Animal Rescue Volunteer Project in Costa Rica

What is the Animal Rescue Project in Costa Rica all about?

Come volunteer with us in Costa Rica in a busy animal rescue centre. The projects need help to control the huge numbers of unwanted and abandoned pets in Costa Rica. You will help animals that have been neglected by their owners, that have been confiscated for being used illegally as pets, that have lost their natural habitats, or that have been injured and are now undergoing rehabilitation. Many of these animals are able to be nursed back to health and released back into the wild, though some animals become permanent members of the rescue center family because they couldn’t be released back into the wild or are part of a conservation breeding programme.

You can expect to see all sorts of incredibly interesting and beautiful animals, such as tapirs, spider monkeys, green and scarlet Macaws. After completing a week of intensive Spanish lessons in San Jose to prepare you for your placement, you will be assigned to one of four different projects. Join us on this Animal Rescue Project in Costa Rica and work on a fascinating front-line animal care and conservation programme that animal lovers are sure to enjoy.

Why choose this Animal Rescue project?

The number of animals coming into the centre is increasing. Help is needed everyday to aid the animal’s recoveries and possible release back into the wild. The project benefits by having volunteers help the regular local staff with their responsibilities. The volunteer benefits from seeing first-hand the approaches that are being taken to tackle wildlife rehabilitation and release. In addition, volunteers are able to develop their Spanish skills through practicing with local families and project members, while in return encouraging non-native speakers to develop their English speaking skills. It makes for an interesting addition to any CV/Resume!

Role of the Conservation Volunteer in Costa Rica

Volunteers will begin their placement in San Jose attending a one week intensive Spanish school. Your lessons will be determined by your current language level. It is a great opportunity to meet other people, who can help you to determine where you would like to eventually be placed. After the first week, you will spend two weeks or more volunteering at one of four project sites. Everyday tasks may involve: food preparation for the animals, cleaning cages, repairing habitats, caring for the animals, cleaning trails and/or providing information to visitors at the sanctuaries.

What skills do I need to be a Conservation Volunteer in Costa Rica?

Volunteers of all backgrounds are welcome! Those with skills or experience in veterinary medicine are highly valued. Volunteers must be eager to help wherever needed, show compassion, have lots of energy and love animals. Volunteers must also have the emotional maturity to accept that some animals may be too sick or injured to have a decent quality of life, and that euthanasia is necessary. Please note that most placements operate a hands-off policy, as this is in the best interests of animals if they are to be returned to the wild.

A good basic level of Spanish is required (Basic User Level A2 of the CEFR) for acceptance onto this placement. If you are not at this level, you can book additional language lessons prior to your project start date. Please discuss this with a Kaya Placement Advisor.

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