Costa Rica Animal Rescue
Save 5%
From £655 (was £689), 2 weeks, Costa Rica Trip code: CRAR
Trip Highlights
- Feeding and caring for vulnerable animals
- Experience working with wildcats such as cougars, jaguars or ocelots
- Enrich your knowledge and your expertise on wild animals
- Do all of this in the beautiful area of Alajuela
Trip Summary
See full itineraryIn Costa Rica, ecotourism is a growing and fundamental part of the country's economy. Many people in Costa Rica illegally keep wild animals as pets, such as parrots & reptiles. The main objective of the Animal Rescue Centre is to take care of wild animals that have been kept captive, making sure they recover in a safe environment, and eventually taking them back to their natural habitat.
Working alongside the staff, you will help look after the animals and educate visitors. Whilst at the centre, animals that you may experience working with include; wildcats such as cougars, jaguars or ocelots and birds like scarlet macaws, keel-billed toucans & parrots.
When do I want to go?
Showing all departures (162)
| Dates of Departures | Duration | Price (Land Only) | Trip Status | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 June 2013 | 2 weeks | Now £655 Was £689 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 2 June 2013 | 3 weeks | Now £874 Was £919 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 2 June 2013 | 4 weeks | Now £988 Was £1,039 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 16 June 2013 | 2 weeks | Now £655 Was £689 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 16 June 2013 | 3 weeks | Now £874 Was £919 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 16 June 2013 | 4 weeks | Now £988 Was £1,039 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 23 June 2013 | 2 weeks | Now £655 Was £689 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 23 June 2013 | 3 weeks | Now £874 Was £919 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 23 June 2013 | 4 weeks | Now £988 Was £1,039 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 30 June 2013 | 2 weeks | Now £655 Was £689 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 30 June 2013 | 3 weeks | Now £874 Was £919 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 30 June 2013 | 4 weeks | Now £988 Was £1,039 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 7 July 2013 | 2 weeks | Now £655 Was £689 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 7 July 2013 | 3 weeks | Now £874 Was £919 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 7 July 2013 | 4 weeks | Now £988 Was £1,039 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 14 July 2013 | 2 weeks | Now £655 Was £689 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 14 July 2013 | 3 weeks | Now £874 Was £919 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 14 July 2013 | 4 weeks | Now £988 Was £1,039 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 21 July 2013 | 2 weeks | Now £655 Was £689 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 21 July 2013 | 3 weeks | Now £874 Was £919 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 21 July 2013 | 4 weeks | Now £988 Was £1,039 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 28 July 2013 | 2 weeks | Now £655 Was £689 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 28 July 2013 | 3 weeks | Now £874 Was £919 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 28 July 2013 | 4 weeks | Now £988 Was £1,039 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 4 August 2013 | 2 weeks | Now £655 Was £689 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 4 August 2013 | 3 weeks | Now £874 Was £919 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 4 August 2013 | 4 weeks | Now £988 Was £1,039 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 11 August 2013 | 2 weeks | Now £655 Was £689 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 11 August 2013 | 3 weeks | Now £874 Was £919 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 11 August 2013 | 4 weeks | Now £988 Was £1,039 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 18 August 2013 | 2 weeks | Now £655 Was £689 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 18 August 2013 | 3 weeks | Now £874 Was £919 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 18 August 2013 | 4 weeks | Now £988 Was £1,039 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 1 September 2013 | 2 weeks | Now £655 Was £689 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 1 September 2013 | 3 weeks | Now £874 Was £919 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 1 September 2013 | 4 weeks | Now £988 Was £1,039 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 15 September 2013 | 2 weeks | Now £655 Was £689 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 15 September 2013 | 3 weeks | Now £874 Was £919 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 15 September 2013 | 4 weeks | Now £988 Was £1,039 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 6 October 2013 | 2 weeks | Now £655 Was £689 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 6 October 2013 | 3 weeks | Now £874 Was £919 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 6 October 2013 | 4 weeks | Now £988 Was £1,039 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 20 October 2013 | 2 weeks | Now £655 Was £689 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 20 October 2013 | 3 weeks | Now £874 Was £919 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 20 October 2013 | 4 weeks | Now £988 Was £1,039 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 3 November 2013 | 2 weeks | Now £655 Was £689 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 3 November 2013 | 3 weeks | Now £874 Was £919 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 3 November 2013 | 