Our Travel Roots Long-Term Wildlife Volunteer Program in Costa Rica is based within a protected primary rainforest reserve, where rehabilitated animals are released back into their natural habitat. This placement is located away from the main rescue centre and offers a more immersive experience within a remote conservation environment.

Set within a 49-hectare reserve, this program plays a key role in the final stage of the rehabilitation process. Animals that have recovered at the rescue centre are transferred here for release and monitoring, allowing them to gradually adapt back to life in the wild.

This is a long-term commitment designed for individuals who are prepared to take on greater responsibility within a physically demanding and less structured environment.

Wildlife Release & Monitoring
A key part of this program involves supporting the transition of animals from rehabilitation to the wild.

Volunteers assist with:
• Monitoring both released and resident animals
• Observing behaviour and adaptation to the natural environment
• Supporting ongoing tracking and data collection
• Maintaining a low-impact presence to avoid disturbance

This work contributes to understanding how animals adjust after release and supports long-term conservation efforts.

Animal Care & Daily Responsibilities
While the focus is on release and monitoring, daily animal care remains essential.

Volunteers assist with:
• Preparing food and feeding animals
• Cleaning and maintaining enclosures
• Supporting general animal care routines

These tasks ensure that animals still undergoing rehabilitation receive consistent and appropriate care.

Reserve Maintenance & Operations
Maintaining the reserve is an important part of daily life at La Ceiba.

Volunteers contribute to:
• Keeping jungle trails clear and accessible
• General site and enclosure maintenance
• Supporting the upkeep of facilities
• Assisting with day-to-day operations of the reserve

Volunteer Responsibility & Leadership
As a long-term volunteer, you will take on a more involved role within the team.

This may include:
• Supporting and guiding short-term volunteers
• Assisting onsite managers with daily coordination
• Helping maintain structure and consistency within the team

This added responsibility makes the program particularly suited to individuals looking for a deeper and more involved experience.

Living in a Remote Rainforest Environment
La Ceiba is located within primary rainforest conditions, meaning the environment is hot, humid, and often wet. The area is home to a wide range of wildlife, including insects and other native species typical of tropical ecosystems.

There is no WiFi on-site, and the reserve is located several miles from the nearest town. Transportation is provided periodically, and volunteers can arrange additional trips independently if needed.

This remote setting offers a fully immersive experience in nature, but requires adaptability, independence, and a realistic understanding of life in a rainforest environment.

Program Structure & Commitment

This is a long-term placement designed for volunteers able to commit between 3–6 months. All accepted volunteers begin with a 15-day trial period to ensure suitability for both the individual and the project.

The program always begins on a Monday at 11:00am at the rescue centre in Playa Chiquita, where you will complete your initial induction before being transferred to the rainforest reserve later that day.

Working hours typically run from 7:00am to 3:00pm, with:
• 1 day off per week during the trial period
• 2 days off per week after the trial period

This structure provides consistency while still allowing flexibility depending on animal care and release schedules.