Road to Freedom:
Wildlife Fieldwork Internship

Our Internship gives you the unique opportunity to not only see, but to play an active part in what we call: The Road to Freedom. It's a Two-Week Minimum Wildlife Fieldwork Internship in our Release-Site Bosque Escondido, Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica. Are you a student or recent graduate wondering if field work is right for you?

About the Wildlife Fieldwork internship

What you’ll do

Stay at our wildlife release site in Bosque Escondido for a minimum of two weeks
Collect behavioral data
Monitor and release critically endangered and rehabilitated animals
Monitor animals after release
Design environmental enrichment activities for animals in pre-release
Collect natural foods for wildlife in pre-release
Volunteers who stay 8 weeks or longer have an opportunity to carry out a personal research project

What You’ll Learn

Ethical wildlife conservation practices…including for critically endangered species
Conducting wildlife behavioral observations
Collecting and analyzing data
Using programs like Zoo-Monitor, Cybertracker, and more
Field experience alongside qualified and experienced biologists
Identifying and collecting natural foods for wildlife

A Day In The Life Of A Road to Freedom Fieldwork Intern

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Schedule

Every day is different, but here is a sample of what you might expect:

5:30 a.m. – 8:00 a.m.:
Your day starts early! You will be conducting surveys on one of the different animal feeders.

8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.:
BREAKFAST

9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.:
Create and implement environmental enrichment and collect natural foods for animals in prerelease enclosures.

1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.:
LUNCH + HEAT BREAK

3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.:
Tracking and data collection of monkey troops and birds.

6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.:
DINNER

Freetime

Interns have two days off a week. On days off you have the opportunity to travel in Costa Rica.

