Costa Rica Wildlife Sanctuary

Working at Costa Rica Wildlife Sanctuary went beyond what I expected, the managers involved everyone in the experience from the start. The managers had you up close and personal with the animals, providing enrichments and assisting with training, whilst providing background information to fully appreciate the experience. It was a lot of work, but I loved every minute of it ♥

We were impressed. From the moment we arrived at the sanctuary everyone was so welcoming. The accommodation was far better than expected. Two sets of bunk beds with an en-suite in each room. Luckily we didn’t have to share which was a bonus. Food for breakfast was provided in the shared kitchen. Lunch and tea were selected from a menu from the cafeteria. Plenty of choice for vegans and vegetarians as well. There is even a small swimming pool. Which the volunteers have access to. The work schedule for volunteers was interesting and varied. All of the instructors were so friendly and knowledgeable and passionate about their work. Our work included feeding the various animals, making enrichment puzzles then introducing and monitoring them. We were delighted to hear that over 3,000 animals were released back into their natural environment last year. I would advise that volunteers take a decent pair of wellies as access to some of the enclosures can get really muddy. You are given two days off each week, so we made the most of it and went and explored. We visited the most amazing waterfalls, national parks and volcanoes, we saw some wonderful wildlife. We were sad... We were impressed. From the moment we arrived at the sanctuary everyone was so welcoming. The accommodation was far better than expected. Two sets of bunk beds with an en-suite in each room. Luckily we didn’t have to share which was a bonus. Food for breakfast was provided in the shared kitchen. Lunch and tea were selected from a menu from the cafeteria. Plenty of choice for vegans and vegetarians as well. There is even a small swimming pool. Which the volunteers have access to. The work schedule for volunteers was interesting and varied. All of the instructors were so friendly and knowledgeable and passionate about their work. Our work included feeding the various animals, making enrichment puzzles then introducing and monitoring them. We were delighted to hear that over 3,000 animals were released back into their natural environment last year. I would advise that volunteers take a decent pair of wellies as access to some of the enclosures can get really muddy. You are given two days off each week, so we made the most of it and went and explored. We visited the most amazing waterfalls, national parks and volcanoes, we saw some wonderful wildlife. We were sad when it was time to leave as we thoroughly enjoyed our adventure. We were a little apprehensive about the trip as we are both 65 years old. We needn’t have worried we were absolutely fine. Although it’s a long journey from the UK.. Costa Rica Wildlife Sanctuary isn’t too far from the airport which is a bonus. We would highly recommend this volunteer experience. (Show More)

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)