Wildlife Internship

location
2 - 50 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+

rating  Outstanding 4.9  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Good response rate

Highlights

  • Experience daily life in a working wildlife sanctuary, rehabilitation center and endangered species breeding center.
  • Gain valuable knowledge, experience and insight into animal care, behavior, conservation issues and research methods.
  • Improve your Spanish by working alongside our local staff.

Highlights

  • Experience daily life in a working wildlife sanctuary, rehabilitation center and endangered species breeding center.
  • Gain valuable knowledge, experience and insight into animal care, behavior, conservation issues and research methods.
  • Improve your Spanish by working alongside our local staff.
  • Meet fellow interns from all over the world.
  • Explore all Costa Rica has to offer in your free time!


  • Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    Help us care for wildlife in our sanctuary, conservation breeding center and rehab center. Gain experience in a lush tropical setting with all the comforts of home.

    Interning with Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center (RWRC) is a life-changing opportunity to work with wild animals in Costa Rica and assist us with our mission to protect and restore Costa Rica’s biodiversity through:

    • Endangered Species Breeding and Reintroduction
    • Biodiversity Preservation
    • Lifetime Care ...

    About the program

    Interning with Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center (RWRC) is a life-changing opportunity to work with wild animals in Costa Rica and assist us with our mission to protect and restore Costa Rica’s biodiversity through:

    • Endangered Species Breeding and Reintroduction
    • Biodiversity Preservation
    • Lifetime Care of Non-releasable Animals
    • Wildlife Rehabilitation and Release *please note that you will be helping to return the animals to the wild by collecting natural foods and creating enrichment, but you will not be working directly with the animals as we need to minimize their contact with humans. 

    The Location

    RWRC is based in Alajuela, just 15 minutes from the main international airport. The center is set in 34 acres of tropical forest and is home to over 800 animals.

    Interns stay on-site in a bright, well-appointed house with Wi-Fi, a full kitchen, dedicated laundry facilities and spacious shared bedrooms. The guesthouse is a three-bedroom house with two bathrooms, a kitchen and a laundry room.  Linens, towels and pillows are provided. We are happy to try to accommodate visitors who are traveling together. The windows are screened so there is no need for a mosquito net unless you are visiting one of our release sites. There are fans in all the rooms. very intern is provided with private, lockable closet space. There is ample closet space for personal belongings. Wifi is available in the guesthouse, restaurant and coffee shop. 

    Lunch and dinner are prepared by the chef in our on-site restaurant, and breakfast foods are supplied for you to prepare in the guest house. The program is 'all-inclusive'! 


    Information regarding COVID-19

    Vaccination for Covid-19 or a negative Covid-19 test within 72 hours prior to arrival is required to participate in any of our programs. 


    What do Wildlife Interns do?

    Interns work with our local team to provide the resident animals with the very best care and give the rehabilitating animals the best chance of being released back into the wild!

    • Assist the caregivers in the Lifetime Care Sanctuary and Endangered Species Breeding Centre with feeding, cleaning and maintenance. 
    • Collect data for behavioral research in the Endangered Species Breeding Center. 
    • Learn to recognize and collect wild foods for baby sloths and howler monkeys in the Rehabilitation Center. 
    • Participate in weekly lecture series on wildlife care, rehabilitation and conservation. 
    • Design and implement animal enrichment in the Lifetime Care Sanctuary, Endangered Species  Breeding Center and Rehabilitation Center. 
    • Clicker training animals in the sanctuary to allow for veterinary checks. 
    • Assist with clicker training for jaguar, puma, coyotes, primates. 

    Please note: Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center has a strict “hands off” policy in all areas of our center. This is not only for the safety of our interns, but also prevents rehabilitating animals from becoming too tame to be released. While we completely understand the desire to be close to animals, allowing the animals at the center to be handled and petted by ever-changing interns would be unethical and detrimental to their welfare.



    Typical day

    No Day is typical

    One day you may be collecting natural browse for the baby sloths in the Rehabilitation Center, another day you may be monitoring the behavior of the Scarlet Macaws in the Endangered Species Breeding Center or making environmental enrichment for the coyotes in the Lifetime Care ...

    Typical day

    No Day is typical

    One day you may be collecting natural browse for the baby sloths in the Rehabilitation Center, another day you may be monitoring the behavior of the Scarlet Macaws in the Endangered Species Breeding Center or making environmental enrichment for the coyotes in the Lifetime Care Sanctuary and yet another day you might be helping to clicker train Guapo the jaguar! 

    Various projects are developed throughout the year and there are often opportunities for longer-term interns to assist at Rescates release sites in Nicoya and Golfito. So a “typical day” will  be different depending on the needs of the animals. 

