General overview

This animal rescue center is a temporary or permanent home for ill, injured, and orphaned animals. With a focus on monkeys, sloths, other mammals, birds and reptiles: the center provides veterinary services, round-the-clock care and comfort to animals that would otherwise be unable to survive in the Caribbean rainforest.


You will work with rescued, mistreated and injured animals on Costa Rica’s laid-back Caribbean coastline, where reggae music fills the air and surfers line up on the horizon. Based just 4km from Puerto Viejo, a traveler hangout with a bohemian vibe, where tie-dye rules and Creole street food sizzles, you’ll help to rehabilitate the animals and re-introduce them to their natural habitat in a controlled, safe manner.

Your support as a volunteer at the rescue center is invaluable, as the center receives no financial aid from the Costa Rican government and rely solely on the generosity of volunteers like you to keep our operations running. By dedicating your time here, you're not only caring for injured animals but also ensuring the survival of the rescue center itself. 

• As a volunteer at the rescue center, get ready for a diverse range of tasks that keep things interesting! From the everyday chores of dish duty and animal cleanup (yep, it's a constant!) to more hands-on projects like building and sprucing up enclosures. And hey, you might even find yourself on baby-sitting duty for a new arrival, helping them settle into their new digs with some extra TLC. Your flexibility and willingness to pitch in wherever needed are key to keeping our furry and feathered friends happy and healthy. 

• As your volunteering journey at the rescue center nears its end, get ready for an exciting transition! On Monday of your last week, you'll transfer to the Release Center, located close by but far enough away for our animal friends to find their way back to nature. Here, you'll play a crucial role in accompanying the animals through their reintroduction process. This includes visual tracking and making written comments to contribute to a final report on the success of the reintroduction efforts. It's a meaningful way to wrap up your time with us, ensuring that our furry companions have the best possible chance of thriving in their natural habitat once again. 

• As a volunteer, you'll have the unique opportunity to work closely with a variety of fascinating creatures, including monkeys, wild cats, sloths, raccoons, anteaters, and marsupials. Each day will bring new surprises and challenges as you assist with diet preparation, cleaning, monitoring, and ultimately, helping to reintroduce the animals back into their natural habitat. Your dedication and compassion make a world of difference to the animals in our care, and we're grateful for your commitment to their well-being.

• As a volunteer at the rescue center, you'll typically work five days a week, which may include weekdays or weekend days, depending on the center's needs. Our days start bright and early at 7:30 am and continue until around 4:00 pm. This schedule ensures that our dedicated team of volunteers can provide constant care and support to the animals, while also accommodating the tours we offer to tourists throughout the week.