4 weeks | Now £988 Was £1,039 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 24 November 2013 | 2 weeks | Now £655 Was £689 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 24 November 2013 | 3 weeks | Now £874 Was £919 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 24 November 2013 | 4 weeks | Now £988 Was £1,039 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 1 December 2013 | 2 weeks | Now £655 Was £689 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 1 December 2013 | 3 weeks | Now £874 Was £919 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 1 December 2013 | 4 weeks | Now £988 Was £1,039 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 8 December 2013 | 2 weeks | Now £655 Was £689 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 8 December 2013 | 3 weeks | Now £874 Was £919 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 8 December 2013 | 4 weeks | Now £988 Was £1,039 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 15 December 2013 | 2 weeks | Now £655 Was £689 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 15 December 2013 | 3 weeks | Now £874 Was £919 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 15 December 2013 | 4 weeks | Now £988 Was £1,039 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 5 January 2014 | 2 weeks | Now £655 Was £689 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 5 January 2014 | 3 weeks | Now £874 Was £919 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 5 January 2014 | 4 weeks | Now £988 Was £1,039 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 19 January 2014 | 2 weeks | Now £655 Was £689 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 19 January 2014 | 3 weeks | Now £874 Was £919 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 19 January 2014 | 4 weeks | Now £988 Was £1,039 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 2 February 2014 | 2 weeks | Now £655 Was £689 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 2 February 2014 | 3 weeks | Now £874 Was £919 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 2 February 2014 | 4 weeks | Now £988 Was £1,039 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 16 February 2014 | 2 weeks | Now £655 Was £689 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 16 February 2014 | 3 weeks | Now £874 Was £919 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 16 February 2014 | 4 weeks | Now £988 Was £1,039 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 2 March 2014 | 2 weeks | Now £655 Was £689 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 2 March 2014 | 3 weeks | Now £874 Was £919 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 2 March 2014 | 4 weeks | Now £988 Was £1,039 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 16 March 2014 | 2 weeks | Now £655 Was £689 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 16 March 2014 | 3 weeks | Now £874 Was £919 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 16 March 2014 | 4 weeks | Now £988 Was £1,039 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 6 April 2014 | 2 weeks | Now £655 Was £689 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 6 April 2014 | 3 weeks | Now £874 Was £919 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 6 April 2014 | 4 weeks | Now £988 Was £1,039 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 13 April 2014 | 2 weeks | Now £655 Was £689 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 13 April 2014 | 3 weeks | Now £874 Was £919 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 13 April 2014 | 4 weeks | Now £988 Was £1,039 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 20 April 2014 | 2 weeks | Now £655 Was £689 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 20 April 2014 | 3 weeks | Now £874 Was £919 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 20 April 2014 | 4 weeks | Now £988 Was £1,039 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 27 April 2014 | 2 weeks | Now £655 Was £689 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 27 April 2014 | 3 weeks | Now £874 Was £919 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 27 April 2014 | 4 weeks | Now £988 Was £1,039 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 4 May 2014 | 2 weeks | Now £655 Was £689 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 4 May 2014 | 3 weeks | Now £874 Was £919 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 4 May 2014 | 4 weeks | Now £988 Was £1,039 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 18 May 2014 | 2 weeks | Now £655 Was £689 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 18 May 2014 | 3 weeks | Now £874 Was £919 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 18 May 2014 | 4 weeks | Now £988 Was £1,039 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 1 June 2014 | 2 weeks | Now £655 Was £689 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 1 June 2014 | 3 weeks | Now £874 Was £919 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 1 June 2014 | 4 weeks | Now £988 Was £1,039 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 8 June 2014 | 2 weeks | Now £655 Was £689 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 8 June 2014 | 3 weeks | Now £874 Was £919 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 8 June 2014 | 4 weeks | Now £988 Was £1,039 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 15 June 2014 | 2 weeks | Now £655 Was £689 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 15 June 2014 | 3 weeks | Now £874 Was £919 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 15 June 2014 | 4 weeks | Now £988 Was £1,039 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 22 June 2014 | 2 weeks | Now £655 Was £689 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 22 June 2014 | 3 weeks | Now £874 Was £919 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 22 June 2014 | 4 weeks | Now £988 Was £1,039 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 29 June 2014 | 2 weeks | Now £655 Was £689 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 29 June 2014 | 3 weeks | Now £874 Was £919 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 29 June 2014 | 4 weeks | Now £988 Was £1,039 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 6 July 2014 | 2 weeks | Now £655 Was £689 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 6 July 2014 | 3 weeks | Now £874 Was £919 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 6 July 2014 | 4 weeks | Now £988 Was £1,039 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 13 July 2014 | 2 weeks | Now £655 Was £689 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 13 July 2014 | 3 weeks | Now £874 Was £919 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 13 July 2014 | 4 weeks | Now £988 Was £1,039 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 20 July 2014 | 2 weeks | Now £655 Was £689 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 20 July 2014 | 3 weeks | Now £874 Was £919 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 20 July 2014 | 4 weeks | Now £988 Was £1,039 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 27 July 2014 | 2 weeks | Now £655 Was £689 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 27 July 2014 | 3 weeks | Now £874 Was £919 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 27 July 2014 | 4 weeks | Now £988 Was £1,039 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 3 August 2014 | 2 weeks | Now £655 Was £689 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 3 August 2014 | 3 weeks | Now £874 Was £919 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 3 August 2014 | 4 weeks | Now £988 Was £1,039 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 10 August 2014 | 2 weeks | Now £655 Was £689 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 10 August 2014 | 3 weeks | Now £874 Was £919 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 10 August 2014 | 4 weeks | Now £988 Was £1,039 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 17 August 2014 | 2 weeks | Now £655 Was £689 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 17 August 2014 | 3 weeks | Now £874 Was £919 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 17 August 2014 | 4 weeks | Now £988 Was £1,039 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 24 August 2014 | 2 weeks | Now £655 Was £689 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 24 August 2014 | 3 weeks | Now £874 Was £919 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 24 August 2014 | 4 weeks | Now £988 Was £1,039 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 7 September 2014 | 2 weeks | Now £655 Was £689 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 7 September 2014 | 3 weeks | Now £874 Was £919 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 7 September 2014 | 4 weeks | Now £988 Was £1,039 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 21 September 2014 | 2 weeks | Now £655 Was £689 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 21 September 2014 | 3 weeks | Now £874 Was £919 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 21 September 2014 | 4 weeks | Now £988 Was £1,039 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 5 October 2014 | 2 weeks | Now £655 Was £689 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 5 October 2014 | 3 weeks | Now £874 Was £919 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 5 October 2014 | 4 weeks | Now £988 Was £1,039 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 19 October 2014 | 2 weeks | Now £655 Was £689 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 19 October 2014 | 3 weeks | Now £874 Was £919 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 19 October 2014 | 4 weeks | Now £988 Was £1,039 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 2 November 2014 | 2 weeks | Now £655 Was £689 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 2 November 2014 | 3 weeks | Now £874 Was £919 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 2 November 2014 | 4 weeks | Now £988 Was £1,039 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 16 November 2014 | 2 weeks | Now £655 Was £689 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 16 November 2014 | 3 weeks | Now £874 Was £919 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 16 November 2014 | 4 weeks | Now £988 Was £1,039 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 7 December 2014 | 2 weeks | Now £655 Was £689 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 7 December 2014 | 3 weeks | Now £874 Was £919 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 7 December 2014 | 4 weeks | Now £988 Was £1,039 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 21 December 2014 | 2 weeks | Now £655 Was £689 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 21 December 2014 | 3 weeks | Now £874 Was £919 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
| 21 December 2014 | 4 weeks | Now £988 Was £1,039 Save 5% | Available | Book now | |
What will I be doing?
-
The Wildlife centre (From 2 weeks)
-
Your volunteer role (From 2 weeks)
The Wildlife centre: From 2 weeks
Next LegDestination info
Costa Rica is probably one of central America's most popular destinations and, with attractions that appeal to all tastes, it is easy to see why. Costa Rica's national parks are its greatest glory, resulting from a desire to conserve the outstanding natural beauty and encouragement of eco-tourism. These parks contain some of the best campsites in the world. The country has a stunning variety of landscapes, microclimates and flora and fauna, making it a haven for nature lovers.
