Wildlife Volunteer opportunities in Costa Rica
Welcome
to Natuwa!
We extend to you a warm invitation for an exhilarating experience volunteering to help the wildlife of Costa Rica. Embark on the journey of your life in one of the safest countries in Latin America, renowned for its effervescent culture and warm hospitality. Situated in a tropical utopia, Costa Rica boasts a rich tapestry of landscapes that include the fiery spectacle of active volcanoes, majestic mountain ranges, lush valleys, expansive plateaus, and the stunning coasts of both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. Explore our pristine beaches with their unique volcanic sand, and the lush mangrove forests that surround them.
Every week we visit the Monteverde Natural Reserve.!
Discover Costa Rica with your new friends.
In the heart of this diverse geography lie our incredible ecosystems: the rainforest, the highland moor, and the delicate dry forest. To ensure their survival, 25% of our territory is dedicated to protected wilderness areas to preserve our valuable biodiversity. With over 5% of the world’s biodiversity, Costa Rica stands out as one of the wealthiest places in flora and fauna.
Discover our rich biodiversity.
Be amazed by our natural jewelry.
We warmly invite you to immerse yourself in the splendor of natural diversity and contribute to a meaningful cause by participating in our volunteer program at the NATUWA Sanctuary. In the heart of Costa Rica’s ecotourism haven, you will aid in wildlife preservation and gain invaluable insights into conservation. As you nurture and protect our wildlife, you become part of a community dedicated to active stewardship the environment.
Wildlife volunteer opportunities in Costa Rica are an experience that provides knowledge on the management of wild animals in the Neotropic region. If you are looking to work with wild animals, in NATUWA, you can have the opportunity to learn about the ethology and management of animal species such as jaguars (Panthera onca), sloths (Choloepus hoffmanni), macaws (Ara macao and Ara ambiguus), tapirs (Tapirus bairdii), anteaters (Tamandua mexicana) and more.
The custody of animals and the environmental care that NATUWA develops require people with a high standard of commitment and cooperation.
You can perform numerous and diverse functions to improve animals’ lives, so you are not required to have specific knowledge about animals. But willing to understand how to manage wildlife appropriately in a Wildlife Sanctuary.
All activities will always be carried out under the company and the guidance of the organization’s staff.
Unique volunteer opportunity in Costa Rica: Learn, protect, and conserve with Natuwa and wild animals.
NATUWA’s commitment to wildlife conservation and environmental protection relies on passionate volunteers’ active and collaborative participation.
We offer a wide array of tasks, all crucial for the care and support of our animals. No previous experience in wildlife management is required; we place the highest value on respect for the animals and a sincere commitment to activities that promote their well-being.
Every minute you spend helping, whether it’s for a day or a year, significantly contributes to our mission.
All tasks are performed under our wildlife specialists’ strict guidance and supervision, including natural resource managers, biologists, and veterinarians, ensuring the best practices in animal care and management.
Engage actively with people from all around the world.
Experience living in a new culture.
The volunteer program for wildlife conservation in Costa Rica offered by the Natuwa Wildlife Sanctuary is a unique gateway to a cultural and natural experience in a country brimming with biodiversity. This program steers clear of wildlife domestication and is thoughtfully crafted for individuals or families — seeking a transformative experience.
Our mission is to educate about the importance of not removing organisms from their ecosystems and promote harmonious coexistence with species in their natural habitats. By participating in our program, you will develop practical skills to assist animals in need while respecting their natural behaviors and instincts.
If you seek an experience involving close physical interaction with animals, such as direct contact (kissing, hugging, etc.), we encourage you to find a project more aligned with those expectations. However, suppose you wish to invest your time meaningfully, learning about and contributing to the well-being of these beautiful creatures. In that case, we welcome you to NATUWA, where your effort translates into positive change for wildlife and their ecosystems.
Be the Change: Secure Your Spot at NATUWA Sanctuary Today
Veterinary
Requirements to participate in the Volunteer Program with Wild Animals in Costa Rica.
- Fill out the form NTW-001.
- Have travel insurance to be attended in a public hospital or private clinic.
- Be vaccinated against Tetanus. We recommend the rabies vaccine. It is important to follow the recommendation of your specialist doctor in human medicine regarding these vaccines before applying them.