Intern Reviews

     
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Estella Lally 
 12 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +6
My experience at Bosque Escondido was a truly special one. I spent 4 weeks here where I got involved in many different activities, such as spider, howler and capuchin monkey observations and also bird observations. I was a great opportunity to experience a program so focused on release and seeing animals thriving in the wild. The researchers and assistants were very knowledgeable and I learnt so much about the local fauna and flora from them. Coming as an intern I had the opportunity to carry out some of my own research, where one of the assistants taught how to analyse the camera trap footage. That was really special where I got to see a jaguarundi and a tayra, and then I presented the results at the end of my time here. The assistant who was working on a cat carnivore project observed puma and ocelot on the cameras which I also got to see and I have learnt a lot of valuable skills from this project that will be useful as I continue to pursue a career with wildlife. Also one highlight was a spider monkey observation with two of the older monkeys where we made some forage boxes for them. Watching them get so excited and interacting with the different materials was special and I learnt so much about the monkeys from that. We also did a few day trips out around the Nicoya peninsula which was good fun, including a mangrove boat tour where we saw an American crocodile! I would love to come here again sometime, maybe next time as a research assistant!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Sam Gray 
 12 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. If you want practical experience in Wildlife fieldwork, whether you have previous experience or not then this should be on your radar! I did not have prior qualifications in biology/ecology but gained so much out of this experience. The managers are knowledgeable and helpful, the content and variety of topics in the internship are very beneficial and in depth. Be prepared to absorb information, ask questions, and work hard out in the field and you will get the most from this experience.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Arjuna Sansaar 
 26 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. You learn a lot and get to help to get the animals to be able to sustain themselves. Lots of scarlet macaws and other amazing animals. Excluded from tourist so a very genuine forest. Amazing staff and very fun activities on days off. A good physical fitness level required and a positive mindset. Awesome to help wth the rehabilitation and release of these rescued animals. The dorms are very clean and nice as well with filtered tap water.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Filipa Holmes Fuentealba 
 26 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This was a really fun experience!! I really enjoyed being able to see all the animals in the wild and the food was great! I learned a lot about different surveying and data collection methods that are particularly useful for anyone looking to get into ecology/conservation. There are plenty of things to do as well on days off, but if you rely on public transport is always best to either ask a local about the schedule or go directly to the bus/transporte company.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Kylie Wright 
 26 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +0
Learned a lot that is applicable to my career onsite. Great staff and wonderful time spent on excursions.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Luke Scanlan 
 54 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. After spending a month at Bosque, I can confidently say it is a worthy and invaluable experience. I had the opportunity to gain experience in the field that is unobtainable anywhere else. Getting to work with three monkey species, Scarlet Macaws, and the endangered Yellow-Naped Amazons is truly once in a lifetime and something I won’t forget. Also the chance to meet incredible people from all over the world was a huge part of why this internship was so enjoyable for me.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Brendo Logs 
 54 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +0
I did an internship here for 4 weeks, and it was a heck of an experience. I gained useful insight into the ins and outs of conservation and got to work beside wildlife biologists who are very knowledgeable. The team is always willing to help you and willing to teach you about conservation. There are so many neat things to see in the forest and the work is very rewarding. I have throughly enjoyed the time and I will miss Bosque.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Michael Pentland 
 63 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +11
I spent 6 months here working as an intern/Research assistant. I very much enjoyed my experience here due to the Costa Rican culture, the unique habitat of a dry forest habitat, and friends for life I made. I've been to many research centres across the globe, and the facilities here are second to none. Rooms are spacious, loaded with fans [needed especially during the dry season to combat the heat], wi-fi, field equipment, clean toilets, etc. However, there are only cold showers, but due to the heat and humidity, you really do get used to these. Activities consist of a collection of behavioural data for pre and post-released animals [mainly primates and macaws/parrots], producing enrichment for the animals, iNaturalist activities, biodiversity surveying, and much more. Conditions can be tough due to the forest walks and heat, but they can be manageable for someone's individual needs. The schedules are quite easy to keep track of and understand. There are 2 days off [normally Thursday and Sunday], perfect for going to explore around the Nicoya Peninsula, which has some of the most pristine beaches and vibes in the world. Some local hikes are highly recommended around the Pilas de Canjel area. The centre is quite remote with only two small shops and one restaurant within the village, but there is a slightly larger town of Jicaral with a 15-minute taxi ride, with supermarkets, banks, and a pharmacy there. The wet season normally lasts from May/June to November, and the dry season starts around December through to April. During the dry season, it's possible not to bring your own Wellington boots, as the rivers are easier to cross. During the wet season, bug spray is a must, but acquiring. There isn't a need to bring a mosquito net, as the rooms are made to ensure that not many mosquitos do enter. That isn't to say the odd one or two may still get in. The staff at the centre are extremely passionate about hard work. These consist of Miguel [centre manager], Alba, Brillth [Spelt wrong, I think], Ney, and Bairon. Also, I had the full support of my higher management team when I was there, consisting of Dennis, Jeanne-Marie, Rosanne, and Eric. I was given my chance to have some input into activities here, and they were fully supported, and continue to be undertaken while I'm not there. The research is currently in the early stages. Still, with the enthusiasm and passion of Eric and Rosanne, it will certainly yield valuable results, demonstrating on paper that their efforts are effective. You'll also have a chance to input your own project into your stay here, which can add a more authentic and worthwhile meaning to your stay and contribution. Overall, it was a pleasure to make memories and build experience here, while connecting with so many like-minded people. Please read through the Field Guide/position you are applying for quite carefully, and just ask as many questions to make you feel secure about visiting. P.S. If you want to ask for further information about my stay, please just drop me a message or email on mikeyp94wildlife@gmail.com
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Noah Johnson 
 68 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The experience here was amazing!! Staff is super friendly and fun to work with, I loved getting to know  all the people at the internship. You get to help prepare animals for release into the wild and help with actual releases. The internship mostly focuses on monkeys and parrots but you will get to focus on spider monkeys, howler monkeys, and capuchin monkeys as well as scarlet macaws and yellow naped Amazon parrots. On your days off you get to go to lots of cool places around Costa Rica. Overall a great experience!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Joey Osbourne 
 68 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +3
Great internship to learn what working in the field with animals is like and a great staff to help support and guide you.

Itinerary

Your Field Work Internship Journey:

Arrive at SJO Airport

Tour the Sanctuary

Travel to Bosque Escondido

Your Internship begins

End of your Internship

Plan Your Next Move

Day 1

A free shuttle will bring you from SJO International Airport to the sanctuary where you can relax and enjoy a free meal (or two, depending on when you arrive!)

Note: If you arrive after 10 p.m., you’ll need to arrange for a hotel room and come to the sanctuary the next day for your tour.

Day 2

The day after you arrive, you’ll have the chance to get to know what we do. Enjoy a free tour of our sanctuary in La Garita, rest in our Intern house, swim in the pool, and receive three free meals from our restaurant, Kivu!

Day 3

After you have rested and received a tour of the sanctuary, you’ll be transported to Bosque Escondido (our Release Site), via shuttle. Enjoy the scenic journey, which will take around four hours and includes a ferry boat ride.

Day 4

Learn how to observe wildlife in release and pre-release, collect data, participate in flight training, and spearhead your own research project! Enjoy working with your cohort to provide enrichment for wildlife, and spend weekends exploring the rest of Costa Rica.

