Costa Rica - Enjoy an unforgettable field experience at a renowned animal rescue center, just a stone's throw from the capital. An intense and ethical immersion with hundreds of wild animals, in a 24-hour shelter. Click here for all our shelter missions.
Wildlife rescue and rehabilitation center in Costa Rica
Founded in 2010, our partner in Costa Rica is a wildlife rescue and rehabilitation center. Every year, more than 1,500 animals are taken in: victims of trafficking, domestic accidents or electrocution.
The aim of the refuge is twofold: to rehabilitate the animals and release them back into their natural environment, and to raise public awareness of Costa Rican biodiversity conservation through guided tours and educational programs.
70% of animals taken into care can be released back into the wild - an exceptional rate made possible by a dedicated veterinary team and the daily commitment of volunteers.
The action of the eco-volunteer
A typical day
- 07h00-08h30: Wake-up and breakfast
- 08:30-10:30: Morning feeding
- 10:30-12:00: Cleaning, maintenance, care
- 12:00-13:00: Lunch
- 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm: Afternoon feeding
- After 3:00 pm: Free time
- 6:00 pm: Dinner
Your tasks :
- Food preparation and distribution (adults and babies)
- Paddock cleaning and veterinary assistance
- Environmental enrichment for animal welfare
- Participation in guided tours (according to schedule)
- Tree planting and refuge maintenance
The program is open to adults, couples, groups and families (accompanied minors). Seniors are also welcome.
- Open all year round (flexible dates, daily arrival possible)
- Minimum duration: 7 days
- Maximum duration: 1 month (recommended stay: 2 weeks)
Price: USD 55 / day (USD 385 / week)
Optional airport transfer: 35 USD
Private family room supplement: under construction
Price includes :
- Hosting
- 3 meals a day (vegetarian, vegan and keto options available)
- Supervision and equipment
- Access to common areas (Wi-Fi, kitchen, laundry, etc.)
Does not include :
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Minimum age: 5 years (accompanied), 18 years alone
- Language: Spanish on site, but not required
- Good manners required: respect, punctuality, safety
- Mandatory clothing: long pants and refuge T-shirt
- Prohibitions: alcohol, drugs, unauthorized feeding, disrespectful behavior
- Hosting in the EWA house, on the refuge site
- Mixed dormitories with single beds and privacy curtains (12 beds available)
- Family rooms with queen-size bed and private bathroom (under construction)
- Shared kitchen, dining room, living room
- Wi-Fi, lockers, 24-hour security cameras, laundry facilities
- Meals: 3 meals/day included, suitable for all diets
- Access: 5 min from San José - Transfer available from Juan Santamaría airport (35 USD)
- We welcome a wide variety of species, including sloths, monkeys, toucans, macaws, coatis, iguanas and crocodiles.
- Veterinary supervision and a safe environment
- Refuge committed for over 10 years, with a very high release rate
- Experience accessible to all profiles, including families and seniors
Close to the capital, ideal for international travellers
You'll have free time every day after 3:00 pm. Take advantage of it to discover San José's surroundings, explore the local markets, or organize excursions to the country's volcanoes, beaches or nature reserves.
About the partner
Refugio Animal de Costa Rica is a non-profit organization founded in 2010 in Santa Ana. Active 365 days a year, it is dedicated to the protection of wildlife through the care, rehabilitation and release of injured or trafficked animals. It combines field actions, public education and the hosting of volunteers in an ethical and responsible manner.