Wildlife Rescue Team
Wildlife Rescue Sanctuary
Wildlife volunteers who come to NATUWA join our team to help with the daily routine of caring for the animals. Volunteers actively participate in various tasks, including feeding monkeys, jaguars, tapirs, macaws, sloths, and many other species. Additionally, volunteers take part in the animal rehabilitation and rescue process.
They also carry out maintenance work in enclosures and conduct environmental enrichment activities to enhance the well-being of the animals permanently housed within the compartments.
All tasks are carried out under the guidance of veterinarians, biologists, the center director, and other professional NATUWA staff.
This volunteer opportunity provides valuable experience in managing wild animals while preventing accidents that could endanger both the animals and the caregivers and contributes to our conservation efforts.
Supporting Local Families
As a volunteer, your role goes beyond assisting the animals; you are making a meaningful difference in the lives of families responsible for caring for these creatures.
By participating in the maintenance and restoration of nature, you are directly helping families who rely on employment at the NATUWA Wild Animal Sanctuary.
This essential source of livelihood is the only one of its kind in the community of Aranjuez, focusing on restoring nature and preserving wildlife.
When you invest in our Volunteer Program, you contribute to the well-being of the animals and support the livelihoods of the workers’ families involved in this noble endeavor.
We invite you to learn more about the symbiotic relationship between wildlife conservation and local human welfare at the best wildlife animal sanctuary in Costa Rica, NATUWA. Your dedication and support make a significant difference for the wildlife and the people involved.
Volunteer with sloths in Costa Rica
Characteristics of sloths
The sloth is one of the most emblematic creatures of the tropics in Costa Rica. These charismatic animals with dense hair live in the forest, immersed in the vegetation; sometimes, they are confused with mounds of termites or imitate the environment very well, which makes it very difficult to spot them.
Learn more about our sloths here!
In Costa Rica, there are two species of sloths; a kind is of daytime habits, the three-fingered sloth Bradypus tridactylus) while the other, the two-fingered sloth (Choloepus hoffmanny), prefers to be active during the quiet of the night.
The roads go through the natural habitat of the sloths; often, they are trying to understand this giant asphalt mace in the middle of their house, their forest. Many are injured, and others are orphaned due to different reasons (dog attacks, road raids, destruction of their habitat), where the human being is always responsible.
Costa rica animal rescue center
Volunteers play a vital role in rehabilitating these beautiful creatures, dedicating countless hours of work, both day and night, to ensure that sloths can be returned to their natural habitat. At NATUWA, volunteers gain comprehensive knowledge about the management and care of these charismatic sloths.
Caring for the baby sloths
Caring for animals is a challenging task that requires dedication and responsibility. However, the challenge becomes even more remarkable when caring for baby sloths who cannot feed themselves and entirely depend on human assistance to survive.
Tragically, many baby animals are removed from their ecosystem, often because people see them as “adorable” pets. The illegal pet trade takes a toll on Costa Rica’s fauna, with parrots, monkeys, parakeets, and others being sold locally or taken out of the country.
Wildlife Volunteer opportunities in Costa Rica offer a unique chance to help these fragile creatures at rescue centers and sanctuaries, providing them with the care and support they need to thrive.
Wildlife Rescue Sanctuary
For these baby sloths and other orphaned animals, animal refuge centers become their only chance at life, offering them safety from violent deaths and the opportunity to return to life in the trees again.
At NATUWA, with the dedication of our Volunteers and Interns, we prevent these animals from suffering and provide them with the chance to return to their natural habitat through the NATUWA Wildlife Rescue Sanctuary. By supporting our efforts, you contribute to the conservation and well-being of these incredible creatures.
A Typical Day as a Volunteer at Natuwa
A Unique Wildlife Conservation Experience
At the Natuwa Wildlife Sanctuary, every day is a unique adventure in conservation. Unlike other sanctuaries in Costa Rica, we never run out of work. With over 500 animals requiring daily care, we seek volunteers who are dedicated and passionate about animal care and conservation.
If you don’t find these challenges motivating, this project might not be for you, and that’s okay! Our daily schedule can be intense, but the work is gratifying.
