Set off into the heart of Costa Rica's lush wilderness for a unique experience alongside a team passionate about animal protection. The refuge is a rescue and rehabilitation center for wild animals, located in the Dominical region on the Pacific coast. Every year, it takes in hundreds of injured, orphaned and trafficked animals, with the aim of caring for them and releasing them back into their natural environment. Click here to find out more about our refuge missions.
Wildlife refuge in Costa Rica
The partner association was born of the desire to create a safe, respectful refuge for wild animals that have fallen victim to poaching, accidents or the rampant deforestation affecting certain areas of Costa Rica. It is one of the only wildlife rehabilitation centers in the south-west of the country, a region where human expansion has considerably reduced natural habitats.
70 animals in permanent care
The sanctuary is located in a secondary forest, perched on a hill overlooking the Pacific Ocean, close to the town of Dominical. It is home to over 70 animals in permanent or temporary care, including monkeys, toucans, kinkajous, armadillos, iguanas and sloths.
The refuge's work is based on three fundamental pillars:
- Rescue and rehabilitation of wild animals, with the primary aim of releasing them into their natural environment when they are deemed fit.
- Environmental education, through guided tours, awareness-raising initiatives and the hosting of international volunteers.
- Research and data collection on local wildlife, to better understand the threats it faces and adapt conservation actions.
The team also works closely with local authorities, field veterinarians and other rescue centers in the country, to ensure that each animal receives the care it needs.
The sanctuary is funded entirely by donations, visits and volunteer programs, so every mission has a real impact.
Volunteer action
Volunteers are fully integrated into the life of the sanctuary, under the supervision of professional caretakers, biologists and veterinarians. The work is physical and intense, requiring stamina, rigor and commitment.
Your daily tasks may include
- Feed preparation and distribution.
- Enclosure cleaning and general site maintenance.
- Participation in educational and awareness-raising projects (depending on the period).
- Help with veterinary care or rehabilitation if your skills allow.
- Strict compliance with hygiene rules and animal safety protocols.
Direct contact with animals is strictly forbidden for safety and rehabilitation reasons.
Possible internships
Alturas also offers an internship program starting at one month, aimed at students or recent graduates in the fields of biology, animal care or conservation.
A selection interview is required to apply.
Basic rate with shared room. It is possible to book a single room, or more comfortable accommodation with air conditioning.
|
Length of stay |
rate in US$ (shared room) |
|---|---|
|
2 weeks |
940 |
|
3 weeks |
1193 |
|
4 weeks |
1406 |
|
5 weeks |
1740 |
|
6 weeks |
2068 |
|
7 weeks |
2388 |
|
8 weeks |
2702 |
|
9 weeks |
3009 |
|
10 weeks |
3310 |
|
11 weeks |
3605 |
|
12 weeks |
3893 |
- Minimum duration: 2 weeks.
- Arrivals only possible on Wednesdays and Sundays.
- Minimum age: 18 years.➕ Minors aged 17 only accepted in families, with restrictions (no access to enclosures).
- Language requirements: Intermediate English (B1 minimum). Spanish is an asset but not compulsory.
- No interview is required for volunteers.
- Maximum capacity: 15 volunteers.
- Firm commitment: no free cancellation possible once booking is confirmed.
- Good physical condition required: the work can be intense, with early hours and a hot/humid climate.
- External stay possible (off-site accommodation).
Housing
Volunteers are accommodated directly on the sanctuary site, in a simple but functional environment surrounded by nature.
Standard option (non-air-conditioned house)
- Shared, single-sex dormitories (men and women separated).
- Shared bathroom, fan provided.
- Meals included (lunch or half-board depending on price).
- You can ask to be accommodated with a close friend in the same room (subject to availability).
Comfort option (air-conditioned apartment)
- Shared or double room, air-conditioned.
- Limited places, different rates.
- Ideal for volunteers in couples or those wishing more privacy (please specify when booking).
Food
Communal kitchen available for cooking
Joining this wildlife sanctuary means making a concrete contribution to saving wildlife species in one of the world's most biodiverse countries. You'll join a caring, experienced team in an exceptional natural setting, with the certainty that your help will have a direct impact on the local wildlife. An unforgettable experience, both human and educational.
About the partner
Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary is a non-profit, non-governmental organization that has been active for many years in the south-west region of Costa Rica. Among the sanctuary's temporary residents are sloths, toucans, howler monkeys, kinkajous, ocelots and many other emblematic Costa Rican species. The animals are never exhibited, and everything is designed to minimize human stress and maximize the chances of reintroduction.
Volunteers are not allowed any physical contact with the animals, for ethical and scientific reasons. The sanctuary also runs education and awareness programs for local communities, tourists and international volunteers.
