Overview

Sibu Wildlife Sanctuary needs as many hands as possible to help all our wildlife in care. For this reason we have our Volunteer Program in our wildlife sanctuary located in Nosara, Costa Rica focused on sharing, teaching and learning from all our volunteers while they are here in our sanctuary.

We provide permanent and ongoing care for wildlife that cannot be released back into the wild, those animals need special care in our center and clean spaces to live. These habitats are their forever home and we need a special group of people committed to taking care of them everyday.

Learn more here

What are we looking for?

We are looking for mature, hardworking, fast learners volunteers preferably 20+ who have experience living away from home and want to have a career in conservation and protecting wildlife. Working with vulnerable and disabled animals can be hard, both mentally and physically. Volunteers need to take initiative, be self-motivated, respectful and – most of all – flexible. Volunteers will get hot, wet, dirty and tired, but in the end the results of your work will be your reward!

We offer the possibility to stay longer and develop your skills and knowledge from your careers into the preservation and care of disabled local wildlife in Costa Rica.

We require a minimum commitment of 2 months but ideally are looking for a long-term volunteer to join our permanent team. To ensure candidates are serious about committing to the project we ask for an initial fee of $300 per month. On-site accommodation and basic Costa Rican food are provided.

Volunteer responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Creating and implementing enrichment ideas
  • Food preparation
  • Cleaning habitats
  • Scrubbing soiled blankets
  • Observing behavior
  • Preparing sleeping areas
  • Keeping the sanctuary grounds clean and presentable, including all facilities
  • Working on maintenance projects
  • Assisting with educational visits

Please note that direct contact with all wildlife is limited. If you are looking for a place to play and cuddle with monkeys, Sibu Wildlife Sanctuary is not the place for you.

We are looking for mature, hardworking, fast learners, preferably 25+ who have experience living away from home. Working with vulnerable and disabled animals can be hard; mentally and physically. Volunteers need to take initiative, be self-motivated, respectful and most of all: flexible. Volunteers will get hot, wet, dirty & tired, but in the end the results of your work will be your reward!

All backgrounds are welcome however we have particular interest in candidates with education or experience in one of the following areas:

  • Wildlife rehabilitation
  • Conservation
  • Fundraising
  • Marketing

Some level of Spanish is appreciated, but not required. Fluent English is mandatory.

Learn more here

About Sibu Wildlife Sanctuary

Sibu Wildlife Sanctuary is a sanctuary located in Nosara, Costa Rica, that specializes in lifetime care for wildlife with disabilities and for those that cannot survive in the wild.

The sanctuary’s work not only provides a safe home for those with no hope of a future in the wild, but also takes steps to improve their lives through specialized care focusing on specific disabilities and improving their movement and quality of life.

Physical injury to Costa Rica’s wildlife is most often caused by human encroachment. Deforestation, development and fragmentation of their natural habitat has led to frequent electrocutions on power lines, dog attacks and injury or death due to fast moving motor vehicles.

In order to give the animals that survive but have been handicapped the attention, care and safety they need, our goal is to:

  • Construct large habitats encasing natural surroundings, designed to meet the specific needs of handicapped residents
  • Incorporate daily physical therapy when required
  • Provide visual and auditory stimulation
  • Develop and research enrichment activities