Volunteer for Wildlife: 4 Weeks at a Rescue Center š¾
The experience
Join our 4-week volunteer program in Costa Rica and gain hands-on experience supporting rescued wildlife while learning about animal care, rehabilitation, and conservation. Work alongside people from around the world, become part of a meaningful conservation project, and discover the beauty and culture of Costa Ricaās Caribbean coast. šæ
What you offer
32 hours of help per week
Animal Care:
Help look after and take care of animals.
Building & Repairing:
Help with a wide range of repairs or building.
Additional fee required
Amount:
US$ 1022
One time
Fee pays for:
Donation to project
Description:
The total fee is US$1,022, which is divided into two parts:
US$350 ā Donation fee, which directly supports the Jaguar Rescue Centerās wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, and conservation efforts.
US$672 ā Accommodation fee for the duration of the volunteer stay.
This fee helps cover both the volunteerās accommodation and a contribution toward our ongoing work to care for rescued wildlife.
What you get
2 days off per week
Private Room:
You will have a bed in a private room. In other words, a room just for you.
Shared Dorm:
You will have a bed in a shared room, which means you will share the same room with other travelers.
Use our equipped kitchen:
Feel free to use our kitchen and make your own delicious food.
Certificate:
Get a certificate of completion after you finish your experience.
Basic Internet Access:
Basic speed internet for you to work remotely
Requirements
Intermediate English or Intermediate Spanish
Between 18 and 80 years old
Welcomes solo volunteers, couples, and partners of volunteers
Travel insurance
What's not included
Flights, Travel Insurance, Internal Transportation and Visa
Program Details
We are looking for committed, responsible, and compassionate volunteers who are ready to become part of our wildlife rescue team for a minimum of 4 weeks.
During the program, volunteers support our daily operations and animal care routines while learning about wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, and conservation.
The work can be physically demanding and requires punctuality, teamwork, attention to detail, flexibility, and a willingness to follow instructions and established protocols.
In return, you will have the opportunity to learn from an experienced wildlife rescue team, meet volunteers from different countries and cultures, and become part of a meaningful conservation project.
During your free time, you will also have the chance to experience the beauty and unique culture of Costa Ricaās Caribbean coast. š“
We expect volunteers to respect the animals, our team, other volunteers, the local community, and the rules of the center.
Above all, we are looking for people who are motivated to learn, contribute, and make a positive difference for wildlife. š
Activities & Shift
Volunteers help from 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM, with a short morning break and a lunch break during the day.
Volunteers have 2 days off per week, which can be chosen according to personal preference and the centerās schedule.
Tasks are assigned according to the daily needs of the center and may change from one day to another. Volunteers should be flexible and prepared to support different areas.
Daily activities may include:
š± Kitchen
Help prepare food by chopping fruits and vegetables and keeping the kitchen clean and organized.
š Food Preparation
Prepare and distribute meals according to each animalās specific diet. This may include collecting fruits, almond seeds, leaves, and hibiscus flowers.
š Animals in the Playground
Support feeding, enrichment activities, and animal monitoring under the guidance of the animal keepers.
š§ŗ Laundry
Wash and sanitize bedding, towels, and other fabrics used by the animals.
š ļø Supporting the Staff
Help with practical projects such as painting, improving enclosures, or building new playgrounds and structures.
š§¹ Cleaning Animal Enclosures
Clean and sanitize enclosures, remove waste, and replace bedding to maintain a safe and hygienic environment.
š§© Environmental Enrichment
Help create activities and structures that encourage natural behaviors, mental stimulation, and physical activity.
Please note that some tasks involve physical work and take place outdoors in Costa Ricaās tropical Caribbean climate.
Flexibility, teamwork, punctuality, and a willingness to follow instructions are essential.
Rules
Volunteer Rules
⢠Respect the animals at all times. Follow the instructions of the animal keepers and never touch, feed, or interact with an animal unless specifically authorized.
⢠Punctuality is essential. Volunteers must arrive on time for their scheduled shifts.
⢠Follow all staff instructions and established protocols. Animal welfare and safety always come first.
⢠Smoking and drug use are not allowed during working hours or anywhere on the centerās premises.
⢠Alcohol is not permitted during working hours. Volunteers must arrive fit and ready to work.
⢠Wear appropriate clothing and footwear. Be prepared for physical work, rain, heat, mud, and tropical conditions.
⢠Keep shared spaces clean and tidy, including volunteer accommodation and work areas.
⢠Respect other volunteers and staff. This is an international environment, so kindness, teamwork, and cultural respect are expected.
⢠If you are unsure about something, always ask a staff member before taking action that could affect an animalās wellbeing.