Mayan. A small, yet enchantingly varied country, Costa Rica and its inhabitants invite all visitors to embrace its unofficial motto - ‘pura vida’ (“pure life”) and to enjoy numerous adventures and diverse nature. ‘Pura vida’ can be used as a greeting or a farewell, just to say “that’s great” or “all is good” and it expresses the positive outlook on life of the local inhabitants, also known as “ticos”.

With no real summer or winter, and a rainy season between May and November, you can enjoy temperatures between 21°C and 27°C all year round. In the central valley, temperatures are slightly lower than in the coastal areas. The Pacific Coast, especially its northern part (known as the Gold Coast), is hot and dry throughout the year while the Caribbean coast is hot and moist with rainfalls during most of the year. The highlands around Monteverde are filled with mist most of the year due to the high altitude and the lowlands have a nice warm climate. The Central Valley, which includes San José, is believed to have the best climate in the country.

The region

This project takes place in Esparza, a medium-sized agricultural town nestled in the mountains above Rio Barranca, in the Central Pacific Coast area. First inhabited by the Huetar and the Chorotega who fled from Mexico 1,500 years ago, Esparza was founded by the Spanish in 1577 which makes it the second oldest town in the country. Esparza is the second largest canton in the province of Puntarenas and has a rich history including legends of hidden pirate gold. The town is relaxed and off the tourist trail but close to beaches for surfing and relaxing, Carara national park and Puntarenas’ marine park and newly renovated marina.

The project 

Costa Rica is known for being one of the most bio-diverse areas on the planet. Almost everywhere you look you see amazing wild animals living around you. As such it is one of the best places to get exposed to, and learn to care for exotic species, and ensure their survival in our fast changing world.

The care of animals and the environment that this project carries out requires people with a high degree of commitment and cooperation. There are numerous diverse functions that you can perform to help animals, so you are not required to have specific knowledge about animals. All activities will always be carried out under the supervision of the organization’s staff. Volunteers will have very limited physical interaction with the animals.

You will be working with local staff as they care for animals in the animal sanctuary. These are either former pets which were illegally kept, or injured animals, taken to the sanctuary by the government. The intention is to release them to the wild.

You don’t need specialist knowledge, as there are many ways to help, but please be willing to learn about the appropriate management of wildlife – they are to be treated as wild animals, not as pets or curiosities!

You will feed a variety of animals, including jaguars, monkeys, many birds, tapirs, sloths etc, as well as being able to participate in the rescue and rehabilitation process. There is also maintenance of enclosures and the general environment. All work is carried out under the direction and supervision of professional staff in order to ensure your safety and the welfare of the animals.

Since most animals are passing through the project, we cannot guarantee you will work with any specific species, however you will get to know many incredible species in this incredibly bio-diverse country.

6:00am – Feeding of animals
8:00am – Breakfast
8:15am – Daily tasks – ecological restoration, cleaning and maintaining
enclosure, assisting with tours, preparing food and feeding animals etc.
10:30am – Juice break
10:45am – Daily tasks
12:00pm – Lunch, rest time
1:00pm – Feeding animals
3pm – Free time. There is wifi, and you are surrounded by nature.
5:00pm – Evening Meal