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Very Good 4.39rating (144)

Animal Wildlife Rescue

location
1 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 16 - 50+
Verified

Complete your reservation as soon as possible. This project fills up quickly and is already booked on certain dates.


Highlights

  • Protect endangered wildlife, including sloths, monkeys, ocelots, kinkajous, coati, deer, macaws, and exotic birds.
  • Collaborate with skilled veterinarians to rehabilitate Costa Rican animals and release them back into their natural habitats.
  • Explore the captivating landscapes of Costa Rica, from vibrant culture to breathtaking beaches and lush rainforests.

Highlights

  • Protect endangered wildlife, including sloths, monkeys, ocelots, kinkajous, coati, deer, macaws, and exotic birds.
  • Collaborate with skilled veterinarians to rehabilitate Costa Rican animals and release them back into their natural habitats.
  • Explore the captivating landscapes of Costa Rica, from vibrant culture to breathtaking beaches and lush rainforests.
  • Connect with passionate individuals worldwide, dedicated to animal welfare and making a real difference.


  • Especially good for

    Age 16+
    Singles
    Couples
    Families
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    Join us in the crucial mission of rescuing, rehabilitating, and, whenever possible, releasing injured and displaced wildlife. Your support is vital for our shared goal!

    Are you ready to become a wildlife volunteer abroad? We hope so!

    What we are looking for

    We need motivated and passionate volunteers to join us here at Rescue Center Costa Rica to take care of our injured and displaced animals. We have monkeys, sloths, kinkajous, coat, exotic birds and much more. ..

    About the program

    Are you ready to become a wildlife volunteer abroad? We hope so!

    What we are looking for

    We need motivated and passionate volunteers to join us here at Rescue Center Costa Rica to take care of our injured and displaced animals. We have monkeys, sloths, kinkajous, coat, exotic birds and much more. However, in order for us to continue our mission of rescue, rehabilitation and when possible release we need the kindness and generosity from people like you who want to make a difference.

    What you can expect

    The volunteer program we run is rewarding, memorable, and a whole lot of fun. In addition to working with our animals you also get to enjoy great food (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-friendly), meet new friends from around the world, travel our beautiful country, and create lasting memories. Most importantly, we work out of a safe and secure location and provide private transportation during our excursions.

    Once you arrive you will be given your bed, and a quick tour of the facility. The first morning you wake-up you will enjoy a delicious breakfast before being given an explanation on your first day of work during the enduction tour at 11am. At mid-day we serve lunch and afterward, you have some downtime to enjoy the pool, swing in a hammock, and meet the other volunteers. Afternoon work is followed by dinner and volunteer activities planned by the coordinators which include but are not limited to games, bonfires, dancing lessons, Karaoke nights etc.

    Your tasks

    Day work is the most important part when you sign-up to be a wildlife volunteer. Workgroups include food prep and feeding, animal enclosure cleaning, animal toy enrichment, and working with the vet team. At every step of the process, we have skilled and endearing coordinators who manage each group and will teach what to do and how to do it. They plan the following day's work each night so if you prefer to be in a certain group with a certain task feel free to communicate that and we will accommodate.

    Packing List

    • Closed-toe shoes or hiking boots for muddy days.
    • Sneakers, flip flops/sandals for free days and relaxing.
    • Shorts and t-shirts for warm days.
    • Long pants and long sleeved lightweight shirts.
    • Flashlight/batteries.
    • Raincoat.
    • Large Zip Lock bags to keep items dry.
    • Reusable water bottle.
    • Towels and toileteries including toothbrush, toothpaste, soap and shampoo.
    • Insect repellent (DEET free repellent os recommended and safer for the animals).
    • Antibacterial spray/cream and bandaids for small scratches and cuts.
    • Sunscreen, hat and sunglasses for the beautiful Costa Rican days.
    Keep in mind pretty much all of the above items can be bought in our gift shops as well as at the local convenience stores/supermarkets. If you forget any of the above please don't worry, just let us know when you arrive and we will help make sure you get what you need immediately.


    Typical day

    • Breakfast is served from 8AM, fruits and coffee are provided at 6:30AM
    • Workgroups are assigned for the daily activities.
    • Animal food prep, enrichment, enclosure cleaning, and veterinarian activities of the morning begin at 6AM and 11:30AM.
    • Lunch is served from 12PM until 1PM.
    • The afternoon meeting ...

    Typical day

    • Breakfast is served from 8AM, fruits and coffee are provided at 6:30AM
    • Workgroups are assigned for the daily activities.
    • Animal food prep, enrichment, enclosure cleaning, and veterinarian activities of the morning begin at 6AM and 11:30AM.
    • Lunch is served from 12PM until 1PM.
    • The afternoon meeting begins at 1:30 between coordinators and their workgroup.
    • Animal food prep, enrichment, enclosure cleaning, and veterinarian activities of the morning begin at 2PM.
    • Dinner is served from 6PM to 7PM.
    • Night activities begin at 7PM including but not limited to movies, dancing (salsa and bachata), spanish class, and more...
    • Volunteers are asked to be in bed by 10PM.