    Example Schedule 

    Everyday is different, but here is a sample of what you might expect: 

    • 7:00 - 9:30: Identifying and collecting plants for infant sloths and monkeys and  cleaning enclosures in the Rehabilitation Center. 
    • 9:30 - 10:00: BREAK 
    • 10:00 - 12:00: Designing, building and implementing enrichment items for animals  in the Lifetime Care Sanctuary. 
    • 12:00: LUNCH 
    • 13:00 - 14:00: Feeding the great green macaws and Scarlet Macaws in the  Endangered Species Breeding Center. 
    • 14:00 - 15:00: Wildlife Lecture Series 
    • 16:30-17:00 (Optional): Big cat clicker training and enrichment.
    Interns generally participate in activities in the sanctuary, breeding center and rehabilitation center 8 hours per day, 5 days per week with two days off for rest or travel. You are not guaranteed to have two day off in a row, but we will do our best to accommodate all requests. You are welcome to request additional days off if you prefer a lighter schedule or want to organize an excursion. Rescate is staffed from 6 am to 6 pm. It is important that we keep the number of people in the rehabilitation center to a minimum to prevent negative impact on the animals, thus you will not be permitted to work direct with the animals under rehabilitation or enter the rehabilitation center on your days off. 


    Free-time activities

    Interns have two days off per week and there is a bus stop just opposite the rescue center - you are encouraged to use your free time to explore everything that Costa Rica has to offer! Costa Rica is a small country so it is easy to get to anywhere from our rescue center. 

    Visit Manuel Antonio ...

    Free-time activities

    Interns have two days off per week and there is a bus stop just opposite the rescue center - you are encouraged to use your free time to explore everything that Costa Rica has to offer! Costa Rica is a small country so it is easy to get to anywhere from our rescue center. 

    Visit Manuel Antonio National Park and see sloths and monkeys or the Monteverde Cloudforest Reserve to find the famous Resplendant quetzal, visit the Arenal Volcano - the most active volcano in Costa Rica or simply head to one of Costa Rica’s fabulous beaches or waterfalls and relax! 

    Whatever your interests, we can help you organize an amazing holiday in Costa Rica before, during or after your internship. We have access to an experienced tour agent who can help you organize local transport, accommodation and activities whatever your interests are and wherever you want to go. 


    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 18 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (basic level)

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Other Skills

    No skills are required to participate in our Wildlife Rehabilitation Internship program, just a strong interest in wildlife and animal welfare and behavior and a desire to help us return Costa Rica's wildlife to the wild where they belong.

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday

    What's Included

    What's Included

    Services by Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center

    What's included?
    • Internship
    • breakfast, lunch, dinner
    • linens
    • wifi
    • accommodation
    • after hours on-site activities

    What's not included?
    Flights and Travel insurance, personal items
    *Transport to and from the airport can be arranged 

    Accommodation

    Shared accommodation will be provided in a secure 3-bedroom house with shared bathroom and kitchen areas. Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center is fenced and has 24-hour security. WIFI is available 24 hours a day in the interns/volunteer accommodation, restaurant, outdoor café, rehabilitation center, and at various sites throughout the Lifetime Care Sanctuary.

    • There is a mixture of single beds and bunkbeds and bedding and bath towels are provided. 
    • Rooms and beds are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis, but we are happy to try to accommodate visitors who are traveling together. 
    • The windows are screened so there is no need for a mosquito net unless you are visiting one of our release sites. 
    • There is ample closet space for personal belongings. 
    • Each room has two closets. 
    • Linens, towels and pillows are provided. 
    You are not allowed to take the towels, pillows or linens out of the guest house for any reason. If you are assigned a room with four beds, you will be sharing a closet. Please keep the room tidy and ensure that all personal items are kept in the closets when not in use. We recommend that you lock any valuable items in the closet if you are not in the room as we cannot be responsible for any missing items.

    Food & Beverages

    Breakfast: Eggs, fruit, cereal, milk, tea and coffee are provided for interns and volunteers to prepare their own breakfast.
    Lunch & dinner: Cooked meals are provided in the on-site restaurant. Special diets will gladly be accommodated on request. Food can also be purchased a la carte from the restaurant in the Lifetime Care Sanctuary. There is also an ice cream shop, a snack shop, and a small outdoor café in the sanctuary where you can sample freshly made juice pops, fantastic gourmet coffee, or local pastries.

    All meal requests must be placed on the WhatsApp chat by 11 am. Please only place orders for the current day (i.e. do not order meals a day ahead of time as it is too confusing for the restaurant staff). The restaurant is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. If you are taking your dinner in the restaurant, you must arrive at the restaurant by 4:30 p.m. Guests wishing to have their dinner after 5 p.m. are provided with a reusable take away plate. You must wash and return the plate to the restaurant by 11 a.m. each day that you would like a take away dinner.

    Water from standard faucets throughout the facility is supplied by an underground well and is very safe for drinking. Do not drink water from restroom facilities or hose pipes. If you prefer bottled water, it is available for purchase at the restaurant and various venues throughout the Life-time Care Sanctuary. 


    Internet Access

    Good access at the project site

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Airport Pickup at Juan Santamaria International Airport

    An airport pickup isn't included within the program fees either.

