Be part of our wildlife adventure: Explore exciting internships - Vet, Wildlife, or Road to Freedom.
Or just volunteer for us. Help protect Costa Rica's amazing animals.
Unlock remarkable opportunities with Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center’s diverse volunteering and internship programs in Costa Rica. Specifically, if you seek a one-time adventure or, alternatively, a comprehensive internship, our wildlife-focused experiences offer a unique chance to contribute to our mission. Moreover, immerse yourself in Costa Rica’s astounding biodiversity, which is home to over 500,000 species, while simultaneously gaining hands-on skills.
However, that’s not all. Additionally, you can make a lasting impact through sponsorship. Choose, for example, from our three levels – bronze, silver, and gold – and enjoy the satisfaction of supporting our vital conservation work. Furthermore, get involved in special projects, donate essential goods, or contribute towards much-needed equipment for our clinic. Consequently, your commitment resonates far beyond, nurturing both wildlife and the future of conservation.
Veterinary interns work directly with our highly experienced veterinarian and our rehabilitation staff. Over 3,000 animals are admitted to the rescue center on an annual basis and include orphans, injured animals, electrocutions, confiscations and surrendered pets. Additionally, there are over 800 non-releasable wild animals in our sanctuary that require medical management. Veterinary interns assist with with animal intakes, exams, treatments, surgeries, feeding and record keeping.
Dive into a program where you’ll directly contribute to our mission of rehabilitating and preserving Costa Rica’s biodiversity. Work hands-on in the Lifetime Care Sanctuary, Endangered Species Breeding Center and the Rescue Center, feeding animals, conducting behavioral research, and creating enriching experiences for our non-releasable wildlife or even clicker train our Jaguar “Guapo”. Every day is unique and completely different. Join us to make an impact on wildlife conservation!
This internship gives you the unique opportunity to not only see, but to play an active part in what we call: The Road to Freedom. Our Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center receives hundreds of animals that have been rescued from the pet trade, injured, sick, or orphaned. It is at Bosque Escondido on the Nicoya Peninsula that we see the fruition of our team’s hard work, and aid the animals in their release and their second chance at life in the wild, the final step on their Road to Freedom.
Are you seeking a remarkable volunteer experience or searching for an internship opportunity related to wildlife and conservation? Look no further than our awe-inspiring wildlife volunteer and internship programs in Costa Rica.
Whether you’re interested in a short-term volunteer opportunity or require an internship as part of your studies, our programs offer unparalleled experiences. Here’s why Costa Rica is the perfect destination for wildlife volunteering:
Join us in Costa Rica and become part of our mission to protect and preserve the abundant wildlife this country has to offer. Experience the beauty of nature while making a tangible impact on the future of our planet.
Volunteering Opportunities
Embark on an enriching journey with Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center’s unique volunteering opportunities in Costa Rica. Immerse yourself in an exclusive stay, gaining behind-the-scenes insights into our sanctuary’s operations. Forge global friendships while contributing your expertise to vital projects that support our mission. This opportunity is exclusively for experienced individuals in specific fields, committed to shaping conservation. Join our community, united by a shared passion for wildlife. Explore the roles or projects we need help with and become a driving force in preserving Costa Rica’s fauna and contribute in educational projects.
Based at the Rescate, but there could be opportunities to visit our release sites in Nicoya and Golfito.
There are three main centers: a state-of the art Wildlife Rescue Center and veterinary clinic; an Endangered Wildlife Reproduction Center; and a Conservation Park consisting of 35 acres of lush botanical gardens with more than 125 species of animals, among them birds, mammals and reptiles that have been rescued and, due to health or behavioral reasons, cannot be fully rehabilitated for reintroduction into their natural habitat. The large enclosures are naturally designed to allow non-releasable wildlife a high quality of life with lots of natural enrichment.
In addition to releasing wildlife in the Conservation Park in La Garita de Alajuela, we also maintain two release sites: Bosque Escondido Wildlife Refuge, a 720 hectare dry tropical forest in the Nicoya Peninsula; and Golfito, a 37 hectare tropical rainforest in the province of Puntarenas. Our Costa Rica volunteers will have an opportunity to assist at the Bosque Escondido Wildlife Refuge.
Are you passionate about safeguarding Costa Rica’s diverse wildlife? Our Corporate Sponsorship Program offers various meaningful partnerships for businesses, whether you choose our Bronze, Silver, or Gold level. Explore the benefits of each tier on our dedicated sponsorship page and find out how your company can have a lasting impact.
Together, we can protect and restore wildlife, conserve endangered species, and preserve precious habitats. Join us with our mission and make a difference.
The support provided by our sponsors serves as a direct lifeline for animals in need, ensuring they receive the care and protection they deserve. As a sponsor, an active role is taken rather than just making a donation, with three available levels of involvement.
Donate for a specific object or project. Feel free to add a description to your donation, so we know which campaign you want to support 🙂
Endangered Species
Breeding Programs
Back in the 1940s, Scarlet Macaws were a common sight all over Costa Rica, except in the high mountains. However, around 2000, their numbers dropped dramatically, and they were only found in two spots on the Pacific coast. With the help of projects like ours, we’re bringing them back. Be a part of our mission to restore their population to its former state.
Sanctuary
Join us in making a real difference! We’ve welcomed numerous reptiles in need, and they deserve the best. That’s why we’re constructing a brand-new reptile house, and we’ve already invested our own funds to get started. Together, we prioritize the well-being of our wildlife, and your support can help us provide them with the exceptional homes they deserve.
Endangered Species
Breeding Programs
The Great Green Macaw is CRITICAL ENDANGERED! But what does that mean? There are probably less than an 1,000 adults worldwide, which means that they are just one step away from extinction. The Great Green is almost only native to central america and if we cannot restore the numbers, they can only be seen in zoos. Therefore, support our project and be a part of this mission.