Diverse Activities for a Significant Impact
At Natuwa, we tirelessly work to improve the lives of jaguars, tapirs, sloths, macaws, and many other Costa Rican wildlife. As a volunteer, you’ll be involved in vital activities such as:
- Feeding animals.
- Cleaning enclosures.
- Assisting animals in emergencies.
- Participating in rehabilitation and release efforts.
- Tree planting.
- Assisting in conducting sanctuary tours.
- Maintaining animal enclosures and the property.
- Constructing organic structures for the animals.
- Participating in environmental enrichment for various species.
- Agricultural production (for both volunteers and animals).
- Cleaning the animal feeding stations.
- Providing water to animals.
- Washing enclosure floors.
- General sanctuary maintenance.
- Feeding baby animals.
- Providing fresh grass to our herbivores.
- And any other tasks that arise!
Every day at Natuwa is an opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute significantly to the wellbeing of Costa Rica’s wildlife. We invite you to be part of this exciting and enriching experience.
Daily schedule for Volunteers.
A Day Full of Activities and Restful Moments
Morning Feeding and Daily Tasks:
- 6:00 am – 8:00 am: Start your day with the morning feeding of the animals under expert supervision. This is a unique opportunity to see the animals at their most active.
- 8:00 am – 8:15 am: Breakfast time! A well-deserved break to recharge your energy.
- 8:15 am – 10:30 am: Engage in daily tasks (details provided in the list).
- 10:45 am – 12:00 pm: Continue with the morning’s assigned tasks.
Lunch and Relaxation Time:
- 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm: Time for a nutritious lunch, followed by free time to use the WiFi or enjoy a restorative nap.
Afternoon Feeding and Free Time:
- 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm: Afternoon feeding for the animals, again with supervision. These hours are crucial for maintaining the routine and care of our residents.
- After the Afternoon Feeding: Volunteers have free time to explore, rest, or engage in recreational activities.
- 6:00 pm: Dinner is ready, a perfect time to share experiences with other volunteers and unwind after a productive day.
Your Day-to-Day at Natuwa:
This schedule is a guide to what you can expect on a typical day at Natuwa. We are committed to the well-being of both our animals and our volunteers, ensuring that each day is enriching and balanced.
Wildlife Volunteer opportunities in Costa Rica
Animal enclosure maintenance
Animal feeding
Cleaning enclosures
Ecological restoration
Make tours
Environmental enrichment for animals
Acommodation for Volunteers
- Comfortable and Authentic Living Spaces
At Natuwa, volunteers stay in shared dormitory-style accommodations designed to foster a sense of community while immersing them in the beauty of Costa Rican nature. We offer two types of shared accommodations:
Dormitory-Style Accommodation
1️⃣ Country-Style House
A traditional Costa Rican house, ideal for long-term volunteers (four weeks or more), offering a charming and authentic living experience.
🔹 Features include:
✔ One large shared room with bunk beds
✔ Three fans for better air circulation
✔ Ample storage space for personal belongings
✔ Windows for natural light and ventilation
2️⃣ Eco-Friendly Modular Lodging (formerly modified shipping container)
Designed with sustainability in mind, this unique accommodation is divided into three rooms within an eco-friendly modular structure.
🔹 Each room includes:
✔ Two bunk beds (accommodating up to four people per room)
✔ A fan for air circulation
✔ Storage space for personal items
General Facilities
✔ Bathrooms and showers are in a separate building adjacent to the sleeping quarters.
✔ 🚿 Hot water is NOT available in standard accommodations, allowing volunteers to embrace the natural experience.
✔ 🧺Volunteers have access to a pila (outdoor sink) for hand washing clothes and clotheslines for drying. If they prefer not to wash their clothes, they can request a laundry service at the reception at a very low cost of $3$ per kilogram.
✔ 📶 Wi-Fi access is available in the volunteer housing area, allowing volunteers to stay connected.
3️⃣ Private Comfort Room
For those seeking a more private and comfortable experience, this option offers additional amenities and a tranquil space for rest and reflection.
🔹 Features include:
✔ Private room with personal space
✔ Air conditioning (A/C) for a cool and restful environment
✔ Private bathroom with a hot water shower
✔ Ideal for any volunteer participating in our general, veterinary, or biology programs
This option must be requested in advance, and is available for $125 per night per person, with the program cost already included.
