Sloth Conservation And Wildlife Experience

When Is The Best Time To Volunteer?

As this project is predominantly based on the rescue and rehabilitation of animals year-round, there is no preferred time to volunteer when it comes to the animals you see. Certain animals will reside at the centre for life, and new animals arrive on a regular basis, so you’re guaranteed to see an array of species!

However, the weather can have an impact on both your involvement with and the visibility of wild animals. The dry season runs from January through to the middle/end of April, and throughout this time the forests will be slightly barer due to a lack of rain, meaning fewer wild animals may be seen in the region. The rainy season in Costa Rica runs from May until December, and this is when the forests in the region really come to life. It will still be very warm during these months, with the rains typically falling in the afternoons or evenings, therefore, you may find it preferable to volunteer between May and December when the forests are at their fullest.

The rainy season is also the most likely time for reforestation activities to take place, so if this is an activity you would like to take part in, we advise travelling between May and December.

Getting There

You will need to arrive into San Jose Airport in Costa Rica, located approximately 3 hours from the project site. Transfers are not included in the cost of the project but can be arranged at an additional cost of $225 each way. If you need a transfer from a hotel/accommodation in San Jose as opposed to the airport, this can also be arranged but the transfer fee is $250 (single journey).

Alternatively, there is a regular bus service between San Jose (bus station) and Quepos, which is close to the project site. This service usually takes between 3-5 hours and costs approximately US$10. Upon arrival in Quepos, you would need to take a taxi to the project site, which will cost an additional US$20. Please contact us for further information on scheduling and pricing.

Where possible, it would be better if you could arrive into San Jose before 12pm; this way you will arrive at the project site before it gets dark and will be able to enjoy dinner with your fellow volunteers! If this is not possible, you must arrive by 3pm if you wish to take a transfer to the project site.

Visa Requirements

Most nationalities, including British and American citizens, do not need a visa to enter Costa Rica but will need to provide evidence of onward travel plans such as a flight ticket or bus ticket exiting the country. We do, however, recommend checking with your local embassy regarding visa requirements.

Fitness & Skills

There are no specific skills needed to take part in this project, but you do need to be passionate about animals and willing to get involved in a variety of activities. You will spend a lot of time on this project on your feet, walking from location to location and possibly carrying moderately heavy objects, so you will need to have a good level of fitness. It can be very humid in Costa Rica, so please bear this in mind when deciding if this is the project for you. If you are offered the opportunity to take part in reforestation, please be aware that this involves a lot of walking on uneven ground, as well as up and down quite steep terrain. In the rainy season, this land overall can be quite treacherous, so be sure to take the correct footwear, as well as consider your own physical capabilities.

Vaccinations

To take part in this project, you must be vaccinated against Tetanus and provide proof of this prior to arrival. Other vaccinations will depend on your medical history, and we recommend consulting your GP/Doctor regarding your own needs. Please note that volunteers with Measles or the Herpes Simplex Virus (with active sores) will not be able to work with the monkeys as the animals are very susceptible to viral infections.

No Contact Policy

We are often asked whether or not volunteers will have the chance to touch or hold the sloths whilst on this project. Our answer to this question is, and will always be no, and this is for good reason.

We always need to keep the best interest of the animals in mind and human contact can have a harmful effect on sloths as well as other wildlife. Touching and holding sloths is detrimental to the possibility of their release and increases the risk of infections. The No Contact Policy also stands to protect these animals from accidental injury from inexperienced handlers. By having this policy, the sanctuary avoids unnecessary captivity and demonstrates respect for the wild nature of these animals.

Although you will not have hands-on contact with the sloths, you will still be able to observe them regularly and see how your contribution to their husbandry and enrichment makes a real difference in their lives!