Kaya Wildlife Volunteering Projects in Costa Rica

  Costa Rica

• San Jose: 
San Jose

Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: Every Monday

Description: In today's world many of the mammal and plant species are endangered; and the ecosystems and habitats on which life depends is in decline. We have many projects that anyone with enthusiasm can be involved in from turtle conservation in Bolivia to Blue Macaw protection in Costa Rica. Through volunteering in wildlife conservation you will be able to take part in scientific research, environmental education, hands on experience with animals and work alongside experienced professionals.

Animal Rescue in Costa Rica:
Work in a rescue center for animals that have suffered starvation and neglect, have lost their habitat, were confiscated as illegal pets, or have been injured and are now undergoing rehabilitation. The aims of the program are to nurture and release the animals back into the wild as much as possible. There are also special breeding programs of Tapirs, Spider Monkeys and Green and Scarlet Macaws. This is a fascinating front-line conservation program that animal lovers are sure to enjoy and benefit from in so many ways.

Protection of Endangered Macaws in Costa Rica:
Join the effort to protect and preserve endangered macaws in Carara National Park. This location has many projects dedicated to the protection of macaws, which reside within this park. There are around 200 macaws in the forests of the Carara National Park and about 50 breeding pairs. Carara is only one of five areas of breeding macaw populations.

The program aims to protect the macaws' natural habitats from development; address the threat from poachers; create alternative income sources to replace clearing land, hunting, and poaching birds; and foster an understanding of the sustainable relationship the conservation of this land can have on the local communities.

Wildlife and Eco-Tourism in Costa Rica:
One of Kaya's newest and most unique projects, this animal shelter and preserve is home to more than 150 creatures (including endangered species), many of whom were rescued from deplorable conditions. Aside from seeing the native monkeys, wild rabbits, birds and guatusas, among others, visitors on our African Safari Wildlife Tour spot reticulated giraffes, the incredible Giant Eland, bongos, mask faced oryx, warthogs, zebras, ostriches, antelopes, deer, Watusi African cattle and camels. The private national park is in the driest area of Costa Rica and the resemblance of the plains of Africa is quite extraordinary.

This is a great placement for location because Liberia is very close to all of the best beaches in Costa Rica. There are lots of young people who work at the ranch so it will be a great opportunity to interact with locals.

Animal Husbandry and Agro-Ecotourism in Costa Rica:
Join wildlife rescue efforts and work on conservation projects with school children when you volunteer at this agricultural and wildlife school, which is famous in Central America for its work. You will be able to rescue and rehabilitate wild animals, and work with schools on reforestation and recycling projects. The project is situated on 525 hectares of primary forest, and the school provides tours of its crocodile and tilapia farms and livestock paddocks.

Highlights: Costa Rica, or "rich coast," boasts a warm climate, pristine beaches on the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean, active volcanoes, and contrasting landscapes. With such eco-diversity it is easy to see why Costa Rica is the best-traveled nation in the Central Americas with 1.9 million visitors in 2007. Often called the land of peace, it has the oldest democracy in Latin America and has more than 100 years of political stability. It is also one of the most people- and environment-conscious nations in the world, ranked No. 1 in the Americas on the Human Development Index and No. 5 in the world on the Environmental Performance Index.

Bungee the Old Colorado River Bridge:
Standing at 265 feet the Colorado River Bridge offers one of the tallest and most beautiful jumps in the Americas. The old bridge is located an hour west of San Jose where several companies offer bundled packages, which generally include pick-up and one jump. So if jumping headfirst off a bridge in the middle of a tropical forest catches your imagination then put bungee jumping on your list.

Learn to Surf:
Costa Rica has some of the best surfing anywhere in the world, with fantastic warm tropical water surfing. Surf the beach breaks, reef breaks, point breaks and river mouth breaks on the Pacific or Caribbean side of the country. Whether you're a beginner or a pro there is a wave for everyone.

Whale and Dolphin Watching:
The shallow warm waters create the ideal ecosystem for humpback whales, killer whales, Pilot Whales and bottlenose, spinner and spotted dolphins. Humpback whales come from two hemispheres to breed and spend the longest period of the year here. Its the premier location to see these amazing mammals up close.

There are lots of young people who work with the participants so it will be a great opportunity to interact with locals while helping them improve the community.

Qualifications: Experience and passion for working in the community and interacting with the people are needed. Participants must also possess enthusiasm and a willingness to learn about the environment and the place's culture.

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: A Kaya volunteer shows enthusiasm, spirit and life to stimulate and bring something new to the residents; love, patience and a listening ear for the people; and a good motivator with a positive and optimistic attitude.

Age Range: Must be more than 18 years old

This Program is open to Worldwide 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

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network

Kaya Responsible Travel's Mission Statement: Kaya's mission is to promote sustainable social, environmental and economic development, empower communities and cultivate educated, compassionate global citizens through responsible travel.

Year Founded: 2008