Room Assignment & Group Requests
Our accommodations are generally mixed-gender, meaning rooms will be shared among male and female volunteers.
If you are traveling with friends of the same gender and would like to share a room, you must request it in advance. We will do our best to accommodate your request, but it is subject to availability.
Environmental Responsibility
At Natuwa, we believe in sustainable and responsible living. Volunteers are expected to:
✔ Keep their living spaces clean and free of plastic waste.
✔ Respect the belongings of others and maintain a positive communal atmosphere.
Embrace the Natuwa Experience!
Our accommodations are thoughtfully designed to enhance your connection with nature, Costa Rican culture, and wildlife conservation. Whether you choose a shared dormitory experience or the privacy of a private room, your stay will be filled with meaningful experiences that contribute to the well-being of the animals and the sanctuary.
Arriving at Natuwa: Transportation from the Airport
How to travel from Juan Santamaría Airport to NATUWA?
Once you are at the airport, take a taxi to San Jose. Ask to be taken to the Empresarios Unidos bus company. There, take a bus to Roble de Puntarenas. Finally, take a taxi to the NATUWA Wildlife Sanctuary. Another option would be to arrange transportation at NATUWA.
What transportation service can I use to travel locally while at NATUWA?
Once in Costa Rica, getting around locally from our wildlife center is very easy. The public bus provides transportation from Monday to Saturday to and from the Sanctuary. At 6:00 a.m, the bus passes by the Sanctuary heading to the city of Puntarenas. In this city, you can find bus stations to travel throughout Costa Rica. On the way back to the Sanctuary, the bus departs from Puntarenas at 11:00 a.m. and arrives at the Sanctuary around 1:00 p.m. The price of the service is approximately a thousand colones (around $2).
Additionally, another option is to request a taxi service to reach the Sanctuary. From Puntarenas to the sanctuary, volunteers can expect to pay around $65 for an official taxi regulated by Costa Rica’s transportation law.
Seamless and Secure Transport for a Stress-Free Start
Airport to Natuwa: Exclusive Transportation Service
- For a smooth and secure transition, all participants of the Natuwa Volunteer Program must use our designated transportation service directly from the airport to Natuwa.
- Why Exclusive Transportation? We prioritize your safety and convenience. To ensure a seamless and secure arrival, we have arranged a dedicated transport service that understands our volunteers’ specific needs and the sanctuary’s location.
- Cost: The transportation service is available for USD 160 for one or two people, and more than two people, $65 each, ensuring a private and comfortable journey to the sanctuary.
Already in Costa Rica? Coordinate Your Arrival
- If you’re currently in Costa Rica and wish to join our volunteer program, you can easily coordinate your admission by contacting us at +506 86444666.
- Our team is ready to assist you with the necessary arrangements to ensure a smooth start to your volunteer experience.
Begin Your Journey with Ease
- We aim to make your journey to Natuwa as effortless and pleasant as possible, allowing you to focus on the exciting volunteer experience that awaits you.
Services Included in Your Volunteer Experience
Stay Connected and Comfortable
WiFi Access:
- Stay connected with the world and share your experiences! WiFi is available at the reception and volunteer facilities, ensuring you can easily communicate with loved ones and access online resources.
Accommodation:
- Dorm Room Style Living: Experience community living in our dormitory-style accommodation, designed to offer comfort and a sense of camaraderie among volunteers.
Nutritious Meals:
- Three Meals Daily: Enjoy three wholesome meals daily to energize you for your volunteer activities.
- Vegetarian Options: We cater to dietary preferences. Vegetarian options are available upon request, ensuring that all our volunteers have delicious and nutritious meal choices.
Training and Education:
- Everyday Wildlife Management Training: Engage in daily training sessions in wildlife management, gaining valuable knowledge and practical skills in animal care and conservation practices.
Travel Support Within Costa Rica:
- Information and Assistance: Receive comprehensive information about traveling within Costa Rica.
- Reservation and Transfer Support: Our team is here to assist with your travel reservations and transfers, making it easier for you to explore and enjoy the beauty of Costa Rica during your free time.
