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  
   
   Summer Hardebeck 
 9 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +6
I was lucky enough to be here for 2 weeks with wonderful staff and other interns. The wildlife is very diverse if you are observant enough to enjoy it, and the trail that you walk daily can be both beautiful and slightly challenging. As an outdoorsy person, I believe I got just enough time outside to keep me satisfied. The food is very carb-based which is good for long hot days, and the fruit/juice is delicious! The rooms are comfortable and have racks for hanging clothes and organization, as well as fans for hot days. If you are comfortable with heat, humidity, and walking, you will have a great experience here! We got to release birds, observe monkeys and the peccary, and go on day trips that we interns set up. This experience was worth the price and travel. I highly recommend the Toad to Freedom internship to anyone passionate about our planet and costa rican wildlife! Thank you to all of the staff for being so accommodating and friendly!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Janessa Kerr 
 9 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +4
I decided to stay here for 2 weeks and it was an amazing experience! The staff and managers are all very friendly and helpful and its a great opportunity to meet people from around the world. Theres many different activites you partake in, such as parrot flight training, wild monkey observations and implimenting enrichment for all of the animals. Its a great chance to see lots of animals in the wild as well as helping those getting ready to be released. Definitely recommend if youre interested in animals and nature!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   盧莞宜（Wanyi Lu, Taiwan） 
 23 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +2
I spent two weeks here and really loved my stay. It felt a bit too short, as there’s still so much more to learn! I was able to observe wild animal behavior up close and learned a lot about survey methods, managing feeders, and soft-release protocols. I also really enjoyed how everyone collaborates here—there's so much mutual respect. The projects and discussions also motivated me to do more research on my own. Everything has been great. It was definitely tough and hot at times, but it completely exceeded my expectations and was totally worth it
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Estella Lally 
 37 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 
 37 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 
 51 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 
 51 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 
 51 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 
 79 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 
 79 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.

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