This project is located on a privately funded, 11 acre, animal rescue center in Costa Rica. The center is a Zoo but also rehabilitates wild animals and animals previously held in captivity as mascots. Animal victims of repossession, loss of habitat and accidents from all parts of the country are brought in by local government officials. The goal of the center is to nurse the animals back to health so that they can be released back into their natural habitat. Not all the animals in the zoo can be released back to their natural environment. The rescue center is a non-profit organization that does not receive and outside funding. It operates entirely on money garnered from entrance fees, sales and donations. Volunteers are enthusiastically welcomed as they are understaffed and in desperate need of extra help.

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Where will I be volunteering?

You will be volunteering among Costa Rica’s stunning and lush Central Valley in Alajuela province is the tiny city of Ciudad Quesada, one of the region’s main trading and business centers. Also known to many Costa Ricans as San Carlos, Ciudad Quesada lies around an hours’ drive (95 kilometers) north of the capital San Jose, in San Carlos canton. Roughly 48 kilometers from Naranjo, and untouched by tourism, this small city lies on the San Carlos plain known throughout the country for being among Costa Rica’s most agriculturally fertile areas. Lying southeast of Arenal Volcano, this city sits in a rich fertile valley, just 650 meters or 2,138 feet above sea level.

Project Testimonial: Nadav Gefen, Israel

The Refuge has many different animals including Crocodiles, Wild Cats, Tucans, Iguanas, a Wild Boar, a Baby Monkey, an Ant Eater, and a Kinkaju. Read My Full Testimonial »

What am I going to be doing?

The center works with three specific animal groups: reptiles, mammals and birds. Volunteers are free to choose the group they are most interested in working with, or they can work with all three on a rotational basis. Volunteers will aid in the rehabilitation process of these injured animals. Responsibilities may include preparing food, cleaning trails and cages, and recording observation.

What is required to volunteer on this project?

  • Language Requirement: Intermediate Spanish
    If you are interested in learning more Spanish, we offer Spanish Language Courses that can be taken prior to project placement.
  • Must be 18 years or older.

What will my schedule be like?

uVolunteer believes that you should have a well balanced work and play schedule. Please keep in mind that the schedule may change depending on the workload you choose and the needs of the project. You will typically work Monday through Friday, 7am to 3pm. It is necessary to maintain flexibility in your schedule in order to meet the needs of the project and its participants.

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Will I be able to communicate with family and friends?

In San Carlos, public telephones and internet cafes are very accessible. You will have to get a bus to the nearest town which is about 10 minutes away. You can buy phone cards and internet time for a very inexpensive price.

What can I do in my free time?

uVolunteer anticipates and encourages your desire for travel and adventure. Your time away from volunteering is open for you to decide your activities. You may decide to take advantage of the local culture and spend time within the community over the weekend. Otherwise, there is ample opportunity to explore Costa Rica and all it has to offer.

Great weekend trips include:

  • Arenal Volcano National Park in La Fortuna
  • Póas Volcano National Park in Cartago
  • Canopy tours in Monteverde
  • Museums in San José
  • Rafting on the Pacuare River in Turriabla
  • Surfing in Jacó, Puerto Viejo, Tamarindo, and Montezuma
  • Program Name: Volunteer
  • Project Name: Volunteer in Animal Conservation in San Carlos, Costa Rica
  • Project Category: Conservation
  • Project Location: San Carlos, San Jose
  • Program Fee: A 2 week experience starts from $765; add $120 for each additional week
  • Program fees include:
    • Airport Pickup Service
    • Welcome Orientation and debriefing
    • A volunteer project
    • Accommodation
    • Meals
    • Program Activities
    • Project Donation
    • The best in-country coordination support
    • 24/7 emergency hot line
    • Letter of Recommendation
    • Certificate
  • Items not included: Flights, travel insurance, visa costs, and transportation (except airport pickup)

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  • Project Transport Arrangements: Public bus, taxi,or walking
  • Suggested transportation budget: Approximately $20 per week (does not include weekend travel expenses)
  • Working Schedule: Monday through Friday; 4-6 hours per day
  • Language Requirement: Basic Spanish
  • Accommodation Type:
  • Meals: 2 Meals Breakfast and Dinner
  • Start dates: Fortnightly, on Fridays
  • Volunteer Gender: Male & Female
  • Minimum age: 18
  • Minimum project length: 2 Weeks
  • Maximum project length: 52 Weeks
  • Maximum number of volunteers: 3
  • Resume or CV required: Yes

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