“Why Do You Want To Work With Animals?”

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You’ve traveled far and wide to get to our sanctuary in La Garita, Costa Rica. Maybe you’ve taken a plane to SJO to get here. You’ve packed everything in our checklist, including long pants and fast-drying apparel.

You’ve even turned your location services on so your family and friends can see where you are.

You arrive at Rescate and fill out the intake form. Toward the end, you’re asked this question: “Why do you want to work with animals?”

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An intern exploring the forest during our conservation course in Golfito

Answers from real Rescate interns:

“I want future generations to experience wildlife as it is now and not in a history book.”

“I want to gain fieldwork experience for animal conservation work.”

“Because I’m studying to become a veterinarian.”

“I have a passion for saving and protecting the earth.”

“I would like to be a vet and promote safety and care for sick and injured animals.”

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Interns walking through the forest in Costa Rica

Why do interns choose Rescate for their veterinary or field work internships?

“I want to work with unique Costa Rican wildlife.”

“It looked the most exciting.”

“I am seeking hands-on experience and help rehabilitate wildlife!”

“It seemed like the well-being of the animals are in focus here.”

“It’s gorgeous.”

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Veterinarian Dr. Mark Naguib performs a procedure on a bird as vet interns observe.

Are you studying to be a vet? Did you recently graduate with a biology degree? Do you want to work in wildlife conservation?

If reading these answers made you want to grab your bags and head to our sanctuary clinic or our release site, apply for one of our Learn & Intern opportunities—including a field work course; veterinary internship; and field work opportunity!

Would you like to get involved yourself?

Become an Intern and have a unique wildlife experience.

Veterinary Internship

Veterinary interns work directly with our highly experienced veterinarian and our rehabilitation staff. You will assist with with animal intakes, exams, treatments, surgeries, feeding and record keeping.

Wildlife Internship​

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 animals or even clicker train our Jaguar „Guapo“.

Road to freedom Internship

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. Aid the animals in their release, monitor and research them and their second chance at life in the wild, the final step on their Road to Freedom.

Waves of Change Project

This project is located between Golfo Dulce’s protected marine area and the vast rainforest of Piedras Blancas National Park on the shore of Costa Rica. Studying the area’s amazing biodiversity, learning field conservation techniques and helping to return rescued wildlife back to the wild while blending scientific research with local knowledge. 

Certified Field Traning Course

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