The Wildlife Program
OPEN NOW!
Costa Rica has reopened to international arrivals. See the additional info. section for COVID-19 requirements.
This essential program works to save Costa Rica’s wildlife that is facing a crisis of epic proportions. Development, agriculture, illegal exotic animal trade and contamination are just a few of the issues that affect wildlife and many species are under threat. Volunteers on this fantastic program will spend time working in animal rescue centers aimed at helping endangered species and wildlife in general. The work here is hands on with volunteers involved in feeding duties, enrichment, cleaning and all the tasks required to run a wildlife rescue center. Hurt, displaced, abandoned and sick animals are rescued by the centers, brought back for care, then if possible, released back into a safe native environment on completion of their rehabilitation. Close contact and handling of animals to be released is kept to an absolute minimum.
It will be hard and physical work at times, and volunteers must be prepared to work hard and get a little dirty! It will however be extremely rewarding as volunteers see first-hand how they are making a real difference to the lives of these wonderful creatures. Extra hands are always needed, and greatly appreciated at wildlife centers which are underfunded and greatly under resourced.
Goals of this Project:
- Work to save the lives of vulnerable animals
- Improve the prospects of the indigenous animals of Costa Rica
- Learn about the animals of Costa Rica and ultimately how to protect them
- Assist with educating the public about animal welfare
- Create an environment that enables different cultures to work together with the goal of saving animal lives.
How You Can Help
This program truly gives volunteers the chance to experience a wildlife program working with some of the most amazing creatures on earth. Volunteers will meet new friends, learn a huge amount about Costa Rica’s native species and about caring for animals and wildlife centres – all while experiencing the amazing culture and landscapes of this stunning country. And there’s the feeling of satisfaction for volunteers of knowing they’ve worked hard to help the lives of individual animals and the continuation of the species in general.
Volunteers will contribute in a number of ways and can expect to undertake the following tasks:
- Clean animal enclosures/compounds
- Animal feeding duties
- Animal enrichment tasks
- Assist with rehabilitation and release efforts
- Assist with animal emergencies as required
- Maintain animal shelters and the property in general
- Planting and gardening activities
- Construct and improve animal environments
Requirements
Love Volunteers welcomes all those 18 years and over (17 with parental consent) who wish to give their time and energy to help protect and conserve the native wildlife of Costa Rica. This project is best suited to those who are either pursuing a career in animal conservation or zoological studies, or who simply wish to explore an interest in this field. However, the project is open to all and does not require participants to have specific education, qualifications or experience, as you will be shown everything you need to know by one of local project leaders. Importantly though, all applicants must first and foremost have a genuine willingness to help, show drive and initiative, and bring a positive 'can-do' attitude. If this sounds like you, we want you on the team!
Additionally, volunteers applying to join this program will be required to supply to following documentation:
- Emergency contact
- Passport
Project Location
Volunteers on this project are primarily placed at a fantastic Wildlife Sanctuary in Alajuela Province, just 30mins west of San Jose.
Due to the nature of this project, volunteers stay on-site at the Rescue Centre which is somewhat remote. Afternoons and evenings are generally spent on-site relaxing after a hard days work. Weekends offer the opportunity to explore further afield and the local staff will be happy to recommend activities and help with bookings.
We work with several Wildlife Rescue Centres around Costa Rica so there are opportunities to be placed in different locations.
Start Dates & Duration
This project is available year-round with arrivals every SUNDAY. Volunteers can choose to participate for periods ranging from 1 week to 4 weeks. Longer stays can be arranged directly with the local team, subject to availability and individual visa conditions.
For current available start dates please check the calendar on the right.
Arrival & Orientation
Volunteers are collected on arrival and taken to the Rescue Centre to settle in.
The Rescue Centre staff will fill you in on the location and surrounding area, details of your placement and answer any last minute questions you may have.
- Program Arrival Day: SUNDAY
- Program Departure Day: SATURDAY
- Arrival/Departure Airport: Juan Santamaria International Airport, San Jose, Costa Rica (Code: SJO)
Accommodation & Meals
Volunteers on this project will be accommodated on-site at the Rescue Centre. Rooms are dorm-style and shared by up to 4 volunteers, split by gender. Bathroom facilities are typical of jungle accommodations and rustic. Electricity and cold running water is available but may be limited. Laundry can be done on-site. Wifi isn't available at the rescue centre so volunteers are advised to purchase a local SIM card and data package for internet access.
Bedding is provided so volunteers need only bring toiletries and a towel. See the additional info. section for packing suggestions.
Three meals per day are provided at the project and are included in the program fee. Meals are typical Costa Rican fare like beans and rice. Participants are welcome to bring or purchase their own snacks. Volunteers are often expected to help with cooking and cleaning up (using a roster-based system), so everyone contributes at meal times – bringing a wonderful ‘family’ feel to this project! Nice!
Fees
That’s just USD 60 per day* for:
*In addition to the program fees listed above a Registration Fee is payable to secure your place. The registration fee is USD 299 for those volunteering with Love Volunteers for the first time or USD 149 for any subsequent volunteer placements. The registration fee includes: lifetime LV Alumni Membership, fundraising support & advice, dedicated pre-departure support, certificate of completion (on request), and exclusive access to the LV Trip Planner.
Some things are not included in the program fees listed above, such as flights, visas, vaccinations, travel insurance, additional foods and snacks, spending money, local transport, in-country trips and excursions, return airport transfer (unless mentioned above).
Please note that prices are subject to change without notice. Please ensure you have read the Love Volunteers Terms and Conditions & Refund Policy.
Additional Info
Costa Rica entry requirements:
- All visitors must complete an Online Health Pass (pasa de Salud) 48 hours prior to travel to Costa Rica.
- Vaccinated arrivals, fully vaccinated against COVID-19 with Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech, AstraZeneca or Johnson & Johnson can enter the country without mandatory travel insurance. The last dose of the vaccine must have been applied at least 14 days before arrival in Costa Rica and vaccination proof must be provided on your health pass.
- All arrivals who do not meet the vaccination requirement must provide proof of travel insurance and include the details on their Health Pass.
International Insurers are accepted provided they can provide a certificate in English or Spanish stating:
1. Name of the person traveling.
2. Validity of the policy for the duration of stay
3. Minimum coverage of $50,000 for COVID related medical expenses
4. Minimum coverage of $2,000 for lodging expenses for quarantine or trip interruption. -
Costa Rican policies: The following providers are accepted and the medical coverage minimum is reduced to $20,000:
- INS: https://www.grupoins.com/seguros-para-viajero/seguro-viajero-ingreso-costa-rica/
- Sagicor: https://tiendasagicor.com/en/
- BlueCross BlueShield: https://www.bluecrossblueshieldcr.com/rod - Please check with your airline as they may require you to have a negative COVID-19 test result.
Packing
*Mandatory
- Rubber boots.
- *Natural repellent (without DEET).
- Sunscreen.
- Mosquito net.
- *Long pants (working pants).
- Clothing that dries quickly.
- Hat.
- Afterbite.
- Shower sandals.
- Quick drying towel.
- Beach items.
- Many pairs of socks.
- Reusable water bottle.
- Topical medicine for allergies.
- Allergy pills.
Optional items:
- Thin bed sheets (one pair is provided).
- Bandana.
- Long sleeves.
- Rain jacket.
- Work gloves.
- Books.