Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center is a non-profit foundation dedicated to conserving Costa Rica’s wildlife. The animal sanctuary and wildlife conservation center is the oldest of its kind with 30 years of experience in rehabilitating wildlife, breeding endangered species, preserving habitat, and providing lifetime care.
Rescate is a rare treasure in the outskirts of San Jose, based in Alajuela and only 20 min from SJO Airport. What makes them unique is their dedication to rehabilitating orphaned, injured, or confiscated animals in their Wildlife Rehabilitation Center to then release them back into the wild. Through their two release sites, they provide ample protected habitat for released wildlife to thrive. Only those animals that would not survive in the wild due to health or behavioral reasons are kept in our wildlife sanctuary, and this is the only part of the rescue center that is open to the public.
Receiving around 2700 animals on an annual basis and releasing the majority of them back into the wild. A considerable part of our work happens in our animal conservation center with breeding programs that protect endangered species from extinction. Since the most significant part of our work is not visible to the public, they also depend on donations.
Volunteer in tropical paradise in Costa Rica.
Work and help protect iconic species such as sloths.
Diverse and hands on work with plenty to do and experience.
You will develop new transferable skills and gain industry experience that match your passion and interests.
Learn from the experts such as rehabilitation techniques.
Experience day off adventures and embrace the local culture, sights & attractions.
Their mission is dedicated to safeguarding and revitalizing Costa Rica's biodiversity through a comprehensive approach that encompasses wildlife rehabilitation, breeding programs for endangered species, habitat preservation initiatives, and ensuring lifetime care for animals that cannot be released back into the wild. By focusing on these critical areas, they aim not only to conserve the country's natural heritage but also to promote environmental stewardship and sustainable practices that benefit both wildlife and local communities. Through their efforts, they strive to create a future where diverse ecosystems thrive and endangered species have a chance to flourish once more.
Are you ready to embark on an adventure where your passion meets purpose? At Rescates Costa Rica, our volunteer and internship programs are designed to match your unique skills, interests, or internship requirements, ensuring that you not only contribute meaningfully but also grow personally and professionally.
Tailored Programs for Impactful Contributions
Whether you're interested in wildlife care, veterinary medicine, marketing, or other areas, our flexible programs allow you to tailor your experience to align with your goals. Dive into hands-on roles that directly benefit our efforts to protect and rehabilitate Costa Rica's rich biodiversity.
A Day in the Life of a Volunteer
Each day brings new opportunities to make a difference:
Wildlife Care: From nurturing orphaned animals to rehabilitating injured wildlife, you'll play a crucial role in their journey back to health and, ultimately, their natural habitat.
Food Preparation and Animal Feeding: Learn the intricacies of creating nutritious diets tailored to different species and participate in feeding sessions that ensure our animals thrive.
Enclosure Cleaning and Grounds Maintenance: Keep habitats clean and safe, providing a healthy environment for our animal residents.
Data Collection and Wildlife Treatment: Assist in collecting valuable data that informs conservation efforts and gain insight into wildlife treatment and medical care under the guidance of our experienced staff.
Wildlife Enrichment and Learning to Forage: Enhance the lives of our animals through enrichment activities that stimulate natural behaviors, and even learn the art of foraging alongside our wildlife experts.
Community Projects and Fundraising: Extend your impact beyond the sanctuary by participating in community outreach projects that promote conservation awareness and help raise essential funds for our initiatives.
Beyond the Sanctuary: Making a Lasting Impact
Our programs extend beyond daily tasks. Immerse yourself in the local community, learning about Costa Rican culture and collaborating with like-minded individuals from around the globe. Engage in fundraising events, educational workshops, and conservation initiatives that empower communities to become stewards of their natural environment.
Join Us in Costa Rica
Come join us at Rescates Costa Rica and be part of a passionate team dedicated to preserving wildlife and habitats for future generations. Whether you're seeking a meaningful internship experience or a transformative volunteer opportunity, together we can make a lasting impact on Costa Rica's biodiversity.
Experience the Adventure
Discover the thrill of working hands-on with exotic wildlife, forging lifelong connections, and contributing to a cause that matters. At Rescates Costa Rica, every day is a chance to learn, grow, and inspire positive change. Start your journey with us today!
Wildlife Care | Food Preparation | Animal Feeding | Enclosure Cleaning | Grounds Maintenance | Data Collection | Wildlife Treatment & Medicine | Wildlife Enrichment | Learning to Forage | Community Projects | Fundraising | And So Much More
Accommodation at Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center offers a comfortable and safe haven for volunteers and interns alike. You'll stay in a cozy guest house equipped with shared bedrooms, a communal kitchen where you can prepare meals together, and shared bathrooms. Rest assured, towels and blankets are provided to ensure your comfort throughout your stay.
Located within the fenced premises of Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center, your safety is our priority with 24-hour security monitoring the area. This secure environment allows you to focus on your work and immerse yourself fully in the rewarding experiences of wildlife care and conservation.
Living on-site provides a unique opportunity to be close to the animals you're dedicated to helping, fostering a deeper connection with the sanctuary's mission. It's more than just accommodation—it's a supportive community where you'll share experiences, exchange ideas, and form lasting friendships with like-minded individuals passionate about wildlife protection.
The guest house serves as a hub of activity and relaxation, where evenings can be spent sharing stories of the day's adventures, planning enrichment activities for the animals, or simply enjoying the tranquil surroundings under the starlit skies of Costa Rica. This immersive living arrangement enhances your experience, allowing you to fully embrace the rhythms of life at the rescue center and contribute meaningfully to our conservation efforts.
Join us at Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center and discover not just a place to stay, but a home away from home where every moment brings you closer to nature and makes a difference in the lives of animals in need.
Experience wildlife conservation firsthand with the peace of mind that comes from comfortable, secure accommodation at the heart of our sanctuary.
Come and join us at our wildlife rescue center for:
Only = €495 per week
Apply here today!
Additional Info
No day is typical
One day you may be collecting natural browse for the baby sloths in the Rehabilitation Center, another day you may be monitoring the behavior of the Scarlet Macaws in the Endangered Species Breeding Center or making environmental enrichment for the coyotes in the Lifetime Care Sanctuary and yet another day you might be helping to clicker train Guapo the jaguar!
Internships
Unlock remarkable opportunities with Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center’s diverse volunteering and internship programs in Costa Rica. Specifically, if you seek a one-time adventure or, alternatively, a comprehensive internship, their wildlife-focused experiences offer a unique chance to contribute to their mission. Moreover, immerse yourself in Costa Rica’s astounding biodiversity, which is home to over 500,000 species, while simultaneously gaining hands-on skills.