Costa Rica Save The Animals

With an increasing number of tourists visiting every year, there is a higher demand for protection of the wildlife. Programs focus on protecting turtles from poachers or volunteering in a wildlife refuge.

Earthwatch, 3 Clock Tower Pl., Ste. 100, Box 75, Maynard, MA 01754, USA (☎+1 800-776-0188 or +1 978-461-0081; www.earthwatch.org). Arranges 10- to 14-day programs in Costa Rica to promote conservation of natural resources and provide the opportunity to participate in cutting-edge scientific research. Volunteers have the opportunity to gather data on leatherback turtles, howler monkeys, and caterpillars; to work on restoring the rainforest; and to develop sustainable tourist and agricultural practices in the Gandoca-Manzanillo wildlife refuge. Fees vary; average US$2800, plus airfare.
Global Vision International (GVI) (US ☎+1 888-653-6028, UK+44 01727 250 250; www.gvi.co.uk). Conducts 5- and 10-week conservation expeditions based out of the Caño Palma Biological Station in Tortuguero. Partnered with MINAE, GVI allows volunteers to work on turtle and bird conservation and to organize tourist education programs. No previous experience is needed. After the first 5 weeks of the 10-week program, volunteers have the opportunity to become interns and continue for an additional 10 weeks free of charge. The first 2 weeks feature an intensive training program. Both the 5-week (US$2890) and 10-week (US$4690) programs include training, food, accommodations, and domestic transportation.
Talamanca Dolphin Federation (TDF), 3150 Graf St. #8, Bozeman, MT 59715, USA (US ☎+1 406-586-5084, Manzanillo 2795 9115; www.dolphinlink.org). A non-profit association of cetacean specialists and local naturalists, guides, business owners, and boat captains devoted to preserving the dolphins of Talamanca. Volunteers assist visitors at the Dolphin Education Center and Dolphin Lodge, help with the Federation’s organized tours, teach local children about marine life, and perform various office-related tasks.
Volunteer Visions, Casa Roja de Dos Pisos, Playa Samara, Guanacaste, Costa Rica (US ☎+1 330-871-4511; www.volunteervisions.org). Provides affordable volunteer opportunites for adventurous individuals. Based in Costa Rica, Volunteer Visions’s wildlife conservation project in the Guanacaste region of Costa Rica strives to reintroduce birds, monkeys, and other animals to the wild. Volunteers help to care for the animals and work to keep the park operating. Trips range from 2 weeks (US$650) to 12 weeks (US$1800). Fee includes 2-3 meals per day (if staying in a homestay), accommodations, orientation, and excursions.
World Endeavors, 2518 29th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55406, USA (☎+1 612-729-3400; www.worldendeavors.com). Opportunities for volunteers to rescue and rehabilitate parrots, macaws, and other native tropical birds in Atenas. The organization also runs a sea turtle conservation project. Programs range from 2 weeks (US$1455) to 3 months (US$2865); includes housing, 3 meals per day with a family, and cultural activities. Placements longer than 1 month receive 2 weeks of Spanish language classes.