Green Life Volunteers currently works with a sanctuary located in Alajuela (Central Valley) near San Jose.

As a volunteer on any wildlife rescue center you’ll will help with the animal care, feeding, cleaning, rehabilitation, rescue, and release of animals. The mission of the wildlife sanctuaries in Costa Rica is to give the animals time to heal from their injuries and when they are ready, they will be released back into the wild. Some of the animals will be in the sanctuary for their entire life because they would not survive or they are too domestic.

The wildlife sanctuary wants to provide the quality of life to the resident animals. The animals that are generally in sanctuaries in Costa Rica are sloths, raccoons, squirrels, macaws, parrots, anteaters, bird raptors, monkeys, toucans, and many more animals. Usually the wildlife sanctuaries receive their donations partly from the entry fee of visitors.

The wildlife rescue center has many different animals and believe firmly in rehabilitation and releasing animals. The sanctuary offers their volunteer housing right on the property – shared mixed dormitory type accommodation. Meals are prepared and cooked for volunteers.

•       Preparing specific food mixtures for the animals
•       Providing food, water and other nutrients to the animals
•       Assist in the general maintenance and cleaning the enclosures, etc.
•       Various maintenance work for the facility in general
•       Giving tours to the visitors
•       Becoming an animal handler

An ideal volunteer on the ‘Wildlife Sanctuary’ project has a passion for wild and exotic animals and their exotic nature. Also, the volunteer has to enjoy physical labor and being outside. You do not need a degree for this project. You can volunteer on this project if you are 18+ years old.

The wildlife sanctuary we currently work with is located in Alajuela, not too far from the international airport. It’s easy to arrange transport from the airport to the sanctuary for you.

The airport shuttle is around $35-45 each way (depending on the time of day / night and the Costa Rican colone exchange rate).

The wildlife sanctuaries offer shared mixed-gender dormitory style accommodations with bunk beds or single beds for their volunteers.

There is usually a shared volunteer house with a shared kitchen and common areas.

At the Alajuela rescue center meals are prepared for you, 3 times a day, breakfast lunch and dinner.

The costs for this project are:

• First week’s fee: $ 755.00
• 2 weeks fee: $1,185.00
• 3 weeks fee: $1,615.99
• 4 weeks fee: $2,045.00
• For placements longer than four weeks, please contact us directly for additional information and a customized price quotation.

What Is Included in Your Volunteer Fee?

Your first week’s fee includes an organizational fee, which helps cover the essential behind-the-scenes costs of running our volunteer programs. These expenses include staff salaries, office rental, administrative expenses, and transaction and banking fees.

Your volunteer fee also covers:

• Accommodation: Your stay at the project site in a shared dormitory room with bunk beds (usually separated by gender). 

• Meals: 3 meals a day usually prepared for you. You may have to help prepare some meals. 

• Project Support: A contribution towards the daily operating costs of the program you will be supporting. This helps ensure that your participation directly contributes to the continuation of our projects and local initiatives.

What Is NOT Included in Your Volunteer Fee?

Please budget separately for the following expenses:

• First and last night in San José: Accommodation in a hostel before and after your project stay.

• Airport transfers: Transportation between the international airport and your San José accommodation. Airport shuttles cost approximately $35 each way. We are happy to help arrange this for you upon request during the sign-up process.

• Public transportation to the project site: Bus travel between San José and the project location costs approximately $20 each way.

• Flights: International and domestic airfare.

• Travel insurance: Comprehensive travel insurance for the duration of your stay.

• Visa expenses: Any applicable visa or entry-related costs.

• Additional food and snacks: Any food, beverages, or snacks beyond the three daily meals provided.

• Extra-curricular activities: Optional excursions, tours, and recreational activities outside your volunteer project.