Quick Facts
Program code
CR-WN114
Category
Volunteer Work, Animal Welfare
Country
Costa Rica
Location
Turrucares, Alajuela
Program start
year round, flexible start and end dates
Minimum duration
2 weeks
Minimum age
18 years
Contact us
Happy to help you
+49 151 41300782
+56 9 7516 9816
8 am - 4 pm EST
info@southamerica-inside.com
WhatsApp
+49 151 41300782
+56 9 7516 9816
Project details
The Costa Rica Animal Rescue Center is dedicated to rescuing and protecting native animals. The welfare of the animals and the preservation of the fantastic local fauna is the ultimate goal. Injured animals are taken in and revived in the animal rescue center. Here they are safe and able to recover from their trauma and wounds.
Animals that are ill, injured and orphaned for a variety of reasons, most of which are directly or indirectly caused by human activities, are treated here. If possible, the rehabilitated animals should be released back into their natural habitat, but this is a very risky undertaking and is only possible for a few animals.
The animal rescue center is run by a non-profit organization.
The animal rescue center has an infirmary where animals can be treated. The installations also include the areas for the exotic birds, sloths, monkeys and a large volunteer house for the volunteers who are a very valuable support for this project. The animal sanctuary is surrounded by beautiful evergreen nature to ensure the animals a place that resembles their natural habitat as closely as possible.
The Animal Rescue Center takes care of a variety of animals including monkeys, sloths, anteaters, possums, birds, and more - basically anything that needs help! (Note: Animal population is subject to change and cannot be guaranteed).
Tasks
As the name of the program suggests, the day-to-day work of the volunteers revolves mainly around caring for the animals. In addition to procuring food, preparing it and feeding the animals, this also includes cleaning, repairing and expanding the cages and enclosures. Volunteers also help maintain the on-site walkways leading to the cages and pens.
Volunteers work between 6 and 8 hours per day from Monday to Friday/Saturday. The weekends are usually free and you can travel or explore the beautiful surroundings. Excursions to the dream beaches of Costa Rica are also possible.
As a volunteer you should have a deep desire to work hard and understand the situation of the animals as you are responsible for the welfare and daily care of the animals. You will not only be involved in the daily care and cleaning work, but also in construction and maintenance work aimed at improving the living conditions of the animals. The sanctuary also reintroduces animals if they are willing to survive on their own in their natural habitat, although this is not always possible.
The animals, especially the monkeys, love to play. Volunteers always have fun designing and making toys for the animals. This helps the animals get over the traumatic experiences they've had in the past and reminds staff and volunteers how great it is that there is a rescue center for these wonderful animals.
The animal rescue station is also open to visitors; their entrance fees and donations are important sources of income for the center to be able to finance the work with the animals. From time to time, volunteers also help to look after the guests, educate them about the animals and their dangers and they ensure that everything is in order during a visit.
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
The volunteers at this animal rescue center in Costa Rica live together in dormitories in the simple but cozy volunteer house. The house is equipped with the essentials. There is a dining area where volunteers meet to eat. This area is also the meeting point where volunteers gather to talk, relax or make plans for their free time. Local cooks, who primarily prepare local meals (including vegetarian and vegan options), provide delicious food.
The volunteer house has electricity, drinking water, WIFI internet and a good working cell phone signal. The washing machine can be used at an additional cost.
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 volunteer project is located in the Alajuela region near Turrucares, in a beautiful natural setting. The area is characterized by small rivers, extensive meadows, hills and rich flora.
Turrucares is located pretty much right in the middle of Costa Rica not too far from the capital, San José. The Pacific coast with its dream beaches is also not far and is ideal for a weekend trip.
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
- 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 our partner organization in Costa Rica located in San José, as well as the on-site volunteer coordinator on-site.
Depending on the day of arrival in Costa Rica, the program includes one to two nights in San José in a single room with a host family (including breakfast).
Before you continue your journey to the project site, you will take part in an orientation talk with our staff in San José.
Costs & Services
Our Volunteer Work at the Wildlife Rescue Center in Costa Rica includes:
- Shared room in volunteer house
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Airport pick-up in San José with 1 or 2 overnight stays in San José (single room, breakfast & dinner)
- Transfer from San José accommodation to bus terminal for journey to project site *
- 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
- Welcome meeting in San José
- On-site volunteer coordinator
- 24/7 emergency number
- Advice on travel insurance
- Certificate of participation
*the bus ticket to the project site is not included.
Costs
Application fee: US$ 150
Program fee: US$ 995 (minimum stay 2 weeks)
Each additional week: US$ 340
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!