Wildlife Recovery Supporter

location
4 - 24 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+

rating  Perfect 4.6  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Very high response rate

Highlights

  • Learn more about the amazing wildlife of Costa Rica
  • Become more passionate about animal welfare and conservation work
  • Make unforgettable memories with your fellow volunteers during work and free time
  • Visit breathtaking national parks and get thrilled by the wonderful landscapes of Costa Rica
  • Elevate your resume with international volunteer experience that showcases your commitment to positive change and adaptability to different environments.


Especially good for

Age 18+
Singles
Couples
Groups
50+

About the program

Take part in an enriching and unique adventure in Costa Rica. Engage in animal preservation activities and explore the amazing nature of Costa Rica. Pura Vida!

Take part in an enriching and unique volunteer experience in Costa Rica. Engage in animal preservation activities and explore the amazing nature of Costa Rica. You will be volunteering at an Animal Rescue Center north of the capital city San José.

The goal is to rescue, heal, and preferably return ...

About the program

Take part in an enriching and unique volunteer experience in Costa Rica. Engage in animal preservation activities and explore the amazing nature of Costa Rica. You will be volunteering at an Animal Rescue Center north of the capital city San José.

The goal is to rescue, heal, and preferably return native Costa Rican animals to the wild. At the facility there are roughly 150 animals (this number can shift up and down). In an effort to improve the future for the local wildlife, the animal rescue center's philosophy incorporates a strategy that emphasizes education, research, and species protection (plants and animals). Increasing public knowledge of issues like nature and animal conservation is a crucial component. There are workshops and educational programs at the center, which is open to day visitors.

The rescue center works closely with the Costa Rican Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE). After being rescued, wild animals in need — whether from the illegal trade, sick, injured, or mistreated animals — arrive at the facility through a variety of channels, mostly through MINAE. At the center the animals receive medical attention and care. In addition to finding safety here, they receive medical attention, rehabilitation, and eventually are allowed to return to their native habitat. 

It is important to note that not all animals can be put back into the wild. Serious injuries that render an animal incapable of long-term independent and safe movement in the wild, such as climbing, flying, hunting, or food-gathering, are deemed unreleaseable. Furthermore, it is seen inappropriate to release animals that have become habituated to people as a result of human interaction (such as through pet ownership). These animals can find safety and a permanent home in the protected areas at the rescue facility.

About twenty-five people, including volunteers and regular staff, are involved in animal welfare. For more than 20 years, the interdisciplinary team has been passionately committed to this goal and has successfully given countless wild animals a second chance at life. The animal rescue center helps a wide variety of wild species, including weasels, porcupines, wild cats, kinkajous, parrots, otters, armadillos, raccoons, reptiles, and so on. It specializes in helping animals like toucans, sloths, and owls.

The animal rescue center is nestled within lush, tropical green forests. The surrounding area is a nature lover's and adventure seeker's heaven, with a stunning backdrop of mountains, rivers, and waterfalls. Life abounds in all its forms and hues here!

Typical day

The animal rescue center welcomes volunteers from all over the world who have a strong desire to get involved in animal conservation and who want to discover more about the native plants and animals of Costa Rica. You have the chance to participate in events that support animal welfare and animal ...

Typical day

The animal rescue center welcomes volunteers from all over the world who have a strong desire to get involved in animal conservation and who want to discover more about the native plants and animals of Costa Rica. You have the chance to participate in events that support animal welfare and animal protection.

Volunteers are essential to many vital operations, like supporting animal husbandry, organizing events for the educational program, and making improvements to animal enclosures. They also assist with daily tasks like feeding wildlife properly.

A group of skilled vets and animal keepers will collaborate with you. The assignments are engaging, thrilling, and unquestionably enriching. The division of volunteers is based on their expertise and strengths. 

Among the duties are:

Animal husbandry and care: The field of animal husbandry relies heavily on volunteers. This entails keeping an eye on the behavior of the animals and cleaning their enclosures to make sure they are secure and healthy. Among the daily chores is preparing and serving food that is suited to the individual requirements of the different animal species. Cleaning and disinfecting the animal cages, food and water bowls, and other locations where the animals are held is equally as important as chopping fruit or preparing fish or meat for the animals.

Assistance with educational initiatives: Supporting educational initiatives is one of the volunteers' other key responsibilities. This can involve creating educational materials, assisting with event coordination, or even taking part in outreach initiatives. A key component of the animal rescue center's purpose is educating the public about species conservation.

Projects related to upkeep and enrichment: It's important to routinely inspect, enhance, and fix animal cages. It's crucial for many animals to stay occupied in captivity rather than become bored. It's crucial to carry out enrichment activities like erecting climbing frames, offering playthings, arranging sleeping quarters, etc. Animals need to interact with items and toys in order to be mentally and physically stimulated. Their quality of life is enhanced by their inventiveness in creating and carrying out these activities.

