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Join one of the top wildlife rescue centers in Costa Rica, focused on the rehabilitation and release of injured and orphaned animals, including sloths, monkeys, and birds. Volunteers assist with shadowing and supporting on-site veterinarians in rehabilitation efforts, while also working with feeding, cleaning enclosures, and providing enrichment for over 100 animals on site.
Program Highlights:
Work alongside experienced veterinarians and contribute to animal care efforts.
Acquire practical skills in wildlife conservation and animal care.
Participate in preparing meals and providing care for over 100 animals.
As a GoEco volunteer, you’ll become part of the vet team on-site.
Take part in fun weekly activities, including yoga sessions, movie nights, excursions, and Spanish language lessons.
Connect with fellow volunteers from different parts of the globe.
Your schedule at a glance:
Arrival day, Sunday: Private airport pickup and transfer to the rescue center at any time. Settle in your new home and meet the volunteers.
Monday: Volunteer orientation
Monday – Sunday: meaningful volunteer work at the rescue center as part of the veterinary team.
Thursday: Volunteers are guaranteed one day off each week, usually on a Thursday. However, this may vary depending on the volunteer rotation schedule. Many volunteers use this time to unwind or participate in organized tours around Costa Rica, which can be arranged on-site.
Sunday: Departure and transfer to the airport or continue with the program. Note departure transfers on a schedule, a private drop off at any hour can be added for an additional fee.
Location of the Project: Guacima District in the Alajuela Canton, just a short drive from the Juan Santamaría International Airport.
Project length: Minimum 2 weeks – Maximum 12 weeks
Arrival Airport: Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO)
Volunteer Work: Wildlife care and conservation
Age: Min 18
Number of Volunteers: Up to 100 volunteers on site, a smaller team is dedicated to the pre-vet work.
Important Note: Arrival and departure days are on a Sunday.
What’s Included
Accommodations: Multiple volunteer housing options from 4 to 8 people per room with a shared bathroom.
Food: 3 delicious and healthy meals per day prepared by our private chefs (we also cater to vegetarians, vegans, gluten-free diets and all allergies).
Airport Transfers: We provide a private airport pickup on arrival at any hour, and a departure shared shuttle at the end of your stay at scheduled times.
Orientation: We provide a full orientation on the first Monday. Welcome package which includes a volunteer t-shirt, carry bag, beach towel, pillowcase, water bottle and a hat or coffee mug.
Support: Comprehensive and professional pre-departure travel guidance, 24/7 GoEco emergency hotline, experienced local field team.
What’s not Included
Flights, visas (if required), private airport drop off upon request can be added for an additional fee, travel health insurance, and personal expenses.
Costa Rica is one of the world’s most popular ecotourism destinations, because of its incredible biodiversity. Scientists estimate that Costa Rica may contain as much as 5% of the earth’s plant and animal species! Costa Rica translates to “rich coast” in Spanish for its diverse landscapes, which include rainforests, tropical and temperate forests, volcanoes, beaches, high mountains and marshy lowlands.
The Wildlife Rescue Center is in Alajuela on a 10 acre farm, just a short drive from the Juan Santamaría International Airport.
Costa Rica is a well-known destination for sustainable and nature tourism. Yet, its diverse wildlife is still under many threats. These include habitat loss because of development, electrocutions, dog and cat attacks, and illegal pet trading.
We work with one of the best wildlife organizations in Costa Rica. They dedicate themselves to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of local animals.
There is an on-site hospital staffed by dedicated vets/interns and comfortable living quarters, which can house up to 100+ volunteers. The animal enclosures include an aviary, sloth gardens, and monkey cages, all surrounded by nature. This provides the animals a place similar to their natural habitat as they recover from their wounds.
As a volunteer, you’ll join the Vet Team of volunteers on site, and you will help the local staff treat sick, injured and orphaned animals. Their primary goal is to release animals back to the wild when possible. Your volunteer tasks may include some of the following tasks:
Preparing food for the animals
Cleaning and upkeep of animal enclosures
Feeding the animals who are sick or babies who need more attention
Assisting or shadowing the on-site vets with treatments, cleanings, checkups
Participate in educational lessons throughout the placement from the vets
Learn how to calculate medicines for the sick and injured wildlife
Shadowing surgeries if they occur
Providing a caring environment for the animals and checking for injuries
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