Wildlife conservation and community volunteer projects and internships worldwide
Costa Rica has some of the most interesting fauna and flora across its multiple natural parks and reserves. It is considered to possess the highest density of biodiversity of any country worldwide. The weird and wonderful species include mammals like anteaters, jaguars, margays and multiple monkey species; reptiles like crocodiles, turtles and iguanas and marine life like manatees, reef sharks, whales and dolphins. Along with these are the beyond colourful varieties of birds, amphibians and insects that call the country home, like macaws, blue-crowned mots mots, red-eyed tree frogs, quetzals, toucans and many more. The country is one of the most eco-minded in the world and 25% of the land is protected. Around 52 species of hummingbirds are native to Costa Rica, making it a hummingbird capital and around 10% of the world’s butterflies find their home here. El yiguirro was designated as the national bird in November of 1976. It is located throughout the country, representing earth’s fertility and standing as a symbol of rain. In fact, the yiguirro sings to call the rain and its call marks the beginning of the wet season.
There are a number of threats across the region. Of particular concern is deforestation. Rainforest is a crucial habitat in the country, and destruction is increasing due to a growing human population and as such growing demands for agriculture and wood products. Clearing land for cattle ranching is the most common cause of deforestation. Loss of forest causes habitat fragmentation and endangers a number of species that rely on the terrain. Another concern, increasingly apparent, is the problem of electrocution of species (specifically monkeys) due to the increasing presence of power lines, which, as a consequence of property development, are used as a method of crossing cleared land by certain animals. Some studies suggest the number of animals affected run into the thousands. In general, the growing human population, invasive species, harmful agricultural and tourism practices and pollution are increasingly threatening precious biodiversity. Our volunteer in Costa Rica programmes all focus on conservation and rehabilitation of, and education around, a number of important species crucial to this biodiversity. Sea turtles, crocodiles, tree boas, macaws and monkeys (as well as a number of other rescued or abandoned animals) are given dedicated time. All of these projects aim to ensure that the animals are not only protected and supported, but that knowledge about their importance and beauty is spread.
Volunteer in Costa Rica and become a sea turtle volunteer, helping to conserve and protect the populations of vulnerable Olive Ridleys. Located on the spectacular Pacific coast where Olive Ridley turtles come up in thousands at a time for this phenomenon of nature called ‘arribadas’.
Volunteer at this agro-ecological farm and sea turtle conservation project on the stunning Osa Peninsula of Costa Rica.
Join this programme as Wildlife Rescue Intern and help with wildlife rehabilitation and release, endangered species breeding and reintroduction, biodiversity preservation and lifetime care of non-releasable animals.
Volunteer with sea turtles in Costa Rica on our Olive, Green and Hawksbill Ridley turtle research programme on the spectacular Pacific coast of Costa Rica on the amazing Playa Hermosa, at Punta Mala beach.
Volunteer in Costa Rica and live and work in a biological research station and take part in sea turtle, butterfly, caiman, crocodile, tree boa, monkey and mammal research and environmental education. Coral reef restoration option available too.
Opportunities for volunteers and interns to work with rescued animals, with the objective to release them back into the wild.