It is not required of volunteers to have any particular knowledge or studies. A positive work attitude, a sense of teamwork and responsibility are what matter. Without a doubt, having compassion for animals and the desire to help them is the most essential prerequisite.

An average workday runs roughly from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Please be aware that depending on workload and volunteers, working hours may change. You have two days off every week, not always on the weekends.


Note: There may be variations in the tasks. The number of volunteers, the weather, the time of year, the project's present requirements, and your self-motivation are some of the variables that affect the work schedule. Maybe not every volunteer will take on all of these responsibilities.

Free-time activities

The animal rescue center is situated close to San Isidro northeast of the country's capital San José. Heredia, the nearest bigger town, is roughly twenty minutes distant. San José may be reached in about thirty minutes, and the international airport in about forty-five.

This region is distinguished ...

Free-time activities

The animal rescue center is situated close to San Isidro northeast of the country's capital San José. Heredia, the nearest bigger town, is roughly twenty minutes distant. San José may be reached in about thirty minutes, and the international airport in about forty-five.

This region is distinguished by beautiful scenery and an abundance of flora while being close to the metropolis. Tropical vegetation, an intriguing history, and a balanced blend of metropolitan flare and rural idyll make this region ideal for a fun volunteer program. Situated at an elevation of roughly 1,400 meters, the animal rescue center is encircled by verdant hills and coffee plantations in the center of the so-called "Valle Central". 

The closest town's center is surrounded by vibrant flowerbeds, shaded trees, and a prominent area that attracts both young and elderly.

Volunteers can choose from a variety of recreational alternatives at this central location. This place offers the perfect balance for volunteers interested in culture and history, outdoor sports enthusiasts, and nature lovers. National parks and wildlife reserves can be reached with equal ease as the nation's capital and historical sites. It is also simple to plan visits to the Pacific or Caribbean coasts.

Requirements

Requirements

Minimum Age: 18 years

In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

Language Skills

You need to speak English (basic level) or Spanish (basic level)

Required Documents

CV and Volunteer Questionnaire

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, Thursday and Friday from 07:00 - 15:00

What's Included

What's Included

Services by South America Inside

The volunteer project in the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in Costa Rica includes:

  • Volunteer House, shared room
  • Breakfast, lunch, dinner
  • 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

Accommodation

Near the animal rescue facility, in the Volunteer House, are the living quarters for the volunteers. The residence contains three bathrooms, a spacious living area with a kitchen, and four shared rooms that may accommodate up to sixteen volunteers for sleeping. There are spacious common areas and the modern Volunteer House. It provides a place to unwind after work, socialize, have fun, share ideas with other volunteers, or arrange your leisure activities. The Volunteer House has Wi-Fi internet access and a washing machine.

Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included in the volunteer program. Mainly traditional cuisine from Costa Rica is served - delicious and healthful.

Volunteers may also choose to stay in a nearby homestay if the volunteer house is full. Here, volunteers have a single room with local families and either a private or shared bathroom. There are meals served at the homestays (half-board or full-board). The animal rescue center is easily accessible within walking distance or just a short bus ride away.

Food & Beverages

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included.

Internet Access

Good 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

Flexible start and end dates, year round
Availability
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Program fees

4 weeks (min. stay) 1,551€
5 weeks 1,775€
6 weeks 1,998€
7 weeks 2,222€
9 weeks 2,669€
11 weeks 3,117€
24 weeks (max. stay) 6,024€
Average fees 319€/week

Program fees

319€ per week 4 - 24 weeks Age 18 - 50+

Payment methods

Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

NO CREDIT CARD FEES


Duration

4 - 24 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 South America Inside during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


Meet your organization

South America Inside

Perfect 4.6 rating (128 reviews)

Agency - founded in 2003

Verified by Volunteer World

  Very high response rate

Coordinated by

Marion

Spoken languages: German, English, Spanish

About the project

South America Inside promotes intercultural, linguistic and educational exchanges. Its volunteer programs are addressed to students, professionals and retirees.

Meet your organization

South America Inside is an intercultural management agency, founded back in 2003, which specializes in the promotion of programs abroad, language travel and educational programs throughout Latin America.

Since 2007, to enrich the experience of our global-minded clients and to provide them with even more possibilities, South America Inside has been expanding their program offerings throughout South and Central America.

Working together with some of the best language schools in Latin America, South America Inside provides high quality language courses in almost every Latin American country.

Thanks to a professional team of motivated and friendly staff, South America Inside has been very successful over the past several years and have been able to establish an outstanding network of what we call "Insider Contacts." To enrich the experience of their clients and to provide them with more possibilities, South America Inside has been expanding our program offerings throughout Central and South America, in addition to our well-established Chilean programs.

Volunteer Work

Do you dream of staying abroad while doing something positive? Are you looking for a unique experience that will leave a mark on your life? Then a Volunteer Work program in South America or Central America is perfect for you!

