Costa Rica Wildlife Sanctuary

Volunteering in Costa Rica is a must. This was an incredible experience in which I learnt so much about myself and the incredible animals I worked with. From the beginning of the trip I was met with amazing airport pickup service by the lovely David and then greeted by the lovely Rossin who settled me in nicely. The facilities at the project are very much up to standard really enjoyed the house share environment, always find it is easier to make friends that way as well. I didn't know what to expect coming into this but I was very happy to find the lovely organisation of the timetable and being able to voice your opinion within the next week so they could cater to your choices. I was also very grateful that I got to work with basically all the animals at the centre so that I was really able to gain as much knowledge about each species as possible in my short time there. Not only this but the incredible people I got to work with, I have never met such lovely welcoming people. The managers go above and beyond in making you feel comfortable. Big shoutout to Rossin,... Volunteering in Costa Rica is a must. This was an incredible experience in which I learnt so much about myself and the incredible animals I worked with. From the beginning of the trip I was met with amazing airport pickup service by the lovely David and then greeted by the lovely Rossin who settled me in nicely. The facilities at the project are very much up to standard really enjoyed the house share environment, always find it is easier to make friends that way as well. I didn't know what to expect coming into this but I was very happy to find the lovely organisation of the timetable and being able to voice your opinion within the next week so they could cater to your choices. I was also very grateful that I got to work with basically all the animals at the centre so that I was really able to gain as much knowledge about each species as possible in my short time there. Not only this but the incredible people I got to work with, I have never met such lovely welcoming people. The managers go above and beyond in making you feel comfortable. Big shoutout to Rossin, Ellie, Ethan, Rachael for making my experience the best it could be with their amazing personalities. It is immediately obvious that they have such a strong passion for helping animals. For anyone who is even the slightest bit interested in animals or shares a deep love for animals I would highly recommend coming here. (Show More)

Overall, it was a great experience, and we enjoyed being part of the team. The tasks that we performed were not quite as expected, for example we did not really get involved with the feeding of the animals other than some of the macaws. The main tasks seem to revolve around creating enrichment for the feline, mammal, primate and bird groups or behavioural observations. This was very rewarding, but became a little repetitive, and it was easy to run out of ideas for the enrichment. Some of the managers who were overseeing us were very good at explaining what we were expected to do, why, and the outcomes that they were looking for. However, this was not across-the-board, and we have given feedback that this is an area for improvement. Unfortunately, there was little opportunity to carry out any work in the rehabilitation centre and so I think it is important when promoting this project to not get peoples expectations up that this is something they will be able to contribute to. The reasons are sound because they do not want the animals that are being rehabilitated to have much, if any, contact with humans. Although we were there for... Overall, it was a great experience, and we enjoyed being part of the team. The tasks that we performed were not quite as expected, for example we did not really get involved with the feeding of the animals other than some of the macaws. The main tasks seem to revolve around creating enrichment for the feline, mammal, primate and bird groups or behavioural observations. This was very rewarding, but became a little repetitive, and it was easy to run out of ideas for the enrichment. Some of the managers who were overseeing us were very good at explaining what we were expected to do, why, and the outcomes that they were looking for. However, this was not across-the-board, and we have given feedback that this is an area for improvement. Unfortunately, there was little opportunity to carry out any work in the rehabilitation centre and so I think it is important when promoting this project to not get peoples expectations up that this is something they will be able to contribute to. The reasons are sound because they do not want the animals that are being rehabilitated to have much, if any, contact with humans. Although we were there for two weeks, we effectively only had two days off as we had to count two of our travelling days as part of our time off. It would be useful as part of the project information to make suggestions around what could be done on days off, or at least have someone at the site who is knowledgeable on these opportunities. The accommodation was very basic but adequate and clean. It sounds like this will be improved by a move to a better location on site in the future. The food was reasonable with a selection from around 20+ meals for lunch and dinner. Dinner was provided in plastic cartons that then had to be warmed up in the microwave in the house. In summary, it was a very worthwhile experience and has provided some excellent memories. (Show More)

Overall I had an amazing experience, everyone I met from the other interns to the managers to the restaurant staff were so nice and welcoming. I will say it was not the experience I was expecting, I guess based on previous wildlife internships I have done, I was expecting to be working directly with the care givers - helping to prepare animals foods, clean enclosures, check for behaviour and health concerns etc. however that's not to say I had a bad experience, it was just a different one and I guess a more relaxed one. I loved observing the animals and how they interacted with each other or enrichment we provided for them and I loved the fact it was documented and data was collected for future needs. My highlights were seeing the clicker training being performed on a jaguar and an ocelot, I think this was a very special moment as I don't think many people would get to see something like that. Then collecting leaves / enrichment for the sloths and seeing them interact with it was amazing and what I came for :) A couple things to note was 1, I was expecting to be working or... Overall I had an amazing experience, everyone I met from the other interns to the managers to the restaurant staff were so nice and welcoming. I will say it was not the experience I was expecting, I guess based on previous wildlife internships I have done, I was expecting to be working directly with the care givers - helping to prepare animals foods, clean enclosures, check for behaviour and health concerns etc. however that's not to say I had a bad experience, it was just a different one and I guess a more relaxed one. I loved observing the animals and how they interacted with each other or enrichment we provided for them and I loved the fact it was documented and data was collected for future needs. My highlights were seeing the clicker training being performed on a jaguar and an ocelot, I think this was a very special moment as I don't think many people would get to see something like that. Then collecting leaves / enrichment for the sloths and seeing them interact with it was amazing and what I came for :) A couple things to note was 1, I was expecting to be working or at least observing what happens in the rehab centre, I think the way all the pre arrival information is presented it made it sound like we would have a chance to work in there. So maybe just stating that only vet interns will work in there would be good to know. And 2, I think at the start of each week all interns and managers should take a few hours to prepare all enrichment materials we might need for the week e.g. hollow out coconuts, collect bamboo, dirt, hay etc would save some time for when it comes to actually making enrichment, and to add to that I think it might be better if a whole day would be dedicated to enrichment e.g. planning, making and giving to the felines for example, instead of everyone doing a bit one day and others doing other bits another day. Although I have mentioned things that weren't all to positive I will say that I understand and agree with why things are done, e.g. limiting the amount of people around and interacting with the animals to keep them as wild as possible. I think everyone is doing an amazing job for all these beautiful animals and I hope it continues to progress and educates people on how to look after and treat wildlife :) Thank you! (Show More)