25 trees will be planted on your behalf for every experience purchased, via our partnership with One Tree Planted.
See more at onetreeplanted.org
Overview
You will be working with local staff as they care for animals in the animal sanctuary. These are either former pets which were illegally kept, or injured animals, taken to the sanctuary by the government. The intention is to release them to the wild. You don’t need specialist knowledge, as there are many ways to help, but please be willing to learn about the appropriate management of wildlife - they are to be treated as wild animals, not as pets or curiosities!
You will feed a variety of animals, including jaguars, monkeys, many birds, tapirs, sloths etc, as well as being able to participate in the rescue and rehabilitation process. There is also maintenance of enclosures and the general environment. All work is carried out under the direction and supervision of professional staff in order to ensure your safety and the welfare of the animals.
Objectives
- Animal conservation and rehabilitation for variety of animals, including jaguars, monkeys, many birds, tapirs and sloths
- Maintenance of enclosures and the general environment
Impact
Volunteer experiences have a direct and positive impact on local communities by injecting money into the local economy through the purchase of food, transportation, and tourism activities. Volunteering is a great way to give back to the comunity and make a difference in the world. Depending on the type of volunteer experience you are interested in, your time can be spent improving educational resources and opportunities, providing medical services to underserved communities, or promoting environmental conservation and sustainable farming techniques.
1% of gross sales will be donated to 1% for the Planet-approved charities via our partnership with 1% for the Planet.
See more at onepercentfortheplanet.org
Location
Pitahaya, Costa Rica
Itinerary
Saturday - Arrival
We will pick you up at the airport and transfer you to a hostel for the night, the following day you will take a taxi, bus and then a boat to our location.
Monday - Friday
- 6:00am – Feeding of animals
- 8:00am – Breakfast
- 8:15am – Daily tasks - ecological restoration, cleaning and maintaining enclosure, assisting with tours, preparing food and feeding animals etc.
- 10:30am – Juice break
- 10:45am – Daily tasks
- 12:00pm – Lunch, rest time
- 1:00pm – Feeding animals
- 3pm – Free time. There is wifi, and you are surrounded by nature.
- 5:00pm – Evening Meal
The project site and accommodation are near a small town near Esparza.
Saturday - Departure
Take a bus from Esparza directly to SJO Airport (2 hours). Buses depart every hour for earliest flights on Saturday afternoon.
Inclusions
- Shared Accomodation
- All meals included
- Free beverages
- Arrival Transfer (included with 2 wk+ trips)
- Departure Transfer
Options
More Information
Requirements
- minimum age18
- minimum english levelIntermediate
- CRB RequiredOn signup
- passport copy requiredOn signup
- resume copy requiredYes
Other Requirements
- You must be interested in the work and ready to get your hands dirty!
- You must be willing to bring biodegradable toiletries. As you are staying in a sanctuary, everything must be environmentally friendly
- You must have a PCR test for covid within 48 hours prior to arrival at the sanctuary
- You must bring hand sanitizer
- In order to keep the sanctuary covid free, weekend travel will be arranged through the sanctuary at a reasonable additional cost. A covid outbreak would be devastating for the community
- Rubber boots
- Natural repellent (without DEET)
- Sunscreen
- Mosquito net
- Long trousers for work
- Clothing that dries quickly
- Hat
- Afterbite
- Shower sandals
- Quick drying towel
- Beach items
- Many pairs of socks
- Reusable water bottle
- Topical medicine for allergies
- Allergy pills
Food
Three meals a day are included during your stay. The meals will mainly be traditional Costa Rican food. Most meals will include either fish, chicken, pork or beef, but vegetarians can be catered for.
Accommodation
Accommodation is simple, but comfortable. Bedding is included. There are showers and flushing toilets. Sea breezes keep the rooms comfortable at night. The atmosphere is international, with professionals and students from various organizations assisting in projects involving monkeys, crocodiles and turtles.Cancellation Policy
Bookings can be amended and cancelled 30 days before the program start date without any costs. Bookings that are cancelled less than 30 days before the program start date will be charged the first week of the booking.
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