With South America Inside you can combine an adventure abroad with social commitment, and create lasting memories in Latin America. Support the protection of endangered species; help a local community construct new homes; give new hope to impoverished children.

The possibilities to lend a hand are diverse, as there are the many places where help is needed. We have classified our volunteer projects in different areas so you can easily find the one (or more!) projects that best match your needs and interests.

Why with us

There are many persuasive reasons that speak in favor of South America Inside when it comes to selecting your perfect provider of language, study and volunteer travel abroad. Following, we have prepared a short summary so that you can get us to know a little better.

Our Insider benefits at a glance:

  Regional Experience
Over one decade (established in 2003) of dedication to language, work and study travel programs in Latin America. Thanks to our long standing work and life experience in the South American continent, we know this region really well. Therefore, we can help and inform you in a professional and competent way.

  Multifaceted Offers
Over time we have developed new programs to offer a wide array of work abroad opportunities to our clients. We have been pioneers in launching new exchange programs, as we have been the first in offering Work & Travel/Working Holiday and Farm Stays in Chile and successfully introduced these programs into the market back in 2005. Since 2012, we are the only agency to offer this type of program in Costa Rica.

  Insider Advice
Despite living in the modern era of the internet, we know that reliable and competent advice is still an important criterion for most of us. At South America Inside, you will find the benefits of an internet provider and an independent travel agency. We will be glad to pass on our extensive knowledge and regional experience.!

  Location
It is difficult to run programs when there is nobody “on the ground” to evaluate existing options and search for new opportunities. So, we are located in Chile, on location, and we know everything that is going on first hand. We know what it is like to live as a foreigner in South America and will be happy to assist you in making your stay unforgettable!

  Independence
South America Inside is an independent provider of language courses, internships, volunteer work, Farm Stays and Work & Travel programs in Latin America. We neither depend financially nor structurally on any other company, language school, association or organization. Therefore, we are able to give personalized information in accordance to your needs and availability.

•  Multilingual Team

Our team is multilingual and international! We speak fluent English, Spanish and German, as well as some French and Portuguese. With our customers, we can communicate in their native language and we avoid misunderstandings with local partners by communicating in Spanish with them. You can be sure that there will be an English-speaking contact person for you before, during, and after your stay.

  Customer Service
Excellent customer service is one of the most important goals for South America Inside, and this is evident with the positive feedback we regularly receive from our many happy clients. Emails are answered within 48 business hours and every client is treated with the same friendliness and expertise.

  Gapless and Accurate Information flow
With South America Inside you will have one and the same contact person before, during and after your trip. With that said, we guarantee a gapless and accurate information flow and you will always be very well informed.

  Approved Program Places
Many of our program places, especially in the area of internships and volunteer work, are designed in the way that they will be recognized by most universities, colleges or academies.

128 reviews · rating4.6

Mattia Malfanti rating5

2024 at Countryside School Assistant

Very good location and people. Really good organization and people are really hospitable. Peumal is a really good alternative school. I sincerely advice if you want help in an alternative school to go ...
Regina N. rating5

2024 at Help Stray Dogs

Die Arbeit gefällt mir sehr gut! Ich bin super reingekommen und fühle mich sehr wohl 🙂 Die Menschen sind sehr offen und freundlich! Herzlichen Dank! ...
Nathalie K. rating5

2024 at Local Wildlife Helper

Everything is alright. The family host in San José is very kind. I visited San José yesterday. This morning I arrived at the rescue center and it's amazing! It beautifull, the animals are so cute. And the volonteers are very friendly. Thanks for everything and have a good ...
Alex S. rating5

2024 at Help Stray Dogs

Mir geht’s prima. War ein langer Tag, bin daher auch gut kaputt 🙂 Sowohl Spanischkurs als auch die Arbeit im Tierheim machen sehr viel Spaß! Ich muss zwar all das bisschen, was ich an Spanisch kann, zusammenkratzen, um durch den Tag zu kommen, aber das wird sicherlich besser mit der Zeit ...
Stacey Garratt rating5

2024 at Local Women Empowerment Supporter

I have been travelling for 7 months in total and just had the most wonderful experience in Ecuador. I can confidently say in the last 6 weeks I have created my favourite memories of this journey in an all-encompassing way. Firstly, the program itself was incredible, I constantly felt supported, ...
Gabriel P. rating5

2024 at Community Worker for Children

Letzten Mittwoch bin ich in Libera gelandet. Die Reise war relativ lang und mit Verspätung. Nach 15 Stunden bin ich dann im Hostel angekommen. Ich brauchte einen Moment um mich dran zu gewöhnen. Ich blieb bis am Sonntag in Liberia und habe auch dort schon Leute kennen gelernt 🙂 Am Sonntag ...

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Contact Marion
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German, English, Spanish

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