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) in San Jose. We assist you to find cheap flights to Costa Rica. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Costa Rica provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in Costa Rica you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Costa Rica. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    Our program is open year round. There is a minimum stay of one week. 

    Interns should plan to arrive on a Friday and leave on a Thursday.  

    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program fees

    2 weeks (min. stay) 1,097€
    3 weeks 1,646€
    4 weeks 2,195€
    5 weeks 2,743€
    6 weeks 3,292€
    7 weeks 3,840€
    8 weeks 4,389€
    9 weeks 4,938€
    10 weeks 5,486€
    50 weeks (max. stay) 26,435€
    Average fees 539€/week

    Program fees

    539€ per week 2 - 50 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    2 - 50 weeks

    Deposit

    The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.


    Final Payment

    Your final payment will be agreed with Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


    Meet your organization

    Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center

    Outstanding 4.9 rating (18 reviews)

    Non-profit - founded in 1989

    Verified by Volunteer World

      Good response rate

    Coordinated by

    Jeanne Marie Pittman

    Spoken languages: English

    About the project

    Costa Ricas largest wildlife sanctuary encompassing a Rehabilitation Center, Endangered Species Breeding Center, Lifetime care sanctuary and two release sites.

    Meet your organization

    Who We Are

    Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center (formerly Rescate Animal Zooave) is a registered non-profit wildlife rehabilitation facility founded in 1989 and located on 34 acres of natural tropical forest in the province of Alajuela, Costa Rica.


    What We Do

    Our mission is to protect and restore the country’s biodiversity through wildlife rehabilitation, endangered species breeding, habitat preservation and the provision of lifetime care for truly non-releasable animals.

    There are three main centers at Rescate’s facility in Alajuela:

    1.      A state-of-the-art Wildlife Rehabilitation Center

    2.      An Endangered Species Breeding Center

    3.      A Lifetime Care Sanctuary with more than 125 species of animals.

    Over 2,700 wild animals are admitted to Rescate on an annual basis including sloths, jaguars, monkeys, tapirs, pumas and coyotes as well as a wide variety of birds, small mammals and reptiles. 

    Roughly 2% of the birds, mammals, and reptiles that have been rescued cannot be released due to health or behavioral reasons. Non-releasable endangered species in the Endangered Species Breeding Center have an opportunity to contribute to the survival of their species through successful breeding and release of off-spring. Non-releasable wildlife of other species are provided with lifetime sanctuary in the Lifetime Care Sanctuary.

    Where we work? 

    We are located in Alajuela, Costa Rica just 20 minutes from the main international airport. Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center is a lush green forest that provides a natural environment to our resident animals. Costa Rica is known for it’s incredible biodiversity and there are beautiful views at almost every turn. As we are so close to San Jose it’s possible to get a bus to just about everywhere in the country!


    Who are we looking for?

    We are looking for people passionate about animal welfare and conservation who would like to learn more about real-world conservation and improve the lives of animals.


    Why choose us?

    Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center is the largest wildlife sanctuary in Costa Rica and we are one of only two sanctuaries in Costa accredited by GFAS (Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries). There is no other organisation in Costa Rica that provides the opportunity to experience a sanctuary, rehabilitation center, endangered species breeding center and two release sites! 

    18 reviews · rating4.9

    Julie Bouchard rating5

    2022 at Wildlife Internship

    I spent 2 weeks as a wildlife intern. Living at the site and participating in the care of so many animals was amazing. The work was physical at times. The entire staff was awesome and always willing to teach me about the wildlife and also improve my Spanish. I highly recommend this experience ...
    Ana Luiza Versiani rating5

    2022 at Wildlife Internship

    Amazing experience. We loved our stay at this place. It's very organized and they are doing a serious work on helping wild animals in Costa Rica. I highly recomend it. Nice people, good lodging, nice food, beautiful place. We were so happy to have chosen this particular place. ..
    Dana Kumprechtova rating4.8

    2022 at Wildlife Internship

    I volunteered at Rescate Animal ZooAve for 3 weeks and enjoyed this experience tremendously. The centre is highly professional and the care of animals is excellent. Many rescued animals (or their offspring) are released back into the wild at the Rescate Animal release sites, at one of which I also ...
    Abigel Fekete rating4.8

    2022 at Wildlife Internship

    Really enjoyed my stay at the rescue center, got to meet incredibly knowledgeable people, have had marvelous experiences during my 8 days. I wished the food they served for the volunteers was better. ..
    Serena rating5

    2021 at Wildlife Internship

    When I came to Costa Rica for this internship, I was nervous. I didn’t know what to expect. I expected to see a few cool animals and mostly ask questions and ask if I could jump in at times. I was hoping to be able to do as much hands on as possible, but I didn’t expect to be able to at first. I ...
    Kade Hudgins rating5

    2021 at Wildlife Internship

    My time at rescate was amazing and is truly a time I will not forget! Working along side other volunteers and learning from Phil and Sophie has pushed me to want to continue my journey in conservation. I highly recommend this program for anybody who wants to get into conservation, or even to just ...

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