Costa Rica - Wildlife Rescue

Volunteer role at the project:

The project provides a safe haven for over 50 animals and rescues a number of new animals each week. The hope for these newly rescued animals is that they can be treated in the on-site clinic and then quickly returned to the wild when they are healthy again. For those animals who are too badly injured or not able to be released for other reasons, they can be provided with a home at the sanctuary.

As a volunteer, your core role will focus on assisting in the sanctuary, tasks can include:

• Preparing food
• Providing water
• Feeding the animals
• Assisting with cleaning the enclosures
• Creating enrichments for the animals
• Maintenance work around the sanctuary

How the project is making a difference:

The project’s mission is to protect Costa Rica’s diverse wildlife by rescuing and rehabilitating wildlife and where possible returning them to the wild. They also conduct scientific research and promote conservation by educating local and international visitors.

The project provides education about the ecological importance of the rainforest and has created programmes which preserve and protect both the rainforest and its wild inhabitants. They develop awareness of the critical importance of saving the rainforest for the survival of the planet and encourage ecological practices. There are numerous threats to the rainforest including burning, logging, mining, development and cattle farming. The project has created monkey corridors and carries out ongoing reforestation programmes as well as education initiatives in an attempt to relieve these pressures.

Why volunteers are needed:

Volunteers support the ongoing work at the project by providing an extra pair of hands to assist the local staff in caring for the animals in the sanctuary. This ensures that all of the animals receive optimum levels of care and can also be provided with enrichment.