Costa Rica Wildlife Sanctuary

Contribute to conservation efforts in Costa Rica with jungle cats, monkeys, sloths and much more as a volunteer at the Costa Rica Wildlife Sanctuary!

Standing on the edge of the bustling capital city of San José lies the oldest animal sanctuary in Costa Rica. This sanctuary's unique approach to wildlife conservation has led to thousands of animals receiving a second chance at life after being rescued from the clutches of habitat destruction, poaching, and the exotic pet trade. Sadly, due to the prevalence of wildlife crime throughout Central America, the Costa Rica Wildlife Sanctuary sees an influx of over 2,700 wild animals annually who seek refuge here. 

From sloths and jaguars to birds, reptiles, and primates, the sanctuary's cutting-edge rehabilitation facility, fully equipped veterinary hospital, acclimation enclosures, and two separate release sites have successfully reintegrated countless animals back into their natural habitats. For those who are too injured, habituated or traumatised to be released, the Lifetime Care Sanctuary provides a forever home. 

As a volunteer, you can play a vital role in caring for hundreds of animals, from feeding and behaviour monitoring to creating engaging enrichment. You can be part of many successful rehabilitation stories and ensure that Costa Rica remains an ecological wonderland. Join this incredible project fighting wildlife crime and make a meaningful and unforgettable impact within the forests of Central America.

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Lauren Mackinnon

Activities

Animal Enrichment @ Costa Rica Wildlife Sanctuary
Animal Enrichment Enrichment plays a vital role in promoting the overall well-being of animals, both physically and mentally. For animals being considered for release, enrichment is a valuable means of honing the skills necessary for them to survive in their natural habitat. As a key activity of the project, you'll spend a good portion of your time devising puzzles and activities that help alleviate stress and boredom and encourage natural behaviours, keeping the animals happy and healthy.
Food Prep & Animal Feeding @ Costa Rica Wildlife Sanctuary
Food Preparation & Animal Feeding With close to 3,000 wild animals calling in at the sanctuary each year and approximately 800 non-releasable animals to care for daily, volunteers are certainly helpful in the kitchen, preparing and serving meals to animals across the centre. As many of the animals come from the pet trade or arrive sick or injured, volunteers may help to provide specialised diets to aid recovery. You'll also learn how to forage wild foods for baby sloths and howler monkeys in the rehab centre, helping them adapt to their future diets upon release!
Veterinary Clicker Training  @ Costa Rica Wildlife Sanctuary
Veterinary Clicker Training At the Lifetime Care Sanctuary, clicker training plays a crucial role in preparing animals for veterinary examinations. This positive reinforcement-based approach helps animals learn to cooperate during medical assessments, reducing stress and anxiety. Volunteers, guided by experienced staff, have the opportunity to participate in these clicker training sessions! You may even have the chance to work with Guapo, the jaguar!
Costa Rica Wildlife Sanctuary Endangered Breeding Centre
Assist at the Endangered Breeding Centre Lend a hand at the Endangered Species Breeding Centre, where you'll help to care for over 100 breeding pairs of scarlet macaws. Volunteers help with feeding and creating enrichment but also have the unique opportunity to help during breeding and fledging season, where you'll assist in checking nest boxes for eggs and chicks, weighing and measuring the chicks, and conducting brief health assessments under supervision. You'll also learn to identify various types of breeding behaviour and help monitor the breeding pairs throughout.
Behaviour Monitoring @ Costa Rica Wildlife Sanctuary
Animal Behaviour Monitoring Volunteers help to gather valuable data for behavioural research and monitor the animal's overall well-being. You'll closely observe the animals, recording their behaviours and interactions. This data is essential for enhancing their care and quality of life while also advancing the understanding of wildlife behaviour, which is crucial to conservation efforts, especially for those in the Endangered Species Breeding Centre getting ready for release!
Free Time @ Costa Rica Wildlife Sanctuary
Free Time Volunteers have two days off each week in Costa Rica, providing a prime opportunity to explore. San Jose, the capital city, offers cultural experiences and vibrant nightlife, while the country's natural beauty includes stunning beaches, ancient volcanoes, and wildlife-filled jungles. Activities like white-water rafting, zip-lining, hot spring relaxation, snorkelling, and beach visits await! (Please note, these activities will come at an additional cost).

Itinerary

The following is an example itinerary of a 2-week stay starting on a Friday, though longer durations are available. As the project is based at a wildlife sanctuary, itineraries and all volunteer activities are subject to change depending on the needs of the sanctuary and the animals present when you visit.

