Costa Rica – Sloth and Wildlife Rescue Center

Costa Rica is one of the world’s most popular ecotourism destinations, because of its incredible biodiversity. Scientists estimate that Costa Rica may contain as much as 5% of the earth’s plant and animal species! Costa Rica translates to “rich coast” in Spanish for its diverse landscapes, which include rainforests, tropical and temperate forests, volcanoes, beaches, high mountains and marshy lowlands.

The Wildlife Rescue Center is in Alajuela on a 10 acre farm, just a short drive from the Juan Santamaría International Airport.

Costa Rica is a well-known destination for sustainable and nature tourism. Yet, its diverse wildlife is still under many threats. These include habitat loss because of development, electrocutions, dog and cat attacks, and illegal pet trading.

We work with one of the best wildlife organizations in Costa Rica. They dedicate themselves to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of local animals.

There is an on-site hospital staffed by dedicated vets/interns and comfortable living quarters, which can house up to 100+ volunteers. The animal enclosures include an aviary, sloth gardens, and monkey cages, all surrounded by nature. This provides the animals a place similar to their natural habitat as they recover from their wounds.

As a volunteer, you will help the local staff treat sick, injured and orphaned animals. Their primary goal is to release animals back to the wild when possible. Your volunteer tasks will include:

• Preparing food for over 100 animals
• Cleaning and upkeep of animal enclosures
• Feeding the animals
• Building and implementing new animal toys (animal enrichment)
• Washing utensils & cleaning the kitchen where food is prepared
• Placing fresh water in the bird cages
• Providing a caring environment for the animals and checking for injuries
• Facility maintenance chores: repairing, cleaning, planting, installing, building, painting, reforesting, etc. Assisting the on-site vet when possible
• Taking part in educational community projects
• Weekly enrichment projects for the animals
• We encourage volunteers to advance their own individual projects. If you identify potential for a special project, we will work with you to transform your idea into action.

Sloth Team: Volunteers that stay for 2 weeks or longer may join the Sloth Team. The tasks on this team are just for sloths and include preparing food, feeding, cleaning their enclosures, creating enrichments and sloth babysitting.

Internet: WiFi is available

Laundry: Laundry service is available

Accommodations: Multiple volunteer housing options from 4 to 8 people per room with a shared bathroom. There is also an option to upgrade to a private glamping tent, private room or tiki-hut. All rooms are subject to availability.

Food: 3 delicious and healthy meals per day prepared by our private chefs (we also cater to vegetarians, vegans, gluten-free diets and all allergies).

• GoEco Interview
• The program requires you to have a full COVID-19 vaccination or negative PCR test before arrival.
• Minimum age of 16 (with parental consent)
• Physically fit
• Love and respect for animals
• Flexible and open-minded to do all kinds of chores, depending on project needs
• Adaptability to the weather in Costa Rica (tropical climate – high temperatures and humidity during the rainy season)
• All volunteers coming from South America or Africa must have a yellow fever vaccination certification in order to enter Costa Rica

As a volunteer, you can join daily night activities, including Zumba lessons, night walks, bonfires, trivia, movie night and much more…

The program also includes weekly tours to many tourist destinations throughout the country. Some options include:

• Jaco Beach where you can ride ATV’s and Canopy Tours (zip lines),
• Manuel Antonio National Park where you can tour the rainforest or relax on the beach,
• Monterverde Cloud Forest where you can enjoy the hanging bridges,
• Arenal Volcano where you can submerge yourself in the warm, beautiful hot springs.