You have a Passion for Animals and especially exotic Wild animals fascinate you? You want to get involved for a good cause and Help endangered animalsfind their way back to their natural habitat? And meanwhile you want to live in one of the most beautiful places in Central America and enjoy the "Pura Vida" ("real life") of Costa Rica? Then our wildlife sanctuary is the right place for you! Take care of monkeys and many other animals that have to be rehabilitated due to serious injuries. receive medical care and nursing and be there when these animals are released back into the wild. A unique project in which the entire team is wholeheartedly behind the work and an experience that you should not miss out on.
Our Wildlife Rescue Program can also be booked as a Long Term Project. If you stay in the project for at least three months, there are reduced prices:
3 months without meals: € 1670.00
each additional month: € 360.00
Meals can be added to the Long Term Program for an extra charge of € 20.00 per day. For further information contact us with pleasure.
Our Sanctuary for wild animals is located on the paradisiacal Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica. Monkeys and many other wild animals are cared for here before being released back into the wild. The majority of the rescued animals come from human influences in the organization on the peninsula. In recent decades, more and more people have been drawn to the Nicoya Peninsula as more and more tourists have discovered this beautiful corner of the world. Due to the popularity of the region, there are more and more residential buildings and tourist accommodations, but many businesses are also moving into the town and the surrounding area. This is a positive development for many people on the peninsula, but it also has a negative impact on Costa Rica's wildlife. Most of the monkeys that are taken in by the rescue center are injured by electric shocks, as they mistake new overhead power lines for vines. Car accidents and attacks by pets are also daily dangers.
Unfortunately, often Infants and young animals are found without parents if they are injured or have had an accident. They are also lovingly cared for at the rescue center until they are old enough to lead a life in freedom.
Therefore, the wildlife sanctuary, located in the middle of the Cabuya jungle, is fully dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and release of local wildlife. The team is constantly striving to find solutions to the threats the animals face and to constantly improve the project. Every day, the volunteers treat sick, injured and orphaned animals. Every animal that can be released back into the wild is a complete success. The majority of the residents are Costa Rica's native monkeys, but pizotes, raccoons, squirrels, skunks and many other animals are also taken in at Cabuya.
It is important to us that the rescue center is not confused with a zoo. Even though the animals are cared for wholeheartedly here: Monkeys are wild animals that live in a very strong social network. As the ultimate goal is to release them into the wild, they should not become accustomed to humans and therefore there is little to no contact with the animals in the project. Of course, the long-term goal for each of the animals is for them to be able to live in familiar surroundings and in the wild again as soon as possible. This is ensured by the project's own clinics and the team of vets and volunteers who provide the animals with ideal medical care. If animals can no longer return to their original habitat due to their condition, they find permanent protection in the organization.
A special feature of the project is the cultivation of the majestic red Macaw Parrots. These beautiful birds are particularly close to the hearts of the founders of the sanctuary. Unfortunately, they have become increasingly rare in recent years and their natural habitat is disappearing. In the project, the parrots are bred and reared until they reach sexual maturity and can therefore survive on their own in the wild. Be there on the big day when the macaws are released and go their own way from now on. However, many visit their home regularly and circle the beautiful pool on the project site.
As a volunteer in Cabuya, you are certainly not alone. The 20 or so volunteers that the project can accommodate come from all over the world and live together on the site. Teamwork is paramount and the volunteers go on many excursions together. You can end the day together in the pool.
You are needed! As the rescue center is a non-profit organization, it relies on the help of volunteers. You will learn a lot about the fascinating animal world of Costa Rica and the problems associated with it, have a lot of fun at work and get to know people from all over the world.
Do you have a heart for animals? As a volunteer, you will also become an ambassador for animal rights and stand up for your protégés. You will learn a lot about the challenges of wild animal rehabilitation, nutrition and medical care. And the best thing about your work: You are part of the solution to the problem. Because with your help, you ensure that the animals can be reintegrated into their natural habitat. This is the greatest reward and an experience you will never forget.
As a volunteer at the sanctuary, you can take on various activities. You are an integral and important part of the team and help the local staff with feeding the animals. As you first have to learn a lot as a volunteer, there are so-called "levels" in the project. Depending on how long you have been in the project, you can advance to the next level.
The tasks of the first level mainly consist of the Preparation of animal feed. The food for the monkeys, for example, consists of cooked vegetables and fresh fruit. The day before, the volunteers boil the vegetables and the next day all kinds of fruit are chopped. The food is then prepared on trays, which are pushed into the enclosures. Afterwards, you can watch the animals eat and play. Depending on which animal species are currently on site, you will also be taught about specific animal species and their diet.
The next level is about the Maintenance and embellishment the enclosures. You can help clean and repair the pens, sweep the floor, fill up with water and scatter fresh leaves. When entering the enclosures, make sure that no monkey escapes. Sometimes the monkeys also need to be lured into a separate area, which is trickier than it sounds! The hammocks for the monkeys and other materials are cleaned daily. A special task is the creative production of toys for the monkeys. Make lianas from branches and leaves you have collected yourself or build new toys from wood.
