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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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Our Travel Roots Wildlife Nursery Assistant Program in Costa Rica is based within a specialised nursery unit at a wildlife rescue centre, where young, orphaned, and vulnerable animals receive intensive care during the most critical stage of their rehabilitation.
This environment operates similarly to an ICU setting, requiring constant attention, strict protocols, and a high level of responsibility. The focus is on stabilisation, early development, and preparing animals for the next stage of their rehabilitation journey.
This role is suited to individuals who are mature, adaptable, and prepared to work in a structured and sometimes demanding environment.
Nursery Environment & Care
The nursery provides round-the-clock care for animals that are injured, sick, or too young to survive independently in the wild.Volunteers support a small team of assistants and staff, working within a controlled environment where hygiene, organisation, and consistency are essential. Daily responsibilities include maintaining clean and prepared spaces to ensure the highest standards of animal welfare.
Daily Responsibilities
Volunteers assist with a range of essential tasks that support the nursery’s operations.Tasks may include:
• Cleaning enclosures and maintaining hygiene standards
• Deep cleaning cages, carriers, and equipment
• Preparing enclosures for new arrivals
• Stocking food, medical, and cleaning supplies
• Cleaning tools, facilities, and working areas
• Preparing food plates and feeding bottles
• Supporting enrichment activities
• Assisting with supervised nursery care routinesThese tasks are critical to maintaining a safe and controlled environment for vulnerable animals.
Working in a High-Responsibility Environment
The nursery can be a high-pressure and emotionally demanding environment. Animals in this stage of care often require intensive support, and attention to detail is essential at all times.Volunteers are expected to remain focused, organised, and proactive throughout their placement, contributing to a team that relies on consistency and reliability.
Team Structure
You will be part of a small team consisting of nursery assistants, long-term volunteers, and experienced staff. Collaboration and communication are key to ensuring smooth daily operations within the nursery.Volunteer Requirements
This program requires individuals who are:
• Hardworking and reliable
• Mature and responsible
• Physically and mentally prepared for a demanding environment
• Flexible and able to adapt to changing needsNo prior professional experience is required, but a strong mindset and commitment to the role are essential.
By volunteering on our Wildlife Nursery Assistant Program in Costa Rica, you will:
• Support the care of young, orphaned, and vulnerable wildlife
• Work within a structured nursery environment focused on early-stage rehabilitation
• Assist with the preparation of food, bottles, and enrichment activities
• Maintain high standards of hygiene through daily and deep cleaning tasks
• Prepare enclosures for new animal arrivals
• Gain insight into intensive wildlife care and rehabilitation processes
• Work alongside experienced staff and long-term volunteers
• Be part of a small, dedicated team in a high-responsibility settingWhat to Expect: A Day in the Life of a Wildlife Nursery Assistant Volunteer
Your experience is centred around supporting the daily operations of a professional wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centre. Each day is structured around the needs of the animals and the ongoing work required to maintain a safe, clean, and well-managed environment.
A typical day runs from around 7:30am to 3:30pm and is divided into three main work periods, with a morning break and a lunch break in between. While the structure of the day remains consistent, the specific tasks and responsibilities can vary depending on the needs of the centre at that time.
Work is structures, practical, and guided by experienced staff. You will be supporting a range of essential activities that contribute to animal care, enclosure maintenance, food preparation, and the overall running of the facility. Every task plays an important role in ensuring the wellbeing and rehabilitation of the animals.
This is a physically active role that requires a strong work ethic, adaptability, and attention to detail. The focus is always on animal welfare, and volunteers are expected to follow guidance carefully and maintain a high standard of responsibility throughout their time on the program.
To ensure the highest ethical standards are upheld, direct contact with wildlife is managedi strictly by trained professionals only. This approach prioritises the animals’ natural behaviours and long-term rehabilitation success.
Time Off & Daily Rhythm
Outside of working hours, you will have time to relax, connect with other volunteers, and enjoy your surroundings. Volunteers receive two days off per week, which are selected on-site and may vary from week to week.
This flexible structure allows you to balance meaningful conservation work with time to rest, recharge, and explore the local area.
Your Impact as a Volunteer
Your role within the wildlife nursery directly supports animals at one of the most critical stages of their recovery. From the moment they arrive, these animals rely on consistent care, a clean environment, and careful monitoring to give them the best possible chance of survival.
By contributing to the daily running of the nursery, you help maintain the high standards required for rehabilitation. Clean enclosures, prepared food, and organised spaces all play a vital role in reducing stress, preventing illness, and supporting recovery.
Your work also supports the wider mission of rescue, rehabilitation, and release. By helping ensure the nursery operates smoothly, you are part of a larger process that aims to return animals to their natural habitats whenever possible.
Beyond the physical tasks, your presence allows experienced staff to focus on specialised care and medical treatment. Together, this teamwork strengthens the overall impact of the centre and contributes to long-term wildlife conservation efforts in the region.
Your Home in Costa Rica – The Jaguar Inn
Volunteers stay in a comfortable hostel located directly next to the rescue centre, providing easy access to your daily placement while living alongside fellow volunteers from around the world.
Rooms are bright and designed for comfort, typically shared between four people. Each room includes:
• Single beds with quality mattresses and bedding
• Ensuite bathroom with hot showers
• Large storage lockers
• Garden viewsAll rooms are mixed dorm-style, creating a social and community-focused living environment.
Private Room Option
A private room with its own kitchen is available at an additional cost and subject to availability.Communal Living & Facilities
The shared common area, known as “El Rancho”, is a central space where volunteers can relax and connect.Facilities include:
• Comfortable seating areas
• Fully equipped kitchen with stove, oven, and microwave
• Cutlery and cooking utensils
• Refrigerators for food storage
• WiFi accessSeveral supermarkets are located nearby, allowing volunteers to easily purchase and prepare their own meals.
Safety & Security
The accommodation includes WiFi and a night security guard, ensuring a safe and secure environment for all volunteers.Living Guidelines
To maintain a respectful and comfortable environment for everyone, volunteers are expected to follow basic shared living guidelines:• Respect quiet hours, particularly during evenings and early mornings
• Keep shared spaces clean and tidy after use
• Be considerate when using lights and shared facilities at night
• Respect personal space within shared rooms
• Communicate openly and respectfully with other volunteers
• Follow all accommodation rules and guidelines
• Keep personal belongings secure and respect overall safetyThese simple guidelines help create a positive, friendly, and cooperative living environment for all volunteers.
Emergency Contact
For emergencies during your stay, local support is available on-site.History
Our trusted conservation partner is a licensed wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centre based on Costa Rica’s southern Caribbean coast, founded in 2008 in response to increasing numbers of injured, orphaned, and displaced wild animals in the region.
What began as a small, personal effort by two wildlife specialists quickly grew as more animals were brought to them by local communities and authorities. As demand increased, the project expanded from a home-based rescue into a fully established centre, now covering approximately 22,000 square metres and capable of supporting a wide range of native species.
Over the years, the centre has rescued more than 9,000 wild animals, with approximately 48% successfully rehabilitated and released back into their natural habitats. Today, it operates as a critical part of the region’s wildlife response network, regularly receiving animals from local authorities including police, coast guard, and environmental agencies.
Mission & Vision
The mission of this project is to rescue, rehabilitate, and release wildlife while promoting a harmonious relationship between people and nature through education and conservation.
The program focuses on:
• Wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, and release
• Veterinary care and recovery support
• Primary forest and habitat conservation
• Environmental education and community awarenessThe centre operates under a strict no-contact, welfare-first approach, ensuring that all animals are given the best possible chance of returning to the wild while minimising human interaction.
Guided by science, compassion, and transparency, the project follows internationally recognised standards for animal welfare and conservation, working alongside national authorities, universities, and global frameworks to support long-term biodiversity protection.
The long-term vision is to create a future where wildlife and people coexist in balance, and where every animal has the opportunity to recover and return to its natural environment.
