GAIN HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE CARING FOR SICK, INJURED, AND ORPHANED WILDLIFE IN COSTA RICA
Travel to Costa Rica and join a remote wildlife sanctuary where you’ll help care for an array of mammals, birds, and reptiles. You’ll gain practical experience in animal husbandry and get the chance to conduct your own independent research while contributing to valuable wildlife conservation work.
This Wildlife Husbandry Internship places you with a nonprofit wildlife rescue and rehabilitation center and sanctuary in Costa Rica. This organization rescues and rehabilitates injured, sick, and orphaned wildlife, with the ultimate goal of releasing them back into their natural habitat. They tend animals that have been injured due to traffic accidents, electrocutions, domestic animal attacks, and the pet trade. In cases where the animals’ issues are too severe, the sanctuary also serves as a refuge for wildlife.
As an intern, you’ll be responsible for tending to the upkeep of the sanctuary’s wildlife. As well as your wildlife husbandry duties, depending on the length of your stay, you might be able to participate in animal rescues and releases, and be involved in different activities, such as managing onsite camera traps, participating in educational lectures & workshops, and exploring the sanctuary surroundings. On top of all that you’ll get to devise and manage your own independent research projects. You’ll build a broad skill set in wildlife care and gain deep insight into nonprofit conservation work.
Based in Costa Rica, this nonprofit organization is dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of wildlife in the Alturas region of the Puntarenas province. This area loses a lot of its wildlife due to road accidents, electrocutions, domestic animal attacks, and the pet trade.
The organization runs a 24/7 veterinary clinic where they treat injured, sick, or orphaned animals with the primary goal being to release them. In cases where re-release isn’t possible when the animal has been domesticated or disabled, the sanctuary also serves as a refuge. Established in 2014, they have already established themselves as a valuable asset to conservation efforts in the region and have saved over 3,500 animals.
A certain portion of your wildlife husbandry internship will be spent on your own independent research project which will be agreed upon with your supervisors beforehand. Beyond that, you can expect great variety in your daily tasks during the program. The main focus of your work will be the daily husbandry of the sanctuary and rehab for the animals. Additionally, you may be able to observe necropsies and participate in community outreach work.
Your duties as a wildlife husbandry intern may include:
OPTIONALÂ INTERNSHIP ADD-ON
If you’re interested in wildlife monitoring, in-field research, community engagement, and disease ecology, you can opt to participate in the Health & Conservation Medicine Fieldwork program. The minimum duration is 3 weeks and will be completed following your Wildlife Husbandry internship. This internship add-on is ideal for individuals with a background in veterinary science or wildlife conservation who are eager to gain hands-on field experience alongside seasoned conservationists working with Costa Rican wildlife. Get in touch to learn more about the program & pricing.
Interns will stay in the Wildlife Sanctuary’s on-site volunteer house. Here, you’ll enjoy private or shared bedrooms, a well-equipped kitchen, laundry services and Wifi. You’ll also be able to enjoy a range of outdoor activities like surfing, yoga, hiking, and waterfall tours.
Costa Rica is generally considered a safe travel destination although you have to keep the normal safety precautions in mind (take care of your valuables, don’t go out alone after dark, etc.). Make sure to visit your doctor and dentist for a check-up before your internship and to get all the recommended vaccines and/or medications necessary to stay healthy. Malaria risk is low, but consult your local health on whether or not to take any malaria medication.
Free Wifi is available at your accommodation to stay in touch with family and friends while abroad.
Three vegetarian meals a day from Monday to Sunday are provided. During the week, a chef will prepare lunch and dinner for you. You will need to prepare you own breakfast and meals over the weekend using the food provided (special requests for groceries can be made).
The organization is situated in the biological corridor that connects the Pacific Rainforest to the Osa Peninsula. This area houses 6.5% of the world’s biodiversity and contains the highest density in the world. The accommodation for this internship provides an up-close experience of one of the most exciting, and scientifically significant ecosystems on the planet.
Arrival is always on Wednesday or Sunday (mid day to 8PM). The exact start and end dates will be discussed with you during the selection process.
NOTE: this internship has limited availability; it is recommended to apply at least 4-6 months prior to your ideal arrival date
What you’ll pay (2025 rates)
4 weeks USD 2,206
6 weeks USD 2,868
8 weeks USD 3,502
10 weeks USD 4,110
12 weeks USD 4,693
Get in touch for the Health & Conservation Medicine Fieldwork internship add-on rates
Some of our most commonly asked questions for programs in Costa Rica.
During your internship, you can expect to gain a mix of professional development and cultural exploration. Also, throughout your internship, you’ll gain hands-on experience in your chosen field, collaborating with locals and fellow interns, building relationships and a strong network.
As you engage in meaningful projects that contribute to sustainable development and environmental causes, you’ll gain a sense of purpose and passion for creating a positive change. Also, you’ll get to use and sharpen your professional skills, as well as your interpersonal skills. If you wish to know more about how doing a nonprofit internship is good for your career, make sure to check this blog out!
Yes, but you must ensure with your university supervisor that the internship meets the needed requirements. You can also choose to purchase transfer credits to supplement your internship experience.
Unfortunately, it is not possible to receive any sort of stipend. When interning for a nonprofit organization, you will not be paid, but here are some ways to fund your internship. Your experience will bring opportunities for both professional and personal growth and a wealth of new knowledge which is invaluable!
If you’re ready to apply for this internship, here’s what to do:
Fill in the application form (it will show in a new screen) which includes sharing your CV to us.
We’ll set up a call with you to go through your application.
If we feel it’s a good match, we’ll set up a call between you and the supervisor for this internship.
If everyone’s happy, we’ll provisionally confirm your placement! We’ll then send you the invoice for the deposit, getting started with the booking process and all the info you need.
Only once we receive payment of the deposit your placement will be confirmed.
Or if you’d just like to ask us some questions about this internship first, just fill in the contact form below. We’ll be happy to assist!
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ABOUT US
At Roots, we create the perfect balance between meaningful work and valuable learning through internships with nonprofits & social enterprises in Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America.TEST
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ABOUT US
At Roots, we create the perfect balance between meaningful work and valuable learning through internships with nonprofits & social enterprises in Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America.
CONTACT
UK: +44 139 269 0255
US: +1 617 500 6179
internship@rootsinterns.com
OFFICE: Cape Town, South Africa
SOCIAL
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ABOUT US
At Roots, we create the perfect balance between meaningful work and valuable learning through internships with nonprofits & social enterprises in Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America.
CONTACT
UK: +44 139 269 0255
US: +1 617 500 6179
internship@rootsinterns.com
OFFICE: Cape Town, South Africa
SOCIAL
SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER
