Description

Over the years, the center has rescued many sloths and other wildlife that have had bad experiences with the human world. In 1997 the Sloth Sanctuary was recognized by the Costa Rican government as a refuge for the rescue and rehabilitation of sloths.

A dedicated staff of 14 full-time employees care for the animals. Volunteers are needed to help provide the sloths with the loving care they require in order to survive. Dozens of adult sloths that have been cared for at the center have been rehabilitated and returned to the forest canopy. However, many sloths at the center are there for life, because they were to badly injured to be returned to the wild or they were orphaned too early in life to know how to survive on their own.

* Volunteer Role:
Volunteers will have the opportunity to undertake a number of tasks that will help care for the sloths. In some cases this can include helping to rehabilitate them son that they can return to the wild in their natural habitat.

* Orientation:
On Monday you will have a comprehensive orientation meeting. This will cover all essential topics such as banks and money, transport, places to see, safety precautions and work ethics. In this first meeting, you will also have the opportunity to ask as many questions as you wish. In the afternoon there will be time for a salsa class and a chance to use the facilities at the project office.

Please note that smoking is strictly prohibited on the program and no chemicals (perfumes, sun cream etc) should be used while on the project as this harms the sloths.

* Project Support:
Throughout your stay you will have the support and guidance of a volunteer work coordinator and their team. They will be able to help you with any questions or advice you may need during your time on the project.

In addition, you are able to contact our UK staff 24 hours a day should you need to, via our emergency contact number.

* Accommodation and Meals:
Volunteers will be staying in shared rooms where there are single beds and bunk beds. There is a bathroom and a shower for the volunteers to share. The accommodation has electricity and drinking water.

The program includes three daily meals that will be provided by the staff from the rescue center. The meals are based on a Costa Rican diet, which means the food is fairly basic. Most meals will include rice, beans, corn, meat, pasta, vegetables and seasonal fruits.

* Free Time:
You will have one day off per week, which can be negotiated with the center's administration. It is possible to use the telephone with a telephone card and to use the Internet during your day off, or you can go to Cañas to use the facilities there.

The nearby communities of Cahuita and Puerto Viejo have all the services and comforts that you could wish for during your day off. Cahuita is a typical Caribbean style village, well known for the beaches suitable for surfing, snorkeling and swimming. Its National Park boasts beautiful beaches, a coral reef, and a coastal rainforest where many kinds of birds and other animals can be spotted. Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is a town in southeastern Costa Rica, popular among tourists for surfing, snorkeling, reggae and calypso music.

Highlights

Volunteer activities can include:

* Caring for the sloths and other animals (feeding, exercising, monitoring/observing animals, recording observations)
* Cleaning out cages
* Conducting tours of the sanctuary for visitors
* Assisting in the gift shop and greeting visitors (especially on cruise ship days)
* Assisting with trail building/maintenance
* Raking and sweeping of all public areas and clearing away fallen leaves (this is done on a daily basis)
* Assisting the on-site vet (weighing, monitoring and caring for the animals)
* Administrative assistance may also be needed

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

from USD 1,359

Cost Includes:

• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

* Accommodations at the rescue centre
* All meals
* A detailed orientation on arrival, including full support from the school personnel prior to departure
* An airport pick up in San Jose
* Transportation to the project from San Jose and return
* 24 hour emergency help
* Tour advice in Costa Rica

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Age Range

Minimum age 18, maximum decided on potential participant's health

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Dormitory
• Group living
• Home-stays
• Other

Application Process Involves

• Online Application
• Other
• Written Application

Real Gap Experience's Mission Statement

We offer over 250 projects and travel options in over 35 countries. So whether you are interested in volunteering, community work, conservation, paid work overseas, teaching English, learning a new skill, adventure travel or sports and expeditions, you will find what you are looking for with Real Gap. Not only about we passionate about responsible travel, we also want to make sure you have a good time too! Our travel advisers have traversed the globe and taken their own gap years, so they can give you all the advice you need to plan yours. You will also get support from both our on-site and office staff who understand the needs and expectations of Real Gap travelers.

Year Founded

2005