Costa Rica – Enjoy an unforgettable hands-on experience at a renowned animal rescue centre, just a stone’s throw from the capital. An intense and ethical immersion amongst hundreds of wild animals, at a refuge that operates 24 hours a day. See all the volunteer opportunities in a wildlife sanctuary here.
Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre in Costa Rica
Founded in 2010, our partner in Costa Rica is a wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centre. Every year, it takes in more than 1,500 animals: victims of trafficking, domestic accidents or electrocution.
The sanctuary has two main objectives: to rehabilitate animals so they can be released back into the wild, and to raise public awareness of the conservation of Costa Rica’s biodiversity through guided tours and educational programmes.
70% of the 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 work of the eco-volunteer
A typical day
- 07:00–08:30: Wake up and breakfast
- 08:30–10:30: Morning feeding
- 10.30 am–12.00 pm: Cleaning, maintenance, care
- 12:00–13:00: Lunch
- 13:00–15:00: Afternoon feeding
- After 3.00 pm: Free time
- 6.00 pm: Dinner
Your responsibilities:
- Preparation and distribution of food (for adults and babies)
- Cleaning of enclosures and veterinary assistance
- Environmental enrichment for animal welfare
- Participation in guided tours (as per the schedule)
- Tree planting and maintenance of the refuge
The programme is open to adults, couples, groups and families (minors must be accompanied). Senior citizens are also welcome.
- Open all year round (flexible dates, arrival possible any day)
- Minimum duration: 7 days
- Maximum duration: 1 month (recommended stay: 2 weeks)
Price: 55 USD per day (or 385 USD per week)
Airport transfer option: USD 35
Surcharge for a private family room: currently under construction
The price includes:
- Accommodation
- 3 meals a day (vegetarian, vegan and keto options available)
- Supervision and equipment
- Access to communal areas (Wi-Fi, kitchen, laundry room, etc.)
Does not include:
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Minimum age: 5 years (accompanied), 18 years (unaccompanied)
- Language: Spanish spoken on site, but not required
- Good manners are required: respect, punctuality, safety
- Compulsory attire: long trousers and a T-shirt from the refuge
- Prohibitions: alcohol, drugs, unauthorised feeding, disrespectful behaviour
- Accommodation: at the EWA house, on the refuge site
- Mixed-sex dormitories with single beds and privacy curtains (12 beds available)
- Family rooms with a queen-size bed and en-suite bathroom (under construction)
- Shared kitchen, dining room, living room
- Wi-Fi, lockers, 24-hour security cameras, laundry facilities
- Meals: 3 meals a day included, suitable for all dietary requirements
- Access: 5 minutes from San José – Transfers available from Juan Santamaría Airport (35 USD)
- A wide variety of species are housed here: sloths, monkeys, toucans, macaws, coatis, iguanas, crocodiles, etc.
- Veterinary supervision and a safe environment
- A shelter that has been operating for over 10 years, with a very high release rate
- An experience suitable for everyone, including families and older people
Close to the capital, ideal for international travellers
You’ll have free time every day after 3.00 pm. Why not use this time to discover the area around San José, explore the local markets, or organise trips to the country’s volcanoes, beaches or nature reserves?
About the partner
Refugio Animal de Costa Rica is a non-profit organisation founded in 2010 in Santa Ana. Operating 365 days a year, it is dedicated to the protection of wildlife through the care, rehabilitation and release of injured animals or those that have been trafficked. It combines fieldwork, public education and the hosting of volunteers as part of an ethical and responsible approach.