Return To The Sanctuary

Once you’ve concluded your research, you’ll receive transport back to the sanctuary and the Intern house. You’ll spend one night at the sanctuary so you can rest up before continuing your journey.

After a night back at the sanctuary, you’ll have the option to be transported back to the SJO airport….or continue your Costa Rican travel journey!

Gallery of the Road to Freedom Internship

Accommodations include

Shared housing units
WiFi (service may be sporadic)
Laundry
Bathrooms
Showers
Shared kitchen
Social area
Meals provided during workdays

What is included?

Accommodation
2 extra nights at our rescue center in Alajuela
Transport (from the Airport to Rescate Wildlife in Alajuela and back)
Transport (from Rescate Wildlife to Bosque Escondido Wildlife Refuge and back)
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Internship program
Evening activities

What is not included?

Do you qualify? We ask Fieldwork Interns to have:

Interest in Conservation, Endangered Species Rehabilitation, Biology, Ecology, and/or Forestry.

Respect for and commitment to Rescate aims, objectives, and ethos.

The ability to work calmly around animals in a respectful and humane matter.

A positive “can-do” attitude and the ability to work well in a globally diverse team environment.

Must be 18 years of age or older.

You must be able to speak and read English or Spanish to participate in our programs. Basic Spanish proficiency is helpful but not required.

Flexibility, ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds.

Moderate degree of physical fitness.

Tolerance for various field conditions (heat, humidity, rain)

Who will you work with?

Road to Freedom interns work directly with Rosanne Beukeboom and Eric dos Santos, the Internship Managers of this program.

Rosanne Beukeboom

Internship Manager

Eric dos Santos

Internship Manager

Inquire or Apply now
for Wildlife Fieldwork (Road to Freedom)

Fill out this application form to start your wildlife experience at Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center - Zoave. By filling out the form, you will receive more information via email and be directly redirected to the application and booking tool. If you have any questions during the process, don’t hesitate to contact us directly. See you at Rescate! 🙂 🦥 🌴

Your Name

Your Surname

Start date - when would you like to come?

End date - when would you like to leave?

Your email address

Your preferred language of communication

For which program would you like to receive more information? You can tick one or all of them.*

Veterinary Internship Wildlife Fieldwork (Road to Freedom) Internship

Your message for us

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What to expect on your Internship at Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center.

What will I be doing?

This depends on the Internship you’re choosing. For more information just apply on our application-form and we will send you a detailed list of everything you will be doing. Alternatively you can also check out each Internship-Website here: Veterinary Internship, Wildlife Internship & Road to Freedom Internship

Can I hold the animals?

No, there is a strict policy on contact with the animals. If you are in the Vet program you will have a little bit more hands on approach, but it is strictly based on medical care. You will not be cuddling any animals. Wildlife and Road to freedom interns will not have any physical contact with the animals.

How much does it cost?

Costs vary depending on length or stay or time of year. For more information, enquire now!

How do I get there?

We can organize for a driver to pick you up at the airport or anywhere in Costa Rica. We are located in La Garita, Alajuela about 15 minutes from the San Jose airport. For more information click HERE.

What should I pack?

Once you sign up for our programs, we will send you a packing list and a manual to help you prepare for your experience with us. For more information fill out this form here.

How many days/hours will I be working?

Interns work 5 days per week, 8 hours per day with two consecutive days off.

What kind of after hours activities are there?

We have various different things that can be done in the evenings including night tours, our onsite movie theater, going out for dinner with other volunteers/Interns, heading to the local farmers markets, games nights and more!

What is there to do on my days off?

There are various tours and activities that can be done as a day trip from the central valley, or you are able to explore the country with maybe a visit to the volcanos, Manuel Antonio, or other beach areas.

How many other people will be participating?

For the Veterinary Internship we limit participation to 4 interns, for the Wildlife Internship we limit participation to 10 participants and for the Road to Freedom Internship we limit participation to 6 participants.

Is there WIFI?

Yes, we have free wifi in the Internship-houses and various parts of the sanctuary, including the main entrance and restaurant. There is not wifi on all of the trails.

Do you have a pool?

There is a pool at Rescate in La Garita Alajuela, and a pool at the local hotel near Bosque Escondido in Nicoya.

Internship Experiences

Marmosets And Macaws With Wildlife Intern Paul

Hailing from across the pond, Paul made the trans-Atlantic journey to work with animals here at Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center as a Wildlife Intern for one week. As a photographer, he took great snapshots of Rescate’s permanent residents: Q: What …

Road to Freedom: Wildlife Fieldwork Internship