Costa Rica Animal Rescue

The Wildlife Rescue Centre is home to approximately 400 animals housed in enclosures and over 100 animals free to roam the 27 acre (11 hectares) property. There are more than 80 species of animals found here which include: spider monkeys, tapirs, green macaws, scarlet macaws, toucans, various reptiles (snakes, crocodiles, iguanas, etc.) and different types of felines or big cats.

The centre has six main programmes:

Breeding: The aim is to return the offspring of rescued animals to their natural habitat.

Liberation: Animals born in the centre that show they have the necessary characteristics for surviving in the wild are then entered into a rigorous programme were they are taught how to obtain food and survive on their own.

Re-introduction: Animals that enter the centre are placed in quarantine, rehabilitated, and if they are fit, released into protected areas.

Rescue: Many animals threatened by humans have been rescued and the centre has prevented and denounced harmful activities such as illegal deforestation and hunting.

Conservation: Animals with no hope of returning to their natural habitats receive daily care, feeding and affection.

The centre receives no funds from the government, and therefore depends only on private funds and donations. Limited by a tight budget, the centre has been working hard to improve the conditions of the animals little by little.

You will play a very important role helping to take care of the animals, feeding them, cleaning cages, other infrastructure maintenance, and guiding tourists who visit the centre. 

In 2006, the rescue centre was a winner of the Ford/Jaguar Cars International Conservation Award established by the Jaguar Conservation Trust, a grass roots programme dedicated to providing grants and funding for projects that promote the preservation of the company's namesake and its habitat. It also has an environmental education programme to promote awareness among local citizens.

Working alongside the staff, you will help look after some of the most well-known Central American animals and educate visitors.

At the centre you will be able to experience working with wildcats such as cougars, jaguars or ocelots; birds like scarlet macaws, keel-billed toucans, parrots, and many other animals. Your experience here will enrich your knowledge and your expertise on wild animals.  Activities include:

• Preparing food for the animals
• Feeding the animals
• Cleaning cages
• Building and repairing enclosures
• Building and repairing feeding platforms
• Cleaning and bathing animals