Just a thought! Do you have some time and would like to do something to benifit yourself and animals?  It will be an experience like no other.

You can also work to either learn or improve spanish because only Juan Jose and the vet, Christian, speak english. Otherwise you will only be able to talk to yourself and the animals. You can then either call yourself Dr. Doolittle or crazy.

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If you look in the lower middle of the picture, you will see a Toucan trying to get a free meal.

Christian wants you to learn spanish and wants to only speak in spanish to help you learn ...sounds like fun.

Do something to help the world... Become a wildlife volunteer.

The Rescue Center can only accept up to 7 volunteers at a time, so please book as far in advance as possible for busy periods of time.  Last minute openings are also available. 

 Email  Juan Jose  to get more information .  You can also contact Paul via email or at the addresses below.  If you live in the states, Paul Sudenfield would be glad to call you to give you more information. 781-710-0173

what is included for you as a volunteer

Andministration fee is $250. 100% of this money goes directly toward helping support the Rescue Center and your transportation, if required.  If you are only staying a week or two , adjustments can be made.

Pick up at airport in San Jose. volunteer usually take bus back to airport. Other arrangements can be made.

Room and board at a warm and friendly host family nearby.  Most of the host  families do not speak english, so it is a good chance to learn spanish. Within walking distance or a short bus ride. Buses are frequest and very reasonable. Room and board is $13 U.S. dolars a day. 3 meals per day are included. You probably will bring your lunch to La Marina

These are  very nice families Yyou may make long lasting friendships with them

If you wish to stay at a very nice local hotel, arrangements can be made.

What should I bring?

Work clothing such as: Jeans (don't bring shorts to work in) Shirts , long and short.  Rain gear. remember it is in the rain forest. Some seasons have much more rain than others. Bring boots as it can get muddy. Don't bring insulated boots, they will be too hot.. If you can not  get farmers rubber boots,  you can buy them when you get here. Insect spray. Bugs aren't really a bad problem, but you might want to use it anyway. If you go to the hot springs you should bring shorts or a bathing suit. It is a very casual atmosphere. Even if you go out to dinner or to a bar dressy clothes are not necessary.  Costa Rica is a  safe country. However, petty crime is a problem. Don't bring fancy jewelry. Should you bring electronic equipment be careful not to leave anything unattended and don't show off your valuables. I am not trying to scare anyone. At home you have to be careful also.  You will feel comfortable in Costa Rica, just be aware.

If you forget anything at home, don't worry this is not a third work country,  you can buy anything you need downtown. 10 minutes away by bus.

Volunteer Schedule

Hours of work:   7am - 3pm  -monday to friday. If you would like to work weekends that can be arranged.  Exact times can be adjusted depending on bus schedules. 

Duties:

Clean cages , prepare and  feed animals.Some of  the cages, or enclosures, may be old but they are kept very clean to begin with. Therefor cleaning a cage is not an unpleasant job. You might even strike up a friendship with a monkey , bird or other animal, possibly  maybe another human.

Other duties:  f there are aother skills you can perform such as  construction , paint ,artwork ,or other skills, we would be more that glad to make use of your services

  phone service:

Pay phones are readily available. You will need to purchase a calling card in Costa Rica to use there. If you purchase it outside the country it will not work .The phone calls to the states are 20-30 cents per minute. 

age of volunteers: 

 many volunteers are just out of high school or college. However:  We do  have many mature people also. One thing all age group have is a love of nature and want to help in their own way to protect endangered animals. 

  If you have a special skill you would like to use while visiting us, please let us know.

 To see a map of costa rica please click link below:

Map          http://www.zoocostarica.completewebpages.com/contactus19.html

What else can I do when not working?

It is quite common for the volunteers to get together and do things as groups.

On your days off or  at night  you can go explore

some of the following suggestions:

Public Bus transportation is safe , cheap, frequest, reliable

Many restaurants ,bars, and nightclubs  to socialize in evenings.

time to places below by bus: I will have that info in a few days

cuidad cuisada

La Fortuna

Agua zarcas

other places to go

San Jose

Local hot springs. very close , very inexpensive, great fun. Food and beverages are also  available.

There is a Catholic Church about 5 minute bus ride downtown Aqua Zarcas

there also is a chuch next to La Marina  . I am getting the info on other denominations of houses of worship in the area.

There are 3 Jewish Temples in San Jose

other places

Shopping in nearby towns,  The shopping areas is quite modern and anything you might need can be found there. 

Lastly

you will have a great time .