Wildlife Rescue Macaw Conservation Volunteering, 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 are offering a special position for bird lovers, who want to spend 12 weeks volunteering with scarlet macaws at our conservation centre.

Scarlet macaws (Ara macao) once flew over 85% of Costa Rica, however due to the pet trade and habitat loss their population now only covers 15%. In addition to their beauty, scarlet macaws are keystone species. They are important seed dispersers for endangered hardwoods that house countless other species. Our goal is to revitalise the ecosystem by returning it to its natural balance.

Our reintroduction programme is an extension of an organisation that has been dedicated to the return of the scarlet macaw to their natural habitat for almost 2 decades. We are looking for a 12-week volunteer to be the main caretaker for our scarlet macaws including breeding birds, juveniles, and pre-release individuals. Volunteers will work 6 days a week for 6-8 hours a day. Work includes but is not limited to:

• Diet preparation and feeding
• Cleaning
• Enclosure maintenance
• Gardening
• Enrichment

Applicants must be at least 18 years old, able to work in all weather conditions, and comfortable being on your feet for extended periods of time. Prior experience in animal husbandry is valued but not required, as all volunteers go through formal training upon arrival. Experience and/or studies in field work, biology, environmental sciences, or related fields will be given preference. Strong work ethic, positive attitude, and a passion for animals are an absolute must.

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 Volunteer and Internship Programme for 2 up to 12 weeks throughout the year.