Volunteers on this project will have the opportunity to work alongside local staff at a rescue centre dedicated to rescuing, releasing and protecting some of Costa Rica’s most incredible wildlife. The centre is home to approximately 500 creatures made up of over 80 species ranging from monkeys to crocodiles, and big cats to tapirs. Your role will be varied as you assist with the care of the animals and the running of the centre.
Project Location
You will be situated in Costa Rica’s Alajuela province, close to Arenal and San Carlos.
The Volunteer Programme
The animal rescue centre was initially established as a private sanctuary for wildlife that that had been ill-treated. It later opened as a public zoo in order to fund the ever-increasing maintenance costs and more recently it has been transformed from a zoo into a wildlife rescue centre.
In 2006 the Ford/Jaguar Cars International Conservation Award recognised the centre’s efforts and awarded a sum of money to help with their work focused on jaguars. The centre has also developed a programme to promote environmental awareness among the local community.
The wildlife rescue centre covers 27 acres and is home to around 500 animals some of which are free to roam the grounds of the property. Creatures at the centre range from spider monkeys to tapirs, macaws to toucans and crocodiles to iguanas. There are over 80 species homed at the centre including a numbers of big cats and felines.
The centre makes a huge difference to the conditions of the wildlife despite the fact it survives only through private funds and donations. For this reason, volunteer assistance is vital in order allow the centre to continue it’s efforts. The main focus is on the following five areas;
Breeding: The overall goal of the breeding projects is to release the offspring into natural habitats in the wild.
Liberation: Animals showing the potential to be successfully released back into the wild are put through their paces in rigorous programmes teaching them how to survive on their own.
Reintroduction: Upon arrival at the centre, animals are first quarantined, then rehabilitated and wherever possible (dependant on fitness) are released into protected areas.
Rescue: The centre has been involved in many animal rescues for example in cases of maltreatment, and they are also involved in the prevention of illegal activities such as deforestation and hunting.
Conservation: Those creatures which will never be fit enough to return to their natural habitats are cared for on a daily basis.
Volunteer Activities
During your time at the wildlife rescue centre, you will be involved in some or all of the following activities;
- Food preparation for the animals
- Feeding
- Cleaning enclosures
- Building enclosures
- Assisting with the general maintenance of the facilities
- Guiding tourists around the centre
You may opt to split your time between assisting at the rescue centre as well as helping out at a local school. Please enquire at the Gap Year for Grown Ups office for more details.
Project Requirements
The participants on this programme may be of a broad age range. Minimum age 18 years, maximum age decided on potential participants’ health. All volunteers should have a basic understanding of Spanish (you are able to combine this project with language lessons).
Project Orientation
On your first day in Costa Rica you will be taken to the volunteer centre in San Jose for a comprehensive orientation session. Here you will be provided with plenty of useful information about Costa Rica, San José and the project work. It is also a great opportunity to ask any questions that you may have. The following day you will travel to the project location.
Accommodation and meals
During your time at this project you will be accommodated with a local host family where you will have your own bedroom and a shared bathroom. You will be located no more than 2km from the rescue centre allowing you to walk, cycle to catch a bus to the project each day. Staff at the project will provide you with three meals each day, which will consist of typical Costa Rican fare such as rice, beans, corn, pasta, meant, vegetables and fresh fruit.
Free Time
Each week you will have one day off to spend as you wish. Some volunteers use this time to catch up with friends and family back home using the Internet and phone facilities either at the centre or in Arenal town. However, if you want to travel a little further a field and have some fun during your free time here are some suggestions;
- Visit Arenal’s active Volcano
- Get a birds eye view of the rainforests on a canopy tour
- Go on a horse trek
- Try bungee jumping
- Take a bus to Manuel Antonio national park for incredible beaches and fascinating wildlife
Getting there
You should arrange flights to San Jose International airport. We recommend that you arrive the Sunday before the project commences. You will be met upon arrival by a project representative and taken to you accommodation.
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