This programme is based in the picturesque Alajuela Province of central Costa Rica. This province lies 30 miles north of the capital San José and 28 miles inland from the beautiful central Pacific beaches. This makes it a great base for exploring some of Costa Rica’s highlights during your free time.
- Location: Alajuela
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.
Previous Leg
Your volunteer role: From 2 weeks
Destination info
Costa Rica is probably one of central America's most popular destinations and, with attractions that appeal to all tastes, it is easy to see why. Costa Rica's national parks are its greatest glory, resulting from a desire to conserve the outstanding natural beauty and encouragement of eco-tourism. These parks contain some of the best campsites in the world. The country has a stunning variety of landscapes, microclimates and flora and fauna, making it a haven for nature lovers.
This programme is based in the picturesque Alajuela Province of central Costa Rica. This province lies 30 miles north of the capital San José and 28 miles inland from the beautiful central Pacific beaches. This makes it a great base for exploring some of Costa Rica’s highlights during your free time.
- Location: Alajuela
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
Trip Notes Download
Trip Notes include a full itinerary, country guides and travel advice on visas, money, insurance and the local weather. By filling in your details you'll also be kept updated on all the latest news, offers and stories on this particular trip. Happy reading!
What's included?
- Accommodation with family nearby
- All meals breakfast, lunch and dinner
- A detailed orientation on arrival
- An airport pick up in SJO
- Transportation to the project from Alajuela
- 24 hour emergency help
- Tour advice in Costa Rica
What's not included?
- Flights
- Travel insurance
- Extra activities
- Alcoholic beverages/extra snacks
- Local transport
- Personal expenditure
Additional Information & FAQs
Minimum age
The minimum age to participate is 18 years and there is no maximum age.
Accommodation
Volunteers stay with local families, in a semi private room (two sharing) and shared bathroom. The host families are members of the nearby community less than 3km away from the rescue centre.
Meals
Included in the programme are three daily meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner. These will be provided by the host families. The meals are based on a Costa Rican diet, food is fairly basic, includes rice, beans, corn, meat, pasta, vegetables and seasonal fruits.
Orientation
Your orientation will be held in Alajuela on the first Monday of your stay, you will be collected from your accommodation at around 12:30pm and taken to the offices of our in-country team.
During the orientation you will be given a welcome pack containing lots of useful information regarding your programme.
Your orientation will cover:
- Local culture – social norms, traditions and culture
- Expected behaviour - safety whilst on the programme
- Safety - areas and places to avoid, what to do in an emergency
- Locations of important amenities - banks, hospitals, embassies
Advice & Safety
Throughout your programmes you will have the support and guidance of the programme co-ordinator and team. You will be provided with competent assistance and help with any questions or advice you may need during your stay.
You will be assigned a personal travel advisor who will co-ordinate your programme with you. Feel free to contact them at any time before you go, or when you are on your travels.
In addition, you will have access to a 24 hour emergency contact number so you can contact one of our UK staff at any time should you need to.
What will I see in [CRAR]?
16 photos
What other travellers thought
I've done this trip
Write reviewOlivia Zechalko - October 2011
How would you rate your overall experience?
Please rate the worthwhileness of any volunteering in your trip if applicable.
What were the highlights of your trip?
Staying with the host family, working at the animal rescue centre
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
1. Bring clothes that you are prepared to throw away afterwards 2. There are wellington boots already there so you don't have to bring your own as I thought you had to 3. Learn some Spanish
Would you travel with our company again?
Yes
Would you recommend us?
Yes
You might also like
- All New Trips
-
All Central America
Similar destinations
Costa Rica Experience- Jan to July
If you're looking for an awesome four week ...
-
All Volunteer Work Abroad
Similar experiences
Zambia Building and Wildlife Experience
On our 'Zambia Building and Wildlife Experience', you'll ...
- All Recently Viewed
Call 01892 882 737
| Monday - Thursday: | 9am - 7pm |
|---|---|
| Friday: | 9am - 5:30pm |
My Wishlist
