Conservation. Rainforest. Animal Rescue Centre - Costa Rica

Product Details

The animal rescue centres are based on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. They care for and rehabilitate wild animals (jaguars, monkey, ocelots, pumas, reptiles) that have been poached from the rainforests .The idea is to bring them back to full health and then release them back into the wild. The macaw project does the same sort of work but specialises in work with these beautiful birds. Presently they accommodate over 500 scarlet, blue and green macaws. Unless injured they are allowed to fly free around the centre and surrounding villages.

Costa Rica is one of the most bio-diverse countries in the world and it is possible (but illegal) to buy a huge variety of animals ranging from large cats to monkeys, crocodiles and parrots. They are worth a lot of money to unscrupulous ‘dealers’. Most of them are bought when they are young as pets and problems begin as soon as they begin to grow. At this point many people try to get rid of the animal. The luckier ones end up at the rescue centre where they are cared for and eventually released (this is not always possible as they are often sick and partially domesticated). There are good working relationships with the police and you would be asked to work alongside them.

The macaw centre is set in substantial grounds, planted with a variety of nut and fruit trees to provide food for the birds. Most of them fly freely and return because of the food. Macaws are endangered throughout the world and all trade in wild birds is prohibited. The centre runs an excellent breeding and rehabilitation programme.

These projects can be combined with working in the Tirimbina rainforest.

Tirimbina is a beautiful 1000 acre reserve situated in the Costa Rican lowlands. It was created for the preservation of the natural forest, environmental education, and scientific research. It boasts an incredible variety of bird, mammal and plant species so makes it an ideal place for this. One-third of the Tirimbina forest is used for eco-tourism and education, while the remainder is maintained as untouched forest. The Sarapiqui river flows through its heart which adds to the biological diversity.

This is primarily a conservation project but you would also be asked to help with school groups (depending on your ability to speak Spanish) give guided tours of the rainforest, help with eco-tourist initiatives and spend a little bit of time each day in the neighbouring old peoples’ home. The success of the project depends upon support from local people so many of the initiatives are community based. Art and craft workshops using rainforest products and courses in recycling and environmental education are given to all the local schools. The six miles of rainforest trails and swing bridges (one is over 300 metres in length) need constant upkeep. Signs and information boards need designing, making and repairing. There is a great little education centre for children and foreign visitors that needs managing. You would also be asked to help biologists with their research. Currently there are studies being made into the 110 species of bat that reside at Tirimbina, also research in the butterflies, bird population and tropical ecology. Volunteering at Tirimbina allows for a unique opportunity to learn about the rainforest, eco-tourism and immerse yourself in a warm, welcoming community.

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Our Users Say...
"After three months of volunteering in Costa Rica, I can look back and say that it has been an incredible experience. For a start my Spanish has greatly improved, thanks to the teachers at Spanish by the River but mostly by being in Costa Rica itself. Javier, the volunteer coordinator, has been great to have around and has much knowledge of South America. The chance to work with two Costa Rican NGO´s, Tirimbina and the animal rescue centre, I have been given a great insight into the workings of environmental and social development in a Southern American country.... Costa Rica is also a traveller’s paradise with all types of climate and environment, not to mention some great food and drink...." - Michelle Hanebry