What's not included: Flight, Visa Costs, In-country Transportation
Project Overview: You'll be working on an 11 acre property in San Carlos, Costa Rica that acts not only as a zoo for the public, but also as a center for rehabilitating sick and injured wild animals brought in by government officials and the local community. The animals are often saved from poor conditions, such as being held in captivity as mascots, or for illegal smuggling and sales. These conditions prevent the animals from living a healthy life where they are free to act out their natural behaviors. They are also in danger of mistreatment, abuse, and malnutrition.
Your volunteer work will be greatly appreciated. The regularly under-staffed center is a non-profit, running only on gathered entrance fees, sales, and donations. There are three different types of animals at the rehabilitation center: mammals, birds, and reptiles. You'll have the choice of working with one group, or alternating between all three. By helping these animals regain the strength to be released back into the wild, you'll be preserving the delicate balance of the Costa Rican ecosystem and protecting endangered species.
What will I be doing? Work will include helping treat and rehabilitate sick and injured wild animals. Caring for those who permanently live at the center will be a daily duty as well. You'll prepare food; clean the zoo trails and cages; record your own observations of the animals' health and behavior; and lend a hand in maintaining the sanctuary grounds.
Where will I be volunteering? You will be based just outside the traditional and important Central Valley town of Ciudad Quesada, also known as San Carlos. Ciudad Quesada lies an hour's drive north of the capital San Jose or 2 hours east of our home base in Sam Ramon.
Untouched by tourism, the city lies on the San Carlos plain known throughout the country for being the most agriculturally fertile land in Costa Rica.
The project is located in a rural area a 15 minute drive out of the town center.
What will be my schedule? The project schedule requires that you work 4 days a week, Monday to Thursday, for a maximum of 6 hours per day in the mornings.
Below are testimonials of previous volunteers on this project. Click though to their full reports where you can view their video reports, photos and you can also contact them directly by email to ask about their experiences with us in Costa Rica.
I learned a lot about the culture in these first few days and started to get an idea of how my stay in Costa Rica would be! The next day, I was put on a bus with instructions to change to another bus, then another! This was very daunting as I spoke very little Spanish! Nevertheless, I arrived safely that afternoon at my destination- La Marina Wildlife Rescue Centre.
The staff at uVolunteer were great and were with me every step of the way. Any questions that i had they promplty answered and kept in contact with me all through my trip prep.
Going through uVolunteer was one of the most life changing experiences I have had, and I look forward to future traveling and volunteer projects.
Following my project with uVolunteer, I am heading to another area of Costa Rica before heading back to Canada where I will look at my life and my future plans a bit differently after having this experience.
My third day at the zoo the owner brought me and another volunteer to explain everything. Once he talked to me I felt a lot more comfortable and was really inspired by the zoo that he was running...The zoo has been in his family and was passed down to him. I haven't met many people that are so devoted to a cause and it is truly inspiring to see.
The Refuge has many different animals including Crocodiles, Wild Cats, Tucans, Iguanas, a Wild Boar, a Baby Monkey, an Ant Eater, and a Kinkaju.
Costa Rica is our chosen destination for Latin America. Costa Rica is a tropical paradise; this tiny gem of a country in Central America possesses incredible beaches, cloud forests, mountains, and unbeatable biodiversity. Costa Rica is a safe and ideal location for first time travelers. Its laid back 'Pura Vida' lifestyle will ensure that all volunteers are treated to a warm, welcoming experience.