Embark on a Journey of Learning and Discovery
As a volunteer at Natuwa, you’re contributing to wildlife conservation and immersing yourself in a well-supported, educational, and fulfilling experience. We ensure that every aspect of your stay contributes to your personal growth and enjoyment.
Food & Drink
Food & Drink Details
The meals are typical Costa Rican dishes. Almost every meal includes rice, beans, or salad. Juice or coffee is offered for every meal. You must inform us if you have any special diets or food allergies.
Example Breakfast Meals: (8:00 am)
1. “Gallo pinto” with egg, plantain, or sausage.
2. Or cereal.
3. With watermelon, banana, or papaya.
Example Lunch Meals: (12:00md)
1. Rice and beans with a slice of meat.
2. Or rice and beans with spaghetti.
3. Or meat and vegetable soup with rice.
Example Dinner Meals: (6:00 pm to 6:30 pm)
1. Rice and beans with vegetables.
2. Or hamburger.
3. Or cold-cut sandwich.
NATUWA´s Rules
Before deciding to join our wildlife management program, you must agree to the following rules.
- No smoking inside or outside of NATUWA´s property.
- In order not to tame the animals, please do not talk to them.
- Do not feed the animals (outside feeding time).
- When taking pictures, the use of flash is prohibited.
- The use of any illegal drug is prohibited.
- Alcoholic beverages are not allowed.
- Be respectful of the staff of the sanctuary (sexual harassment, racism, homophobia, or xenophobia will not be tolerated).
- Do not allow strangers (outsiders) to enter the sanctuary.
- People working in shorts are not allowed.
- Follow the safety rules according to the activity (gloves, helmet, eyeglasses, boots, pants).
- Do not carry electronic devices (Cell phones and cameras) while working.
- Insect repellents containing DEET are strictly prohibited.
Dear Volunteers,
We deeply value your collaboration with us. It is crucial to remember that the sanctuary’s core mission is to ensure the well-being of all the wildlife species we shelter, as detailed in the attached list of animals. Therefore, our regulations are designed to favor the interests of the species residing in NATUWA and those of the people dedicated to their care.
All our volunteers must understand and familiarize themselves with these rules before joining our volunteer program in Costa Rica, which focuses on the ethical and respectful management of wild animals.
We have a critical natural process to ensure the best care and welfare for the animals, and we invite you to participate actively in this process. However, failing to follow the rules interferes with this process and may result in expulsion from the program.
If you intend to touch or pet the animals, please note that our program does not permit such practice. It puts your health, that of others, and the animals we shelter at risk. Additionally, Costa Rican regulations prohibit such practices.
It is essential to clarify that you will join a team of wildlife management specialists. You will interact constantly with wild animals respectfully and ethically, aiming to benefit them.
During your stay, you can participate in various activities, such as trips around Costa Rica, wildlife management, and environmental enrichment. Safety protocols will be explained on-site to ensure your safety and that of the animals.
Please review the attached documents for more details about our rules and procedures.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Sincerely,
Rodolfo Orozco Vega
Director and Natural Resources Manager
E-mail: [email protected]
Mobile: +506 8823 2460
Essential Packing List for Volunteers
Preparing for Your Tropical Adventure at Natuwa
Welcome to the vibrant tropics of Natuwa! As you embark on this extraordinary journey, it’s essential to pack smartly to ensure a comfortable and safe experience. Our environment, rich in biodiversity, is also home to unique climatic elements – from dense vegetation and abundant wildlife to seasonal rains and intense sun. This packing list is carefully curated to help you adjust seamlessly to the tropical ecosystem. You’ll encounter various conditions, including mosquitoes, pollen, and beach environments. By bringing these recommended items, you’re equipping yourself to fully embrace the beauty and challenges of the tropics, ensuring a rewarding and memorable volunteer experience.
Mandatory Items:
-Natural repellent (DEET-free)
-Sunscreen
-Long pants (suitable for work)
-Quick-drying clothing
-Hat
-Afterbite treatment
-Shower sandals
-Quick-drying towel
-Multiple pairs of socks
-Reusable water bottle
-Topical allergy medication
-Allergy pills
-Hydration powder packets (for adding to water in case of dehydration)
-Sunburn relief cream or gel (such as aloe vera)
-Beach gear
*Optional Items:*
-Rubber boots
– Thin bed sheets (one set provided)
– Bandana
– Sleeve shirts
– Rain jacket
– Work gloves
– Books
Donations (Amazon wish list)
There are a few items that would help the animals that are difficult to purchase in Costa Rica. These items are on the list of our Amazon wish-list. Items most accessible to carry in luggage are Harrison’s Organic Juvenile Bird Formula and the Meyenburg’s goat milk powder. Volunteers are encouraged to bring these items to help the animals!