Day 1 - The Adventure Begins: Upon arrival at the sanctuary, just a 20-minute drive from the airport, you'll have the chance to get comfortable, familiarise yourself with your accommodation, and meet your fellow volunteers. Depending on your arrival time, you might have time to explore the sanctuary's beautiful surroundings before enjoying dinner and preparing for your volunteering experience ahead!
Day 2-13 - Project Days: These are your dedicated project days, filled with a variety of activities, spanning from animal care to crafting exciting enrichment. You'll work across the Lifetime Care Sanctuary and Endangered Species Breeding Centre for a well-rounded, rewarding conservation experience. You'll also have the opportunity to take two days off each week to relax and explore the wonders of Costa Rica!
Day 14 - Departure Day: Sadly, today is your final day at the sanctuary. You’ll say your goodbyes to fellow volunteers, the staff and the animals before transferring back to the airport to catch your flight home or to continue your onward travel plans.

Durations & Prices

To secure a place on this project, a deposit of $245 is required at the time of booking. The remaining balance is due 60 days before your start date.

Flexible Payment Options: If you select a start date more than 3 months in advance, we offer convenient payment plans, allowing you to pay off your balance in instalments.

Select a duration below to see the available start dates and book your place today!

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Accommodation

Volunteer Accommodation

As a volunteer, you'll be accommodated in the volunteer house located within the sanctuary. There are three bedrooms with two bunk beds in each. Every room has a private bathroom, a small outside patio area, bedding, bath towels, a net screen, and ample lockable closet space. Wi-Fi is accessible 24/7 in the accommodation, restaurant, outdoor café, rehabilitation centre, and various locations within the Lifetime Care Sanctuary. The volunteer house features a communal area, private swimming pool and cabana – perfect for relaxing after a rewarding day working with the animals.

Meals & Beverages

Three daily meals are provided during your stay: breakfast is self-prepared and includes cereal, eggs, fruit, milk, and hot beverages, while for lunch and dinner, you can easily order from the onsite restaurant, with vegetarian and vegan options available. The menu offers a variety of dishes such as burgers, salads, soups, and fajitas, and if you have specific dietary needs, please inform us when booking to ensure the sanctuary is fully stocked for your visit! Additionally, within the Lifetime Care Sanctuary, there are other dining options (that come at an additional cost), including an à la carte restaurant, ice cream shop, snack shop, and an outdoor café serving ice lollies and amazing Costa Rican coffee!


Project Details

When is the best time to volunteer?

As this project is based at a wildlife sanctuary with new animals arriving regularly via the active rescue centre, there are animals here year-round, meaning there is no best time to volunteer regarding wildlife. The weather, however, can impact some people’s decision, and there are two distinct seasons which are explained in more detail below:

December - April: These months are known as the dry season, which is usually the most popular with tourists due to less rainfall and increased wildlife visibility. 

May - November: While considered the rainy season, these months are still warm, and the rain typically falls in the afternoons or evenings. The forests are also at their most full during this period.

Average Monthly Weather in San Jose, Costa Rica

Getting There

You will need to fly into Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) on your project start date arriving between 8am - 8pm. You'll be met at the airport by the driver and take a private transfer to the project site, approximately 20 minutes away.

If you will already be in San Jose on your start date, we can arrange for you to be collected from a hotel close to the airport.

Visa Requirements

Most nationalities, including British and American citizens, do not need a visa to enter Costa Rica and will be granted entry for up to 180 days on arrival. You will, however, need to provide evidence of onward travel plans such as a flight ticket or bus ticket exiting the country. As entry requirements can change, we recommend checking with your local embassy regarding visa requirements prior to travel.

Fitness & Skills

You will take part in a range of activities on this project, including construction and maintenance tasks; therefore, a moderate level of fitness is recommended, though no specific skills are required. All we ask is that you arrive with a willingness to get involved and work as a team, have a deep respect for wildlife and that you aren’t afraid to get your hands dirty!

Vaccinations

A tetanus vaccination is highly recommended (although not mandatory) and all other vaccinations will depend on your medical history, so we recommend consulting your GP/Doctor regarding your own needs.

If travelling from a country where Yellow Fever is present, proof of a Yellow Fever vaccination is required by the Costa Rican government to enter the country.



Reviews

Imogen Wood, 2024
         

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)


Abbie Redman, 2024
         

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)


Jade Debrick, 2024
         

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)



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What's Included

  • Accommodation
  • Three meals per day
  • Airport transfers
  • Use of the on-site laundry facilities
  • A donation to the project
  • Wi-Fi

What's Not Included

  • Flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Visas