FIRST AND FOREMOST
Our goal is for you to enjoy and learn from your experience with us. Although this is a "working" holiday/vacation, we strive to make it a very positive experience and something you will remember for years to come as very happy memory.
DURATION
Minimum of 6 nights. Beyond that, we welcome you to stay with us as long as you'd like. Non refundable 50% deposit must be made when booking your dates.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Volunteer house - $250.00 per week / $800.00 a month (per person).
Fully furnished; 3 bedroom, 2 bath, living room, kitchen, dining room, and porch and patio. The house is shared by several volunteers but you will have your own private bedroom.
The rescue center is located 30 seconds by foot away from the volunteer house.
Within 10 minutes walking distance, there is a local Pulperia (convenience store) where you can purchase basic groceries. We are happy to drive you to town at least once a week for grocery shopping. If you choose to walk to town, it is about a forty minute walk.
WORK SCHEDULE:
Monday - Friday
7a.m. - 11a.m.
2p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Schedules/hours can vary depending on your responsibilities at the time, i.e., if you're not comfortable working inside a habitat with the birds, you can work a later schedule working outside the habitats. If you prefer to help with gardening/tree planting, trail construction, or ???, we will do our best to accommodate you.
TASKS:
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Making bird toys
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Raking habitats
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Feeding the birds
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Maintenance of habitats
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Trail construction and maintenance
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Planting trees on the property
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Washing food stations and habitats
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Hand feeing babies or sick/injured birds
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Collecting fruits and nuts from the property
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Cutting veggies, fruit and cooking for the birds
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Veterinary services if qualified
WORKING CONDITIONS:
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You will work in and outside the aviary with free fllying parrots. They are social animals and might land on you. They may even nip and poop on you.
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It can be a busy, variable, and sometimes loud work environment.
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Noise associated with parrot squawking, chirping and flying.
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Must be able to bend, squat, kneel, push, pull, and walk on uneven surfaces.
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Must be able to work outside in a variety of weather conditions (rain, wind and heat).
WHAT TO BRING:
Work clothes (Note the weather information below)
Work shoes/boots (i.e. hiking boots, rubber boots)
Umbrella/poncho/rain gear
WHAT WE PROVIDE:
Bath towels
Bedding
Weekly laundry service
THINGS TO DO ON YOUR DAYS OFF
Once a month the PRC will offer an optional day excursion for purchase, such as a field trip to see wild scarlet macaws at Punta Leona beach, or a duty free shopping trip to nearby Panama. Whale watching, ATV tours, ziplining – lots of options, depending on the interests of the visiting volunteers.
LOCATION
The rescue center is located in Santa Teresa, Sabalito, Coto Brus, Puntarenas, Click on the link for the exact location of the rescue: https://maps.google.com/?q=8.908854,-82.931221
GETTING TO THE SANCTUARY
Once you arrive at the Juan Santamaria International Airport there’s a couple of different options of how to get here.
Option 1: Private transportation directly to the sanctuary. The cost is $300.00.ent a car and drive directly to the center. It is a 5.5 hour drive from the airport.
Option 2: Take a bus to the town of San Vito and then a taxi to the sanctuary.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
WHY PAY TO VOLUNTEER?
As we are a non-profit and NGO, we are heavily dependent on donations to operate the rescue center. The Costa Rican government does provide any financial suppot for rescue centers, etc. We actually have to pay them to provide care for the animals. We are not owned or governed by a large corporation, so we rely on donations and the income from our volunteers. By contributing to the project as a paying volunteer, you are not only helping support the parrots but also support local people who work at the rescue center. Your donation is tax deductible. U.S. volunteers can claim this donation on their taxes. Please request the U.S. tax information if needed.
WHATS THE WEATHER LIKE?
Daytime temperatures are 28c (84F) year round. Nighttime temperatures average about 20c (67F). Our winter's are the same temperatures as our summers. The difference is in winter (the Rainy Season), we often get afternoon rains. It's sunny almost every morning year round.
IS IT SAFE?
The area we are located in, Sabalito/San Vito is extremely safe. Violent crime is non-existent and there is very little petty crime. The vast majority of crime in Costa Rica is related to drugs in the San Jose, Limon, and Jaco areas. We are five-six hours from these locations. You will find that Ticos (What Costa Ricans refer to themselves as), in the area are very friendly and enjoy conversations with Gringos. They are always willing to help.
