Volunteer in an Indigenous Wildfife Rescue Center

Project Summary: The wildlife refuge is located next to Samara in the beautiful neighboring town of Playa Carillo. The refuge is run by a Spanish and Italian couple who created the refuge 3 years ago in order to raise awareness of the species of animals that inhabit the coastline of Guanacaste province. The refuge is home to over 32 species of different animals ranging from crocodiles, iguanas, bats, snakes, turtles, monkeys, opossums, anteaters and armadillos.

The entire refuge is run by these two animal lovers, their collection of animals is constantly growing as more and more people in the province hear about their great work and bring in animals that have become injured due to encounters with humans.

Your role as a volunteer

Your main responsibilities will be preparing the animal's meals, feeding the animals and cleaning their cages on a daily basis. Some animals are nocturnal so the schedule below can be rearranged if you want to spend a few nights feeding and observe these animals.

PLEASE NOTE: This program is ONLY for participants who have a love for animals. The work in the refuge is very hard especially in the raining season when you will have to work in wet conditions and uncomfortable conditions. This means that during these wet periods you will be working in boots, trousers and a long sleeve top as well as having to use mosquito repellant to avoid dengue and malaria mosquitos bites. If you do not really enjoy working with animals then you will definitely not enjoy working this work.
Some of the animals in the refuge are nocturnal so if you want observe these animals it will mean working at night. Sleeping arrangements in the cabins in the refuge can be arranged for these duties.

During the dry season the wildlife refuge also gives tours to visitors and you may become involved in this tourism part of the project if you wish. The couple also has a restaurant and cabins on the property, so you can lend a hand in the reception area and the restaurant as well. There is also a botanical garden, that requires trimming and watering on a daily basis.

Program Schedule

Monday-Friday 7am - 11am (This can be divided into two shifts if you want to observe the nocturnal animals.)

Project requirements

Prior experience with animal care is not required but you must enjoy working with animals and a background in biology or any related background would be useful as well.

Project dress code

Depends on the season. Wet season: light trousers, thin long sleeves and boots. Dry season shorts and T-shirt, also in the dry season you may be leading tours around the refuge, so you should bring suitable clothing for this as you will be around children and adults.

Suggested resources to be brought to project

Please inquire if you plan on bringing resources to this project.


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