Volunteer in Costa Rica at Wildlife & Animal Rescue Center

Costa Rica is home to a rich variety of plants and animals. Even though the country has only about 0.25% of the world’s landmass it contains 5% of the world’s biodiversity. Both tropical plant and animal species abound in Costa Rica. The country is home to more than 200 species of mammals and more than 800 species of birds. 

Volunteers joining this program will be working at an animal rescue center, a temporary or permanent home for the ill, injured, and orphaned animals. A perfect program for wildlife enthusiasts, this month-long volunteering project will enhance your ability to be interactive with the animals while working closely with an experienced team. With a focus on monkeys, sloths, other mammals, birds, and reptiles; the center provides veterinary services, round-the-clock care, and comfort to animals that would otherwise be unable to survive in the rainforest of the Caribbean.

This animal rescue center covers an area of 49 hectares of primary forest; this untouched property is the ideal place to locally release many of the animals as it gives them the best chance of a clean and naturally safe environment with little chance of interaction with humans in the future.

The project is located 4km away from Puerto Viejo and 220km from San Jose, Costa Rica’s capital. By shuttle/bus it takes around 4 hours from San Jose to reach Puerto Viejo and from here around 10 minutes to head to the project.

Background of the Program

Founded in 2004 by a passionate European couple deeply moved by the lack of care for the wild animals in Costa Rica, the Animal Rescue Center in Puerto Viejo was established to make a meaningful change. After multiple visits to the country, they decided to create a sanctuary for the many animals in need. The center quickly became a refuge for reptiles, mammals, and even a baby jaguar, highlighting the urgent need for their rescue efforts.

To support their mission, the founders purchased a significant portion of private primary rainforest. This land provides a safe haven where animals can be gently reintroduced into their natural habitat. Unlike many similar organizations, the Jaguar Rescue Center operates independently of government funding and relies heavily on volunteers for both financial support and operational assistance.

Volunteers at the center are essential to the care of a diverse range of wildlife, including monkeys, wild cats, sloths, raccoons, anteaters, and marsupials. Daily tasks include preparing diets, cleaning enclosures, monitoring animal health, and assisting with their gradual release back into the wild. Each day is filled with new surprises and challenges, making the volunteer experience dynamic and profoundly impactful.

Want to see other ways to make an impact? Check out our Volunteer in South America programs.

Volunteer Roles & Responsibilities

Volunteer tasks can vary on a daily basis and volunteers need to be flexible and open-minded. Volunteers should also be proactive and bring in new initiatives and ideas to the project.

Here’s a peek at the exciting activities awaiting you:

• Hands-On Maintenance: Help keep the facilities in great shape, ensuring a safe and cozy environment for the animal residents.

• Pathway Patrol: Tidy up pathways and areas around animal enclosures to keep everything neat and organized.

• Diet Prep and Daily Care: Assist with preparing diets and daily care routines alongside the dedicated animal keepers, gaining hands-on experience in animal husbandry.

• Visitor Guide: Share your passion for wildlife by guiding visitors through the sanctuary and sharing amazing stories about our animal residents.

• Training Sessions: Join in training to learn more about animal behaviors and care techniques, enhancing your knowledge and skills.

• Compassionate Care: Provide loving care to our animals through feeding, monitoring, and engaging with them, helping create a nurturing environment where they can thrive.

Make a direct impact on the lives of our animals and contribute to their health, happiness, and overall quality of life!

Requirements & eligibility

Volunteers must be 18 years or older at the time of joining the project, and must be ready to commit at least 4 weeks for this program. You need to have an open mind and a flexible attitude for working in a new and different environment. The volunteer should bring energy and enthusiasm to make a difference. Participants must be fit and healthy at the time of joining the program and should be prepared to work outdoors and get their hands dirty. Participants in the program should have a keen interest and love for animal conservation work. Participants should have no criminal convictions and should provide a clean criminal background check report. Tuberculosis test is mandatory for joining this program.