Best season to be a Wildlife volunteer
Discover the Seasons of Costa Rica: Choose Your Ideal Time for Volunteering
In Costa Rica’s diverse and vibrant landscapes, two distinct seasons shape our environment and your volunteering experience at NATUWA.
Embrace the Lushness: The Wet Season (May to November) The wet season, extending from May through November, is a time of rejuvenation and vibrant greenery. While rain is a frequent companion during these months, it also unveils the true splendor of Costa Rica’s lush landscapes. The cooler weather during this period is a welcome relief, making outdoor activities and wildlife care more comfortable and enjoyable. It’s a time when the sanctuary teems with life, offering a unique perspective on the natural world.
Bask in the Sunshine: The Dry Season (November to May) Conversely, the dry season, spanning from November to May, promises sun-filled days and clear blue skies. It’s the season of abundant sunlight, where the landscape transforms, showcasing a variety of fruits like mangos and a tapestry of multicolored flowers. Located in the dry forest, NATUWA becomes a warm haven, particularly in these months, offering a different yet equally enriching experience.
Your choice of season for volunteering in Costa Rica at NATUWA will shape your experience, each with its unique charm and set of experiences. Whether you’re drawn to the verdant beauty of the wet season or the warm, sunny allure of the dry season, your time at NATUWA will be an unforgettable chapter in your journey of wildlife conservation.
How to travel to NATUWA ?
Public buses run daily (except Sunday) to and from the sanctuary for the volunteers. At 6:00 a.m., the public bus arrives in front of the sanctuary to transport people to Puntarenas, a bus station with buses to travel around Costa Rica. The bus leaves from Puntarenas to Aranjuez at 11:30 a.m. and arrives at the sanctuary around 1:00 p.m. The price of the public bus is about 1000 colones (equal to about $2).
Volunteers can request a taxi to take them to the sanctuary. From Puntarenas to the sanctuary, volunteers can expect to pay about $60. The cost from the Juan Santamaria Airport to NATUWA is $150 per person.
Places to visit near NATUWA and Free-time activities
Volunteers will receive a day off to relax and explore the surrounding areas every week. The sanctuary staff can help organize places to visit. Options include the beach, local river, Puntarenas, Monteverde (two days), Volcano Arenal, and others.
Overview
We need you!
Every volunteer at Natuwa becomes a vital force for the welfare of our wildlife. Your participation enables us to ensure an exemplary quality of life for the animals through environmental enrichment, proper nutrition, vigilant supervision, and comprehensive care.
Together, we can make a substantial difference in the lives of animals in captivity and focus our efforts on their rehabilitation and potential return to the wild.
Natuwa: A Commitment to Wildlife
Natuwa is more than a volunteering program; it’s an invitation to dive into the conservation of incredible species and to understand their essential role in ecological balance.
Why you should volunteer at NATUWA?
At Natuwa, we share a common passion: love for animals and the resolve to help them. We recognize that many wild species depend on our thoughtful and respectful intervention without disturbing their natural interactions with the ecosystem. True love for animals goes beyond physical contact; it is based on applying scientific knowledge to their care, aiming to prepare them to thrive in their natural habitat.
Become an Agent of Change
We invite you to Natuwa to learn what it means to be an authentic wildlife volunteer and how we can coexist harmoniously with the natural world.
Volunteering at Natuwa is an enriching and unforgettable experience, perfect for individuals of all ages and backgrounds. As a volunteer, you will directly impact the lives of the sanctuary’s animals, gain knowledge, practice Spanish, meet people from different cultures, and immerse yourself in the rich Costa Rican culture.
Interested in the Wildlife Volunteer opportunities in Costa Rica?
Please fill out the contact form
Price of our wildlife volunteer program
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Wifi
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Three meals a day
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Acommodation