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Animal Rescue Project in Costa Rica

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  • Animal Rescue Project in Costa Rica
Project Summary

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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WHY JOIN THE PROJECT

To help with the nurture and release of animals

Take the chance to live in a beautiful and diverse area

To experience the vibrant Costa Rican culture

FEATURED VIDEO

PROJECT TESTIMONIALS

The Location

Where will I work in Costa Rica?

Costa Rica is a naturally beautiful destination filled with volcanoes, beaches and cloud forests. The capital, San Jose, is a regional favourite for tourism, but unlike other destinations, it does not have one central tourist area. During your first week, you’ll enjoy exploring this vast cosmopolitan city with its museums, hotels, bars, coffee shops and plazas, all boasting rich cultural history.

The projects are based in four different areas. Beach locations on the Pacific coast are available. These are popular tourist areas that offer relaxation time for volunteers as well as exciting activities, such as surfing or adventure sports. Costa Rican nightlife can offer anything from visiting a local karaoke bar to dancing the night away at a city club. Whatever your interests, this multi locational project is sure to be able to offer plenty for you to do.

Details & Costs

  • Duration: 3+ weeks
  • Cost: £1313 / $2049 for 3 weeks
    £262 / $409 per each extra week
  • Requirements: Age 18+
  • Location: Choice of 4 project locations: Guancaste, Pacific, Turracares or Alajuela in Costa Rica
  • Working hours: 5 or 6 days per week depending on your project choice
  • Project availability: All year round
  • Arrival day: Sunday

What is included

  • Accommodation: Single or Shared room in a home-stay or Volunteer Accommodation depending on your project choice, homestay in San Jose
  • Food: 3 Meals per day during placement, 2 meals during Spanish study
  • Airport pick up from San Jose International Airport
  • Training: Pre-departure preparation pack, on-site Orientation and Project induction provided
  • 1 weeks intensive Spanish lessons in San Jose (20 hours study)
  • Support: On-site coordinator providing 24 hour support
  • Transport by public bus to project (private transfers available at additional cost)

 

What is not included

  • Flights
  • Insurance
  • Visas
  • Daily transport between your accommodation and your project
  • Airport Drop Off to San Jose International Airport
  • Additional weeks of Spanish classes. These can be arranged for £250 / $438 per week. Price includes accommodation
  • Police/Government Background Check; US and UK citizens will be processed through Kaya (admin fee applies) all other nationalities must provide local police check.
  • Any costs for COVID-19 PCR tests required pre-departure and in-country
Gallery

Pictures from our Animal Rescue Project in Costa Rica

Group photo animal rescue Costa Rica
Horse animal rescue Costa Rica
Outside the language school animal rescue Costa Rica
Volunteer and lizard animal rescue Costa Rica
Volunteers in enclosure animal rescue Costa Rica
Volunteers on horseback animal rescue Costa Rica

Easy 4-step application process

APPLY ONLINE

Click here to apply online and pay your application fee to apply for your space on your chosen project. Our advisors will then contact you to guide you through the next steps.

TELEPHONE INTERVIEW

Once we’ve received your application, we’ll review your details and be in touch to arrange your informal telephone interview with your Kaya Placement Advisor.

CONFIRMATION

Following your interview, we will provide you a placement offer. Once you are ready to confirm your placement and dates, you can pay your confirmation fee to book and secure your space.

GET PREPARED

When you have confirmed your project dates we'll send you your Welcome Pack and lots of other helpful information to assist you with preparing for your placement.

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