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You’ll be matched with your personal volunteer travel expert who’ll guide you every step of the way.
Meet Your Travel Expert
Receive your welcome pack with everything you need: arrival info, contacts, visa and insurance help, packing tips, vaccines, language basics, and so much more.
Get Ready to Go!
Choose your dream project and apply for free—no commitment, just excitement!
Pick Your Destination & Apply
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Once your dates are confirmed, pay your program fee—choose to pay in full or in easy installments.
Secure Your Spot
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Want to volunteer with rescued wildlife in Costa Rica? Our Travel Roots Wildlife Internship Program is the perfect opportunity to gain real-world experience in animal care and rehabilitation while contributing to one of Central America’s most impactful rescue centres.
This hands-on internship places you at a leading sanctuary that provides lifelong care to over 800 rescued animals from more than 130 native species. Many of these animals have been saved from the illegal pet trade, road accidents, or habitat destruction and require specialised care to recover.
You’ll be part of a passionate animal care team supporting the daily operations of the sanctuary. This includes everything from preparing food and cleaning enclosures to observing behaviours and developing enrichment activities that promote natural instincts. You may also assist with rescues or releases depending on current cases.
Whether you're pursuing a career in wildlife conservation or simply want to make a difference, this internship gives you the chance to develop your skills, broaden your perspective, and directly contribute to the well-being of Costa Rica’s wildlife.
Key Activities:
Prepare and deliver species-specific diets
Clean and maintain animal enclosures
Create and implement enrichment activities
Observe animal behaviour and record health indicators
Support rehabilitation, release efforts, or rescues when needed
Assist with general sanctuary duties and daily operations
Work with exotic wildlife and improve animal welfare.
Every day brings new challenges and opportunities to learn as you work with an incredible variety of native species. You’ll gain hands-on experience while contributing to the welfare and recovery of Costa Rica’s most vulnerable wildlife.Whether you're observing a howler monkey post-surgery or helping prepare a scarlet macaw for release, this internship is as enriching as it is rewarding.
By volunteering on our Wildlife Internship Program in Costa Rica, you will:
Work hands-on with over 800 rescued animals across 130+ native species
Support the daily care, enrichment, and rehabilitation of sloths, monkeys, wild cats, parrots, and more
Develop real-world animal care skills within a professional sanctuary setting
Learn from experienced caregivers and wildlife experts dedicated to ethical rescue and rehabilitation
Contribute to meaningful conservation outcomes and long-term animal welfare
Build a strong foundation for future careers in wildlife management, animal behaviour, or vet science
Live and learn in a lush tropical setting surrounded by Costa Rica’s incredible biodiversity
What to Expect: A Day in the Life of a Wildlife Intern In Costa Rica
Every day at the wildlife rescue centre is a blend of care, learning, and connection—with animals, people, and the environment. You’ll follow a set routine alongside experienced staff and fellow interns, but no two days are ever quite the same. Your work supports the wellbeing of rescued animals, many of whom are recovering from injury, neglect, or illegal trafficking.
Here’s what a typical intern day might look like:
7:30 AM – Morning Start & Breakfast
Wake up in your shared guesthouse to the sounds of nature. Enjoy a wholesome breakfast with other interns, getting ready for a busy and rewarding day.8:30 AM – Morning Briefing & Task Assignments
Meet with the animal care team to discuss the day’s priorities. Depending on current needs, you might be assigned to diet prep, enclosure cleaning, or enrichment planning.9:00 AM – Project Work Begins
Dive into your morning tasks, which might include:
• Preparing and delivering food to a wide range of rescued wildlife
• Cleaning and maintaining enclosures and habitats
• Creating enrichment tools to stimulate animal behaviours
• Assisting with behavioural observations and welfare monitoring
• Supporting ongoing rehabilitation plans or new arrivals12:00 PM – Lunch Break & Recharge
Take a break with your team and enjoy a locally prepared meal. Rest, chat with fellow interns, or reflect on your morning.1:30 PM – Afternoon Session
Return to project work or switch to a new task. You might:
• Join the vet team on monitoring or treatment rounds
• Help document animal behaviour and care records
• Assist with habitat maintenance or new enclosure setups
• Contribute to public education or community awareness activities4:30 PM – Wind Down & Wrap Up
Finish the day’s care duties and help prepare for evening routines. This is also a chance to debrief, share updates, and connect with the wider team.6:30 PM – Dinner & Social Time
Enjoy a group dinner and share stories from the day. Evenings are a chance to relax, play games, or join optional team activities.Evenings
You’ll have plenty of time to rest, read, or join community reflection sessions. Some evenings may include presentations on local conservation efforts or opportunities to share your own skills and ideas.Days Off
You’ll have two days off per week to explore Costa Rica. Popular options include hiking in nearby reserves, visiting hot springs, exploring coffee plantations, or taking day trips to local waterfalls and national parks.This internship is more than just a placement—it’s a journey into the heart of wildlife rescue, surrounded by people who care as deeply as you do.
Your Impact as an Intern
By joining this internship, you’ll directly support the rescue, recovery, and long-term wellbeing of Costa Rica’s native wildlife. Every task you take on—from preparing food to observing behaviour—plays a role in restoring the lives of animals affected by habitat loss, illegal pet trade, and other human pressures.
You’ll be helping over 800 rescued animals representing more than 130 species, many of which are endangered or vulnerable. Some may be permanent residents due to injuries or disabilities, while others are part of active rehabilitation efforts with the goal of being returned to the wild.
