Volunteer With Us and Make a Real Impact for Wildlife in Costa Rica

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Join our team and support animals in need while immersing yourself in the daily life of a real, 24/7 wildlife rescue and rehabilitation center.

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As a volunteer, you will:

• Work alongside sloths, ocelots, macaws, toucans, crocodiles, owls, baby parrots, monkeys, and many other rescued animals

• Help rehabilitate injured wildlife and contribute to releasing as many animals as possible back into their natural habitats.

• Learn from experienced wildlife specialists and enjoy an unforgettable experience in a beautiful natural setting.

 

A Full Hands-On Experience

Volunteers participate directly in animal care and daily operations around the sanctuary. You will learn essential skills in wildlife handling, feeding, environmental enrichment, and habitat maintenance — always all under expert supervision.

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Who Can Join?

This program is suitable for:

• Adults aged 18+

• Individuals, couples, and groups

• Families are welcome — underage volunteers must be accompanied by an adult

• No previous experience required, just love for animals and willingness to help

 

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Housing

Volunteers are hosted in our beautiful volunteer house Ewa, which means “Hello” in the Bribri Indigenous language. The house is located inside the shelter’s property, offering comfort, safety, and all meals included.

The house includes:

• A large shared bedroom with 12 single bunk beds

  • Single beds with privacy curtains

  • Personal reading light

  • Power outlet

  • Individual locker (One with lock and other 2 without)

  • Hot-water showers

  • Laundry facilities

  • 24/7 security cameras in common areas

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Amenities

• Fully equipped kitchen

• Comfortable living and dining space

• WiFi in volunteer housing and shelter

• Safe property inside the sanctuary’s grounds

• Washer, dryer, and other common areas 

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PRIVATE ROOMS AVAILABLE 

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We also offer two private rooms located on the second floor of House Ewa. Each room is equipped with two queen-size bunk beds and access to a private bathroom shared only between the two rooms. Both rooms include a small wardrobe for personal belongings.

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This upgraded accommodation option is available for an additional $35 per night, per room and is ideal for families or couples seeking extra comfort and privacy during their stay.​​​​

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Daily Tasks You May Participate In

• Feeding animals (morning and afternoon)
• Cleaning and maintaining enclosures
• Assisting in emergencies and rescues
• Supporting rehabilitation and release efforts
• Preparing enrichment activities
• Helping give guided tours of the sanctuary
• Habitat maintenance and planting trees
• Constructing natural structures for enclosures
• Providing water to animals
• Feeding baby animals
• General sanctuary upkeep
• And anything else that helps our animals — always with your approval and safety first

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A Typical Volunteer Day

7:00–8:30 am — Wake up & breakfast
8:30–10:30 am — Morning animal feeding with supervision
10:30 am–12:00 pm — Daily tasks
12:00–1:00 pm — Lunch, WiFi, rest
1:00–3:00 pm — Afternoon feeding
After 3:00 pm — Free time! Dinner is served at 6:00 pm

Free days: Optional tours are available (extra fee). We help you explore Costa Rica as we ticos do!

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Program Cost

The cost of the Volunteer Program is $55 per day, with a minimum stay of 7 days ($385 per week).

This includes:

• 3 meals per day

• Accommodation at House Ewa in shared room

• Official shelter T-shirt

• Welcome kit (water bottle and bag)

• Daily participation in the Volunteer Program

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Booking & Payment

To confirm your reservation, please let us know your preferred dates. Once availability is checked, we will send you an invoice for the $315 volunteer fee. Any remaining balance (e.g., for stays longer than one week) is paid upon arrival at the shelter reception desk, either in cash or by credit card.

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If necessary, you may shift your program dates in case of an emergency, provided changes are requested at least 24 hours before check-in and availability allows.​  If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

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We can also arrange an airport transfer with our trusted driver, who will wait outside the terminal with a sign with your names.

Cost: $35 (daytime arrivals) or $40 (after 8:00 p.m.) If you’d like this option, please share your flight number and arrival time.​

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Why Volunteers Are Needed

Costa Rica is home to over 500,000 species, one of the highest biodiversity densities in the world. With humans and wildlife living so closely, animals often end up injured, orphaned, displaced, or electrocuted.
This is where our rescue center — and our volunteers — make all the difference.

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About the Project

Our sanctuary is located in Santa Ana, just 5 minutes from downtown Santa Ana and Escazú.
Set on the beautiful slopes of Alto de las Palomas, we have planted over 1,000 trees, creating a green oasis in the heart of the city.

With more than 12 years of experience and over 10,000 animals rehabilitated and released, the shelter is a safe haven for wildlife and a place where volunteers truly make an impact.

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Come Make a Difference​​

Join us and be part of the healing and rescue of animals in need — while enjoying the natural beauty and culture of Costa Rica.

If you’re ready to volunteer, please complete the Volunteer Registration Form or contact us via email or WhatsApp.
We will send you the full Participation Agreement and help arrange your stay.