Certification
Field Training-NGO Affiliated
Available Dates 2027
January 13th–February 15th
March 7th–April 9th
April 19th–May 21th
June 13th–July 15th
Duration
4 weeks, 140 hours
Limited capacity
8 Students
Location
Golfo Dulce, Costa Rica
Are you ready to take your conservation skills to the next level? The Certified Field Training Course in Tropical Conservation & Rehabilitation at Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center is designed for students and professionals eager to bridge the gap between theory and practice in conservation. Set in one of the world’s most biodiverse regions. Costa Rica’s Golfo Dulce—a rare tropical fjord where the rainforest meets the ocean—provides the perfect living laboratory for hands-on conservation training. Whether you’re pursuing a career in wildlife conservation, or you’re a working professional looking to expand your field expertise for career advancement, this immersive program will provide hands-on training in ecology, wildlife rehabilitation and community based conservation.
This program blends rigorous fieldwork with adventure. Trek through pristine rainforests, conduct wildlife surveys at dawn, and explore rich coastal ecosystems. Monitor animal populations, set up camera traps, and study tropical biodiversity up close. Hike to hidden waterfalls, snorkel in crystal-clear waters, and learn cutting-edge conservation techniques from experts.
Whether you’re looking to advance your career or fuel your passion for wildlife, this experience will leave you with both practical skills and lifelong memories.
Course Overview
Title: Certified Field Training Course in Tropical Conservation & Rehabilitation – Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center
Certification: Field Training-NGO Affiliated
Accrediting Organization: Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center
Dates 2027:
January 13th–February 15th
March 7th–April 9th
April 19th–May 21th
June 13th–July 15th
Duration:
140 hours – combining immersive fieldwork with in-depth theoretical learning over 4 weeks
Location:
Golfo Dulce, Rescate Golfo Dulce Release Site, Costa Rica.
Delivery Mode:
In-person, limited to 8 students
Language:
English, with also fluent Spanish-speaking instructors.
Who this is for:
For further information feel free to contact us:
conservationcourse[at]rescatewildlife.org
The program is divided into three modules, each focusing on key aspects of conservation and rehabilitation. The total course duration is distributed among these modules.
140 hours – combining immersive fieldwork with in-depth theoretical learning over 4 weeks
Major Academic Themes of these Modules Include
Ecosystem Analysis:
Students will be able to evaluate tropical ecosystem dynamics—including species interactions and biodiversity indicators—through field-based observations and digital tools.
Field Conservation Techniques:
Students will be able to apply practical skills in field research for wildlife monitoring (transects, camera traps, GPS mapping, census) and use research and citizen science platforms for data collection and analysis.
Wildlife Rehabilitation & Reintroduction:
Students will be able to design and assess ethical rehabilitation strategies, including enclosure adaptation, health management, behavioral enrichment, pre-release preparation and post-release monitoring to ensure successful wildlife reintroduction.
Establish foundational knowledge of tropical ecosystems, wildlife monitoring methods and field safety while developing essential conservation & field work skills for research.
Develop a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between wildlife rehabilitation, reintroduction and conservation strategies of native species focusing on ethical considerations, health management, behavioral conditioning, and post-release monitoring through hands-on techniques.
Located between the protected marine area of the Golfo Dulce and the rainforests of Piedras Blancas National Park, our Southern release site is part of Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center’s reintroduction program. Spanning 32 acres (13 hectares) of humid tropical rainforest, this remote site offers a safe space for rehabilitated animals—including monkeys, parrots, toucans, and more—to transition back into the wild. Bordering the 140-square-kilometer Piedras Blancas National Park and facing the Osa Peninsula, it lies within one of the most important conservation priority areas and among the most biodiverse places on earth. The facility is closed to the public and serves as a hub for research, rewilding, and conservation efforts. Many thousands of animals have been released here, most notably the endangered Central American Squirrel Monkey (Saimiri oerstedii oerstedii) and more than 330 Scarlet Macaws, both of which became locally extinct in Piedras Blancas National Park in the 1950s.
The full 4-week program includes:
What is not included?
Enjoy the beach
Snorkeling
Kayaking on the Golfo Dulce
Swim with glowing plankton
(Seasonal!)
Be lucky and spot some dolphins on your boat ride to and from the Project!
Academic & Professional Interest: A strong interest in conservation, endangered species rehabilitation, biology, ecology, forestry, or related fields.
Commitment & Ethics: Alignment with Rescate’s mission, values, and ethical standards in wildlife conservation.
Animal Handling & Welfare: The ability to work calmly, respectfully, and humanely around animals.
Teamwork & Adaptability: A collaborative mindset, positive attitude, and ability to work effectively in a globally diverse team environment.
Age Requirement: Participants must be 18 years or older.
Language Proficiency: Proficiency in English is required. Basic Spanish skills are helpful but not mandatory.
Field & Cultural Readiness: Previous experience traveling to tropical environments or living in communal settings is beneficial but not required.
Physical Fitness: A moderate level of physical fitness to engage in fieldwork.
Environmental Resilience: Ability to work in diverse field conditions, including heat, humidity, and rain.
Who you will work with
Students will work directly with our Lead Instructor DVM. Indiana Zárate Pajares and our Field Instructor Isaac Chapman-Sharp on site.
DVM. Indiana Zárate Pajares
Lead Instructor & Course Coordinator,
Doctor in Veterinary Medicine (DVM)
Isaac Chapman-Sharp
Field Instructor,
Wildlife rehabilitation specialist
Fill out this form to start your educational wildlife experience at Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center – Zoave and get directly in contact with us. We will get back to you as soon as we can for the details.
To apply you can also email us directly: conservationcourse[at]rescatewildlife.org
See you at Rescate! 🙂 🦥 🌴
Since we are a remote field station, we have a limited number of participants, up to 8 students in each edition.
No! You will not be cuddling any animals.
This course takes place in a release-site, where we house animals in the final stage of their rehabilitation who need limited contact with humans. Regardless, under the supervision of the instructors, you will participate in activities toward rehabilitation that requires animal handling.
Costs vary depending on the time of year that the course takes place. For more information, enquire now!
We will have activities running 6 days per week, with one day designated for rest and personal organization. The amount of hours worked per day are dependent on the weather since we are in a rainforest!
From your arrival in Costa Rica to your departure, the program is designed to provide a fully supported field experience. Once participants arrange their international flights, the course fee includes airport pick-up and drop-off at Juan Santamaría International Airport, internal ground transportation to Golfito -the nearest town to our remote site- and private boat access to the Biological Station.
After getting in touch with us, you will receive a detailed curriculum that explains the modules and covers what you will learn as well as what your day-to-day would look like.
Once you sign up for our program, we will send you a packing list and a manual to help you prepare for your experience with us.
There are a variety of different things that can be done after hours or on your days off (depending on the weather) such as relaxing at the beach, swimming or snorkeling in the ocean or taking tours with local companies to explore the Golfo Dulce Bay with whale and dolphin watching as well as exploring the mangroves. There is also a restaurant available next door!
Yes, we have free wifi in the main area of the camp, including the bedrooms. There is not wifi on the trails. Due to weather conditions, wifi may not be available for periods of time.
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