Your involvement will also:
Reduce the workload of full-time carers, allowing more focused attention on individual animal needs
Help implement enrichment and stimulation plans to improve animal welfare
Contribute to accurate data collection that supports future research and conservation initiatives
Increase awareness through support of community outreach and education
Your time, energy, and presence are not only appreciated—they are essential. The sanctuary relies on dedicated individuals like you to help turn stories of trauma into ones of healing and hope.
Your Home in Costa Rica
During your internship, you’ll stay on-site at the wildlife centre’s shared volunteer guesthouse. Set within lush surroundings and just a short walk from the rescue clinic, this accommodation is designed for comfort, connection, and convenience.
Rooms are dormitory-style, typically shared with 2–4 other interns or volunteers. Each room is equipped with beds, fans, bedding, and secure storage space. Shared bathrooms with hot water showers are located nearby, and the communal kitchen and lounge area create a warm social atmosphere for sharing stories and meals with like-minded changemakers.
The centre provides three nutritious meals daily, featuring a delicious mix of local Costa Rican flavours with vegetarian options available. Wi-Fi is available in designated areas, and laundry facilities can be accessed for a small fee.
Living on-site gives you the unique advantage of staying immersed in the rhythm of the rescue centre—waking up to the calls of tropical birds and falling asleep knowing you’re making a real difference.
This program is hosted at one of Costa Rica’s leading wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centres, located just outside of San José. Since its founding, the centre has worked tirelessly to rescue, treat, rehabilitate, and, whenever possible, release native wildlife affected by illegal trafficking, habitat loss, and human conflict.
With over 3,000 animals cared for annually, the organisation operates a full-scale veterinary hospital, an intensive care unit, and various specialised rehabilitation enclosures. Their multi-disciplinary team includes wildlife veterinarians, biologists, zookeepers, and educators who are passionate about conservation and animal welfare.
Their mission is to protect Costa Rica’s biodiversity through high-standard veterinary care, public education, and sustainable rehabilitation practices. Their vision is a world where humans and wildlife can coexist in balance—and every action they take moves us closer to that reality.
As a veterinary intern, you become a vital part of that vision, helping restore health and dignity to rescued animals while learning from professionals dedicated to ethical wildlife medicine.
Program Fees & What’s Included
Duration Program Fee
2 weeks €990
3 weeks €1,485
4 weeks €1,980
5 weeks €2,475
6 weeks €2,970
8 weeks €3,960
10 weeks €4,950
12 weeks €5,940
20 weeks €9,900
25 weeks €12,375
What’s Included:
Accommodation in the on-site volunteer guesthouse
Three home-cooked meals per day
Hands-on training from expert professionals
All internship-related materials and resources
Wi-Fi access and common area facilities
Airport pick-up and drop-off (San José area)
Full support before, during, and after your placement
Welcome pack full of useful info and insider tips
Domestic orientation and cultural immersion
100% Money-Back Cancellation Guarantee
So much more!
Your Investment in the Future
This isn’t just a trip—it’s a powerful investment in your growth and future. You’ll gain transferable skills in animal care, wildlife observation, teamwork, and cultural awareness, all while supporting meaningful conservation efforts on the ground.
Whether you’re pursuing a career in vet science, conservation, or simply want to make a difference, this internship will leave a lasting impact on you and the lives you touch.
Where You'll Be: San José Region, Costa Rica
Your internship takes place at a wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centre just outside of San José, Costa Rica’s dynamic capital. Nestled in a green, tranquil setting, the centre offers the perfect balance between peaceful immersion in nature and convenient access to city amenities. Within a short drive, you can visit waterfalls, explore nature reserves, or soak in the rhythms of everyday life in bustling local towns.
The centre’s central location also makes weekend adventures across Costa Rica easy and accessible—from cloud forests and volcanoes to Pacific surf beaches and Caribbean coral reefs. You’ll be right in the middle of it all, while staying rooted in a community focused on conservation, learning, and meaningful impact.
About Costa Rica as a Destination
Costa Rica is a country that truly lives and breathes biodiversity. Home to over 500,000 species—including sloths, toucans, jaguars, tree frogs, and tapirs—this tiny Central American nation has become a global leader in eco-tourism and environmental protection. Roughly 25% of the country is protected through national parks and reserves, and its strong conservation culture has made it a hub for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts from all over the world.
Expect warm tropical weather year-round, rich cultural traditions, and a strong emphasis on sustainability and community well-being. Costa Ricans—or Ticos, as they call themselves—are known for their warmth, friendliness, and the national motto Pura Vida, which translates to “pure life” and perfectly captures the spirit of this inspiring country.
Whether you’re exploring wild rainforests, learning from passionate locals, or enjoying a fresh coconut on a sunny beach, your time in Costa Rica promises to be as enriching as it is unforgettable.
When you're not busy helping animals heal, Costa Rica offers endless opportunities to relax, explore, and immerse yourself in its rich culture and breathtaking landscapes.
Here are just a few ways you can spend your free time:
Visit the Arenal Volcano and soak in natural hot springs
Take a guided rainforest hike to spot sloths, monkeys, and exotic birds
Explore the colourful streets, markets, and museums of San José
Spend a weekend surfing or sunbathing on the Pacific or Caribbean coast
Swim beneath hidden jungle waterfalls
Enjoy a local casado meal or fresh coconut water at a roadside café
Visit nearby wildlife reserves or botanical gardens
Join fellow interns for sunset walks and storytelling under the stars
