Wildlife Rescue Field Research Crash Course, Costa Rica
Organisation: WorkingAbroad Projects
Country: Costa Rica
Type: Agriculture & Forestry, Community Development, Environment & Wildlife Conservation, Humanitarian & Community Development, Manual work & Construction

This Wildlife Rescue centre rescues injured and abandoned animals with the aim of returning them to the wild as soon as they are fit and able. For those who can no longer fend for themselves in the wild, we make them as comfortable as possible and hope that their presence will help to educate others of the dangers these precious animals face and what we can do to live more harmoniously with them in nature.
Our 2 week Field Research Crash Course will help you gain introductory practical training in field research, with an emphasis on building skills in observational data collection on wild and rehabilitated local species. This course is most suitable for students at an early undergraduate level who have a keen interest, but little experience, in field biology and conservation, and those who wish to gain a rich knowledge about Costa Rica’s wildlife and conservation efforts.
Location
Volunteers can spend time at the beautiful Montezuma Waterfalls (right), or visiting tidal pools or beaches throughout the Nicoya Province. A lot of people come to this part of Costa Rica for surfing and for its beauty and also to visit the Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve. Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve is the pioneer of wildlife and environmental conservation in Costa Rica, which became the first protected area in Costa Rica in 1963. Situated on the extreme southern tip of the Nicoya peninsula it protects 1788 hectares of ocean and 1270 hectares of tropical forest, 15% of which is primary forest where rare tree, bird and other endangered animal species can find refuge.
Up until now, 150 species of trees and around 240 species of birds have been recorded in Cabo Blanco, making it an important wildlife sanctuary. Among Cabo Blanco’s endangered animals are the Jaguar, Puma, Ocelot, Jaguarundi, Margay cat, Spotted Owl, Caracara, and Giant Egret.
Accommodation
You will be based in the volunteer accommodation within the grounds of the Wildlife Rescue centre surrounded by tropical gardens. You will have a choice between staying in the simple or deluxe rooms.
Project Dates
You can join the course for 2 weeks throughout the year.