Program Fee
Duration Fee
12 Weeks €1910Accommodation Upgrade Option
For volunteers seeking more privacy, a bungalow upgrade is available:
• €60 per night (1 person approx.)
• €65 per night (2 people approx.)Subject to availability.
Payment Terms
• Fees are due 30 days before your start date
• If applying within 30 days of arrival, full payment is required within 48 hoursWhat’s Included
Your program fee includes:
✅ Accommodation at the volunteer hostel
✅ 3 days of initial training and induction
✅ Official volunteer T-shirt
✅ Volunteer assistance certificate
✅ Full support before, during, and after your program
✅ Welcome pack full of essential and useful information
✅ Domestic transfer guidance and coordination
✅ Expert guidance from experienced on-site professionals
✅ 100% Cancellation Money-Back Guarantee
✅ So much moreRequirements for this program
To participate in this program, you must:
• Complete an interview process
• Complete an application form
• Valid medical insurance covering your stay
• Negative tuberculosis test or proof of vaccination• Must sign indemnity/risk agreement before arrival
Where You'll Be: Puerto Viejo
Where You'll Be – Puerto Viejo, Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica
Your volunteer placement is located on Costa Rica’s southern Caribbean coast near the vibrant town of Puerto Viejo — a region known for its rich biodiversity, tropical landscapes, and relaxed coastal atmosphere.
Surrounded by lush rainforest and just minutes from the coastline, this area provides the perfect environment for wildlife rescue and rehabilitation. The region is home to an incredible variety of species, including monkeys, sloths, tropical birds, reptiles, and amphibians, many of which are brought into the rescue centre for care and recovery.
Puerto Viejo offers a unique blend of Caribbean culture and natural beauty. The area is known for its laid-back lifestyle, colourful local communities, and strong connection to nature. Unlike more developed parts of Costa Rica, this region retains a more authentic and unspoiled feel.
Costa Rica – A Global Leader in Conservation
Costa Rica is internationally recognised for its commitment to environmental protection and biodiversity conservation. Despite covering only a small portion of the Earth’s surface, the country is home to approximately 5–6% of the world’s biodiversity.
The country has made significant efforts to protect its natural environment, with around 25% of its land designated as protected national parks and reserves. These ecosystems range from dense rainforests and cloud forests to coastlines and marine habitats.
Costa Rica’s strong conservation focus makes it one of the most important destinations in the world for wildlife protection and ecological research.
A Biodiverse Coastal Environment
The Caribbean coast offers a unique ecosystem where rainforest meets the ocean. This combination creates ideal conditions for a wide range of wildlife species and plays a vital role in maintaining ecological balance.
Within this region, you may encounter:
• Monkeys and sloths in surrounding forest areas
• Tropical birds and reptiles
• Coastal and marine species
• Diverse plant and insect life
The close proximity of multiple ecosystems makes this an exceptional location for conservation work and environmental learning.
A Slower Pace of Life
Life on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast moves at a slower, more relaxed pace. This allows volunteers to disconnect from busy routines and fully immerse themselves in the natural surroundings.
The balance between meaningful conservation work and a peaceful environment creates a unique experience where you can both contribute and recharge.
Free time Activities
& Tours
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On your days off, you can explore the vibrant and biodiverse Caribbean coast of Costa Rica. From tropical beaches to rainforest adventures, Puerto Viejo offers a wide range of experiences that allow you to fully enjoy your time outside of the program.
Whether you prefer relaxation, wildlife exploration, or cultural experiences, there is something for everyone.
• Beach hopping – Playa Cocles, Playa Chiquita, Punta Uva
• Swimming, sunbathing, and coastal walks
• Surfing at Salsa Brava and Playa Cocles
• Snorkelling, paddleboarding, and kayaking
• Visit Cahuita National Park (wildlife + coral reef snorkelling)
• Explore Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge
• Visit indigenous communities (Bribri & Cabécar)
• Chocolate tours (cacao production + tasting)
• Waterfalls and rainforest hikes (e.g. Bribri area)
• River boat tours
• Nightlife, reggae bars, and Caribbean cuisine
• Yoga classes and wellness retreats
