Wildlife Rescue Biology Internship, Costa Rica

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.

We also offer a wildlife biology internship position to a student 20 years and older looking for relevant experience.

Wildlife biology interns

Are expected to help the Rescue Centre with data collection and analysis to better care for current and future patients. Duties may include:

• Data input and preliminary analysis of rehabilitation data through the Database
• Behavioural focal scans of patients in pre-release to better understand their release criteria
• Census and behavioural data collection of local howler troops
• Life history research on local wildlife
• Contacting other rescue centres to compare and share strategies
• Although anyone over 18 may apply for the position, those with previous experience working with animals or studies in animal behaviour, biology, or related fields will be given priority.

Specific duties are expected of our interns on top of full term volunteer tasks (you will have plenty of time with animal husbandry, we promise!). While we provide a framework for interns, we encourage you to make the most of your time here by applying your unique skill set and interests to the programme. If you want to apply as an intern, please send your CV/Resume to Victoria.McNeil@workingabroad.com along with your online application.

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 Wildlife Rescue Internship Programme for 12 week durations throughout the year.