Quick Facts
Program code
CR-WN100
Category
Volunteer Work, Animal Welfare
Country
Costa Rica
Location
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
Program start
year round. Arrival to the Volunteer House is always on Sundays. New Volunteers start their work on Mondays with the introduction meeting at the rescue center.
Minimum duration
4 weeks
Minimum age
18 years
Contact us
Happy to help you
(+1) 954 762 7607
(+56) 9 7516 9816
(+49) 7735 425 339
skype: chileinside
8 am - 4 pm EST
Project details
This wildlife sanctuary is run by a non-profit organization based in Costa Rica, that focuses on rescuing and rehabilitating local wildlife. The rescue center is also dedicated to finding long-term solutions to the problems our planet earth is facing: They complement the rescue and release programs with environmental education and conservation, amplifying the efforts through community work.
The animal rescue center is located on the beautiful Caribbean side of Costa Rica close to the beach resort Puerto Viejo de Talamanca. The Rescue Center provides a temporary or permanent shelter for ill, injured and orphaned animals that are unable to survive in the wild. Many monkeys and sloths find a safe home here, but also other mammals, birds and reptiles. Since its foundation more than 12 years ago, the center has cared for many thousands of animals. It looks back on many years of experience and has a professional staff in all areas of rehabilitation. The rescue center is the only center located in this area of Costa Rica and receives more than 800 animals per year.
The animal rescue center provides veterinary attention, round-the-clock care and comfort to these animals. The primary goal is to rehabilitate animals and reintroduce them back into their native habitats. The rescue center has its own natural reserve, a protected area, that serves this purpose.
However, it is not always possible to release animals back into the wild, for health or behavioral reasons. Those animals find their new home at the rescue center where they can live safe and well cared for, although in captivity.
The center is home to approximately 100 animals that cannot be released (number subject to change at any time). These animals have an important role since thanks to them, people can be made aware through environmental education of the problems that wild animals are experiencing in the Southern Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica. Sloths, monkeys, ocelots, reptiles, among many others, live in more than 20 facilities that have been prepared and conditioned for each animal species with a high quality of life.
The center is open for day visitors who want to learn about Costa Rican flora and fauna. Visitors come from all over the world to gain an understanding about the reasons why the animals enter the rescue center and the reasons why the animals at the sanctuary, unfortunately, have become permanent residents. The entrance fee of the visitors is an important source of income for the center to be able to continue the wonderful work in animal welfare and conservation.
Tasks
At the Animal Rescue Center, volunteers from all over the world participate in the daily work of cleaning and maintaining the facilities, as well as caring for and feeding the animals. Volunteers learn a lot about the care and respect for Costa Rican’s wildlife.
The permanent care of the temporary and permanent animal residents would not be possible without the wonderful help of dedicated volunteers. Animal lovers from around the world are invited to volunteer at this animal rescue center for a truly life changing experience. The age doesn’t matter nor the origin, all volunteers with the deep desire to get involved in animal welfare are welcome to join this volunteer project.
No special skills or professional backgrounds are required, but always keep in mind that volunteering comes with a great responsibility. The center takes care of the animals very seriously. A lack of attention can have serious consequences. Animal care and attention is the primary responsibility and focus. Their little lives are in your hands.
The work of the volunteers includes but is not limited to:
- Preparing feed for the animals
- Feeding the animals
- Cleaning and maintaining the enclosure of the animals
- Building and remodeling enclosures
- Checking the fences of the animal park so that the animals cannot escape
- Repair and construction of fences and cages in the care center and animal park
The training for new volunteers is every Monday morning. You will be introduced to the other volunteers, get a tour and all the information you need to start your volunteer experience.
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.
Accommodation
Volunteers live the close-by volunteer house in shared dormitories and shared bathrooms. The house overlooks beautiful gardens and the lush jungle. The rooms are bright and cosy with nature view.
A fully equipped kitchen is available where volunteers can store their food and prepare their meals. Usually, mealtimes are a great moment for the volunteers to cook and spend time together.
The volunteer house is located next to the animal rescue center within a short distance to one of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean. Restaurants and supermarkets are also nearby for grocery shopping or in case you would like to eat out.
Wifi Internet is available.
Note: In Latin America, especially in remote areas where many of our volunteer projects take place, the cellular or internet connection is not always reliable and fast.
Location
The animal rescue center has a truly privileged location on the coast of the Caribbean Sea, close to the beach town Puerto Viejo de Talamanca surrounded by spectacular beaches and lush green rainforests full of exotic flora and fauna. This is a haven for those looking for fun and relaxation. It is a paradise for beach and surf lovers thanks to crystal clear waters and great waves for beginners and experts. In addition to surfing and sunbathing, this area offers activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, bodyboarding, mountain biking, kayaking, horseback riding, canopy tour, cultural tours to indigenous communities, and visits to National Parks and Nature Reserve.
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is a lively beach town that still maintains an authentic feel. Before it became a tourist attraction, it was a small fishing village. Today, you will find many restaurants, bars, nightclubs and shops selling local crafts and products.
It is located 55 kilometers southeast of Puerto Limón and about 16 kilometers south of Cahuita. San José, the country’s capital, is about a 4-hour drive away.
Language skills
In our Wildlife & Nature projects, our volunteers get along well with English language skills.
For optimal program preparation and cultural integration in the destination country, we recommend participating in a Spanish course in Costa Rica (optional).
You can book your Spanish course in Costa Rica directly with us!
Requirements
- Tuberculosis test certificate within 3 months before your program start date or certificate of being vaccinated against TB. This is to protect the primates, who are very susceptible to tuberculosis.
- English. Basic Spanish skills (book your Spanish course in Costa Rica with us!)
- Minimum age 18 years
- Registration at least 4 weeks before the desired start of the program. Read more about our application process.
- Completion of a foreign travel health insurance (get your travel insurance here)
Pre-departure and in-country support
Before arrival, our experienced team will be at your disposal to assist you throughout the booking process and travel planning. With the booking confirmation you will receive our 24-hour emergency number, so that you can reach us in case of emergency.
In addition to the assistance given by our office staff you will be supported by the on-site volunteer coordinator on-site.
Costs & Services
Our Volunteer Work at the Wildlife Rescue Center in Costa Rica includes:
- Shared room in Volunteer House
- Advice from our experienced staff
- On-going support via WhatsApp, phone or mail
- Elaboration of your application profile in Spanish
- Your placement in the volunteer project
- Pre-departure information
- Packing list
- Country handbook
- Intercultural guide
- On-site volunteer coordinator
- 24/7 emergency number
- Advice on travel insurance
- Certificate of participation
Costs
Application fee: US$ 150
Program fee: US$ 1,340 (minimum stay 4 weeks)
Each additional week: US$ 185
Additionally, you can book:
Our tips (experience more + see more = save $$)
Is it difficult for you to decide between the many great projects? You want to see and experience as much as possible during your stay in Latin America? Then build your own itinerary - experience more & see more! Our program combination makes it possible!
All our stay abroad programs can be combined with each other: So, you can combine different volunteer projects in the same country or in different countries, or you mix Working Holiday with volunteer work or Farm Stay with Working Holiday ...and so on …
If you need assistance in putting together your personal experience abroad, then please contact us. Our experienced staff will help you to set up your tailor-made stay abroad.
Your creativity knows no limits. The longer your stay abroad in Latin America, the greater the discount you get from South America Inside. Below you can see how much you can save:
Discounts and program combination
If you need assistance in putting together your personal experience abroad, then please contact us. Our experienced staff will help you to set up your tailor-made stay abroad.
Volunteer Guide
Browse through our section Reading Matter!