Volunteer at a Wildlife Rescue Center in Costa Rica

  Costa Rica

• North Western Region: 
Arenal

Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks and 3-6 months
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: Any day of the year

Description: Volunteer at a Wildlife Rescue Center in Costa Rica's volcanic Arenal region!
Volunteers are needed to help care for and rehabilitate rescued wild animals.

This project began 12 years ago and was founded by a local veterinarian and his son. It is a beautiful and tropical haven located on 8 acres of property near the Arenal Volcano. Currently our "family" is made up of many kinds of birds, caymans, monkeys, boars, herons, ducks, an adorable and fuzzy kinkajou named Benjamin, raccoons, dogs and cats.

Costa Rica is known for its great diversity of plants and animals. However, human development, the accompanying destruction of natural habitats, and illegal hunting have led to a precipitous decline in wildlife populations, causing many species to be in danger of extinction.

We believe by doing our part in helping injured wild animals and educating the public on the struggle of these animals, we will be helping to restore the balance between humans and nature.

Who do we work with?
Our project is officially recognized by the Ministry of the Environment, Energy & Telecommunications (MINAET) as well as the Monteverde Conservation League, the non-profit administrators of the world-renowned Children´s Eternal Rainforest (Bosque Eterno de los Niños.). Covering 54,000 acres, this rainforest is the largest private reserve in Costa Rica.

What do we do?
Our Wildlife Rescue Center strives to give our animals the care and respect that they deserve while rehabilitating them. Many animals come to us injured, dropped off by concerned citizens or park rangers. We care for them and release them if appropriate. Some animals are not good candidates for being released back into the wild, so we adopt them ourselves.

What do volunteers do?
You might find yourself involved in any of the following:

    * Care and evaluation of recently arrived animals
    * The introduction of animals to their new living quarters according to their natural habitats
    * Cleaning of cages and living areas
    * The maintenance of facilities
    * The preparation of foods for the animals
    * Feeding the animals
    * The daily care and eventual liberation of animals back into the forest
    * Surgeries and Medical Care

Lastly, our project offers a variety of opportunities for our local communities and foreign participants to work together in order to increase environmental conservation awareness through communication and community service.

Volunteers also get to spend some of their time helping at the Children's Eternal Rainforest (Bosque Eterno de los Ninos) - the largest private reserve in Costa Rica and at a local women's community group where the local community members make paper and sell their beautiful designs.

You will get the opportunity to immerse yourself in the culture and language of Costa Rica by living with one of our lovely host families.

The Volcano
The spectacular Arenal Volcano is only a short drive away from the center. If you are lucky, at night you will see the lava flowing and the volcano bubbling! Many of the host families houses have a beautiful view of the volcano and during your free time you will be able to hike up the volcano and visit one of the many thermal springs in the area.

Spanish Lessons
We are also committed to providing quality Spanish language classes (optional) at our on-site language school, where we help volunteers improve their Spanish language skills and learn more about Costa Rican culture.

Check out our website photo gallery for photos of this project and others.

You can also read what our past volunteers have written about their experiences in our volunteer blog.

Highlights: Life-changing experiences, unrestricted glimpses of the Costa Rica most visitors don't know, and a way to have a positive and lasting impact on a community are all major components of a volunteer vacation with Tropical Adventures.

Live among locals, learn from them and share talents that can make a difference in a society often forgotten. Take advantage of the Spanish immersion program to enhance communication during the project work.

The vacation is not all work; plenty of play is available as well. Make new friends and return home fulfilling a community's hopes and feeling fulfilled.

Qualifications: We are seeking volunteers who have the ability to impact the community in a positive way. Prospective volunteers should also have a good work ethic, a friendly attitude and be willing to immerse themselves in another culture.

Cost in US$: 1 week - $995, 2 weeks - $1895, each additional week - $299

Spanish lessons available at:
10 hours Spanish Lessons $150
16 hours Spanish Lessons $224
24 hours Spanish Lessons $312
32 hours Spanish Lessons $384

Excursions and cellphone rental are available at an extra cost.

We offer a family discount of 10% off total base price.

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: The typical volunteer at Tropical Adventures is someone who wants to experience the rich bio-diversity of Costa Rica, while learning Spanish and sharing their time, skills and love. Our volunteers like to work hard and play hard. They work well with others and enjoy submersing themselves in a different culture. Typical volunteers are college students, families or retirees.

Age Range: 16+ unless with guardian.

This Program is open to World Wide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Costa Rica Independently Or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently Or in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Phone Interview

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Exit DebriefingAbroad

Tropical Adventures's Mission Statement: The Tropical Adventures Foundation is a resource for empowering individuals and communities inside and outside of Costa Rica. Our goals are to: Support the inherent value of the individual, reduce poverty and injustice, help communities achieve sustainable growth, create safe environments, promote international learning and cooperation and foster personal and worldwide peace. Every community around the world faces the fundamental challenge to create social and economic systems that promote peace, human welfare and the sustainability of the environment on which life depends. We meet this challenge by supporting and encouraging initiatives by those living and working closest to where the problems are located. We promote collaboration among diverse individuals, nonprofit organizations, government and businesses from the local area and around the world, as well as from every level of society. Our experience shows such activities help build common understanding, bring forward and reinforce the inherent value of the individual, strengthen a sense of local and worldwide community, and ultimately enable people to improve their lives and reinforce their commitment to society.

Year Founded: 2005