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The Osa Wildlife Sanctuary has been permanently closed to the public.

Interested in Volunteering?

Spider monkey hanging by tail and arm
 We are looking for passionate individuals 18 years old and older to work with us at our sanctuary. There is a 30-day minimum stay, and we accept volunteers and applications year-around. 

Qualifications & Skills

We require that volunteers are able to explicitly follow directions. Because we are very remote - only accessible by boat - there is no walking around for any type of social life.
 
We have a very strict no smoking, no alcohol, and no drugs policy.
 
Accepted applicants must provide proof of international insurance and a TB test within the last two years.
 
The Sanctuary is always looking for dedicated individuals to help with projects that do not take jobs away from the local people. Functioning primarily as a Sanctuary for native Pacific Southern zone wildlife of Costa Rica for those unfortunate few that cannot be released.
 
Volunteers help the full-time local employees with daily food prep, cleaning of trails, giving educational talks to visitors and etc. Furthermore, qualified volunteers can work on several ongoing projects, including evidence-based animal welfare, husbandry training via positive reinforcement, natural enrichment programs and quality of life observations.
 
Self-motivated volunteers may also choose or create another special project that they can carry out with the approval and under the supervision of the sanctuary director based on their specific interests.

 

Cost

 US$25 per day to cover the costs of living on the sanctuary. Volunteers receive three hardy meals a day, water, a sleeping space, limited Wi-Fi, laundry service, and three staff t-shirts. Meal preparation and clean up are among the daily duties.

 

To Apply

Internships of 3-6 months in length are also available, contact us for more information.
 
Interested applicants should send the following materials to [email protected] as PDF documents:
 
  • Statement of interest (no more than 2 pages, double-spaced) that describes: a) your professional interests and career goals, b) your reasons for applying, c) why you should be selected, and d) your availability
  • College transcripts (official or unofficial copy) with all college-level courses you have taken to date and the grades you have received
  • One letter of recommendation from an individual capable of commenting on your academic qualifications, work experience, or on you personally. Letters of recommendation must be sent directly from the person writing the letter via email directly to the director at the above address.
  • Resume or CV (no more than 2 pages) describing any relevant jobs, internships, volunteer work, scholarships, and/or other activities that you have held or participated in, and other skills or accomplishments that you wish to identify
  • A list of all medications and supplements. This is required because all meds and supplements are locked in a safe place. Your list of medication does not reflect against your application.
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