    Check in 3PM  Check-out 11AM



    Free-time activities

    We believe that volunteers who work hard need to play hard as well! 
    • We have a swimming pool on our property surrounded by beach chairs for plenty of time to cool off or get that much-needed Vitamin D.
    • Relax in one of our hammocks and read a good book or just relax with new friends and have a great ...

    Free-time activities

    We believe that volunteers who work hard need to play hard as well! 
    • We have a swimming pool on our property surrounded by beach chairs for plenty of time to cool off or get that much-needed Vitamin D.
    • Relax in one of our hammocks and read a good book or just relax with new friends and have a great conversation.
    We also offer weekly adventure tours which are awesome. You can sign-up every week and travel with other volunteers to places around the country like: 
    • Jaco Beach
    • Manuel Antonio National Park
    • the Monteverde Cloud Forest
    • Arenal Volcano.
    In addition, we also provide turtle volunteer with our partner programs to the different beaches around Costa Rica. You will have fun, make better friendships, and experience and learn all the beautiful nature Costa Rica has to offer. 
    We provide private transportation for these tours at an additional cost to ensure both your safety and enjoyment. Also, we ensure you receive breakfast before leaving, lunch will be provided in some of the tours, dinner will be saved when you arrive home to Rescue Center.

    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 16 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 16 years old on the program start date.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (basic level)

    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, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 07:00 - 17:00

    What's Included

    What's Included

    Services by Rescue Center Costa Rica

    The pricing is all-inclusive for your entire stay. 

    • All meals are included which includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner. We cater to all diets including vegans, vegetarians, gluten-free, and all food allergies. Also we have amazing news for our amazing planet, our meals are 70% plant based!!  
    • The housing we provide is shared rooms but we also have private facilities, family houses, tiki huts, and tents. We believe sleep comfort is important for all of our volunteers. We appreciate and value your hard work so we work hard to make sure you are happy, safe, and comfortable.
    • The night activities we provide are FREE and we work hard to make them as fun and enjoyable as possible.

    The weekly adventure tours have an additional cost but they are not mandatory. We do our best to keep the prices reasonable and in line with expectations. Any money that is profited from these tours goes directly towards our mission which is feeding and caring for the animals. Your participation in these tours lets you enjoy yourself, experience the country, and donate to helping our furry friends.

    We have a supermarket and medical clinic within walking distance! If you need anything else we are always happy to help and accommodate when possible!

    Accommodation

    The housing we provide includes:

    • shared rooms 
    • private facilities
    • family houses
    • tiki huts
    • tents. 

    We believe sleep comfort is important for all of our volunteers. We appreciate and value your hard work so we work hard to make sure you are happy, safe, and comfortable.

    Food & Beverages

    All meals are included which includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 

    We cater to all diets including vegans, vegetarians, gluten-free, and all food allergiesAlso we have amazing news for our amazing planet, our meals are 70% plant based!!  

    Internet Access

    Limited 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

    We work 365 days a year, you can arrive any day of the week but we do have a schedule for arrivals. Our Rescue Center will have its gates open from 6am till 10pm if you arrive after or before this schedule you'll need to wait for the next day or the next opening. We can provide and arrange your transportation to and from the airport with our trusted drivers if you'll like to but it would have an extra cost. 


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

    Program fees

    1 week (min. stay) 345€
    2 weeks 690€
    3 weeks 986€
    4 weeks 1,281€
    5 weeks 1,577€
    6 weeks 1,873€
    7 weeks 2,169€
    8 weeks 2,464€
    9 weeks 2,760€
    10 weeks 2,957€
    11 weeks 3,154€
    12 weeks (max. stay) 3,450€
    Average fees 315€/week

    Program fees

    315€ per week 1 - 12 weeks Age 16 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    1 - 12 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 Rescue Center Costa Rica during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.

    4.4
    Travelers’ Choice
    One of the most loved volunteer experiences, according to travelers
    2025
    Our Venturer and Rover group from Canada was 59 people and the centre was so easy to work with! Organising so many people with different ...
    2025
    I volunteered for 7 days at the end of April, and I wish I was able to stay for longer. Rescue center Costa Rica genuinely cares about their ...
    Michelle Gauthier

    Animal Wildlife Rescue

    2025
    My experience at Rescue Center Costa Rica was the best retirement gift I could have given myself! As a volunteer, I benefited by having a ...
    Diane Meredith

    Animal Wildlife Rescue

    2025
    É stata un’esperienza indimenticabile sotto tutto i punti di vista. Le proprietarie e tutte le persone che lavorano nel centro sono ...
    Nicole Zanussi

    Animal Wildlife Rescue

    2025
    Ich war dem tierärztlichen Team zugeordnet. Und zwar im Baby Hospital. Das bedeutet im Vergleich zu den anderen Teams evtl. mehr ...
    Birgit Mangei

    Animal Wildlife Rescue

    2025
    I really enjoyed my week at the Animal Rescue Centre. The volunteers and staff were great. I had a blast on the tortuga island trip. The ...

    Location


    Meet your project coordinator

    Vanessa
    144
    reviews
    4.39
    Very Good
    2009
    Founded

    Verified by Volunteer World

      Very high response rate
    Spoken languages: Spanish, English
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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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