It is very important for the project that the human Contact with the animals is kept as low as possible. The monkeys should not become accustomed to humans, otherwise reintegration into the wild will not be successful. Please be aware of the fact that you are Do not stroke are allowed. Animals may only be touched if this is absolutely necessary, for example during medical care, and only by trained personnel.
At the wildlife sanctuary there is also a long-term programThis is especially for participants who 3 months or stay longer in the project. These volunteers are trained more intensively and are therefore allowed to take on other tasks. A big highlight is feeding the little baby monkeys with a bottle. When dealing with the little animals, it is particularly important that the same people always feed and touch them so that the monkeys can get used to one person. For this reason, only participants who have been with the project for at least three months are allowed to take on this special task. You can also get involved in breeding the Macaw parrots and provide support in this area.
In addition to the tasks with the animals, there are also housekeeping to-dos where all volunteers help out. Volunteers can also lend a hand with the composting on the project site.
If you are handy and interested, you can also help the staff build enclosures and maintain the project site.
In the wildlife project, the animals receive their food several times a day, which is why the work is carried out in a Early shift and a Late shift is scheduled. The early shift runs from 6 am to around 1:30 pm and the late shift from 3 pm to around 10:30 pm. However, the working hours and tasks can vary depending on the number of volunteers.
Together with volunteers from all over the world, you will share your love and enthusiasm for wildlife conservation and make valuable contacts and enriching friendships along the way.
Of course, living and working in a foreign place also means getting to know your new home. During the program, you will learn to love the authentic Costa Rican lifestyle, the exciting culture and the country's fantastic cuisine. Costa Rica is a paradise on earth, and you will soon realize what makes this little corner of the world so special.
The small village is located on the south coast of the Nicoya Peninsulasurrounded by untouched rainforest. You can reach it on foot from the project in around 15 minutes. Nature lovers, hikers, mountain bikers and water sports fans are drawn to Cabuya. The small fishing village feels a bit like the end of the world, as it is located away from the hustle and bustle and in the middle of nature. There is also a national park there that is well worth a visit Cabo Blanco.
If you're looking for action, you can take the bus to the city center just a few kilometers away. Montezuma. Almost exclusively young backpackers get lost in Montezuma and enjoy the breathtaking landscape. The town is known for its relaxed atmosphere, waterfalls and beautiful sandy beaches. You can also have a good time in the restaurant and bar scene. You can also explore the tiny island of Isla Cabuya, which lies just off the coast of Cabuya. It is so close to land that you can even walk there at low tide! There is a typical Costa Rican cemetery on the island.
The surfer's paradise Santa Teresa is not far away. Depending on the time of day, the beaches offer different sized waves, perfect for pros and beginners. Beginners can learn their first steps in one of the many surf schools and hire boards at reasonable prices. Or you can relax by splashing around in the sea and hanging out on the beach.
For shopping, there is a small supermarket in the village of Cabuya. There you will also find a delicious bakery and a few restaurants. You will find a larger supermarket in the village of Cóbano, which can be reached by cab or bus in around 40 minutes.
You do not need any special qualifications for this project. You should have a passion for animals and the motivation to make a lasting improvement to the lives of wild animals. You should also be keen to learn lots of new things and be committed to protecting wild animals. Reliability, the ability to work in a team and openness towards a new culture and other people from all over the world are very important for participation.
For the project management, it is essential that volunteers are available to the project and work for the entire registered period, as they are planned as permanent members of the team. In order to avoid problems due to absenteeism, the project has decided to ask for a deposit from a participation of 3 months. This will be deposited by WanderWorld Travel with the project on your behalf and refunded in full after your participation. If your participation is successful, you will not be involved in this process at all. If you leave the project before the officially planned time, this deposit will be charged by WanderWorld Travel.
The national language in Costa Rica is Spanish. You need No knowledge Spanish language to participate in the program. The only requirement is that you can speak English or Spanish in order to communicate with your colleagues and the project leaders. We will be happy to organize a Language coursewhich you can take part in parallel to the project. The price is 370.00 euros per week (3 hours per day on 5 days).
You live in a 4- or 6-bed room together with your colleagues on the project site, with shared toilets and showers available for all rooms. The rooms are very simply furnished and you should not expect any luxury. The project is located in the middle of the jungle and is an experience for real outdoor enthusiasts. The project is lovingly designed and is home to a yoga platform as well as a beautiful pool with a view of the sea. The Wildlife Rescue team includes a cook who provides all volunteers with delicious typical Costa Rican meals every day. Meals are included for you 6 days a week with 3 meals a day.
In Costa Rica you will be accompanied by our Contact person Helena looks after her. She was born and grew up in San José, the capital of Costa Rica. She attended the German Humboldt School there and learned German. As a proud Latina, it is very important to her to show people traveling to Costa Rica her beautiful home country. As a local and experienced tour guide, she can tell you all about the Countrywhich Culturewhich History and the Nature in Costa Rica. During the Introductory event she welcomes you to San José and gives you an introduction to the concept that Costa Rica is known for: Pura Vida. During your entire stay you can you can contact them via WhatsApp with questions and concerns. She will also be happy to give you travel tips and recommendations for your free travel time.
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