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Costa Rica Sloth Rescue Programme
This Programme
The wildlife sanctuary was created in 1972 and now provides food and sanctuary to many migrating birds as well as acting as a home for a variety of small and large mammals, reptiles, butterflies and resident birds typical of the lowland tropical rain forest. The project protects an area of approximately 120 acres and in 1996 the land was included in the Regiment of National Parks and Privately Owned Protected Areas.
The history of sloths at the sanctuary dates back to 1992 when three neighbouring girls found an orphaned baby sloth whose mother had been killed by a car. They brought her to the sanctuary in the hope that they could help. The couple took the sloth in, named her Buttercup, and as word spread about the successful rescue, people started to bring more and more sloths to the sanctuary to be cared for.
Over the years, the sanctuary has rescued many sloths and other wildlife that have suffered at the hands of human intervention in the natural world. In 1997, the sanctuary was recognized by the Costa Rican government as a refuge for the rescue and rehabilitation of sloths.
In order to finance its operations, the rescue centre receives tours and operates a bed and breakfast and gift shop on the premises. As a volunteer, you will also play a very important role in helping to maintain jungle trails, guiding tours, preparing meals and caring for injured individuals, assisting veterinarians and other specialists who care for the sloths in the sanctuary and mucking in with cage cleaning and general maintenance around the project.
Programme Age Limit
The participants on this programme may be of a broad age range. Maximum age decided on potential participants’ health.
Orientation
On Monday you will have a comprehensive orientation meeting, which will cover all essential topics such as banks and money, transport, places to see, safety precautions and work ethics. This is also the perfect time to ask any questions you have about the project. In the afternoon there will be the opportunity to take a salsa class and to use the facilities at the project office. The following day you will then travel to the sanctuary to begin your volunteer work.
Programme Support
Throughout your stay you will receive the support and guidance of a volunteer work coordinator and their team. They will be on hand to answer your questions and offer any advice you may need during your time on the project. In addition, you will have access to our UK staff 24 hours a day, via our emergency contact number.
Accommodation and Meals
You will be staying in shared rooms, which include both single and bunk beds and a shared bathroom with shower facilities. The accommodation has electricity, drinking water and a telephone service. Three daily meals are included in the programme and these will be provided by the staff from the rescue centre. The meals are based on a typical Costa Rican diet, meaning the food is wholesome but fairly basic. Most meals will include rice, beans, corn, meat, pasta, vegetables and seasonal fruits.
Please note that smoking is strictly prohibited on the programme and no chemicals (perfumes, sun cream etc) should be used while on the project as this harms the sloths.
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