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Wildlife Conservation Volunteer – Macaw Breeding Center
Join our Conservation Volunteer Program at the Macaw Breeding Center, located in a beautiful coastal area of Costa Rica. The program runs year-round and offers stays from 1 to 6 months. Our center is home to more than 80 rescued macaws that cannot be released into the wild. Through our breeding and release program, these birds contribute to the recovery of wild macaw populations. As a volunteer, you will help care for the birds during the non-breeding season. Your activities may include preparing food and feeding birds, cleaning and maintaining aviaries, providing enrichment, monitoring bird health and behavior, and supporting other center activities. Depending on the breeding season, you may also help care for chicks and prepare them for release into the wild. No previous experience or academic background in Biology is required. Experience in animal care, veterinary medicine, carpentry, or construction is especially valued. Accommodation, daily transportation related to volunteer activities, and basic utilities are provided at no cost. Food, travel, and insurance are the volunteer’s responsibility.
Join our Conservation Volunteer Program at the Macaw Breeding Center, located in a beautiful coastal area of Costa Rica. The program runs year-round and offers stays from 1 to 6 months. Our center is home to more than 80 rescued macaws that cannot be released into the wild. Through our breeding and release program, these birds contribute to the recovery of wild macaw populations. As a volunteer, you will help care for the birds during the non-breeding season. Your activities may include preparing food and feeding birds, cleaning and maintaining aviaries, providing enrichment, monitoring bird health and behavior, and supporting other center activities. Depending on the breeding season, you may also help care for chicks and prepare them for release into the wild. No previous experience or academic background in Biology is required. Experience in animal care, veterinary medicine, carpentry, or construction is especially valued. Accommodation, daily transportation related to volunteer activities, and basic utilities are provided at no cost. Food, travel, and insurance are the volunteer’s responsibility.
Program Highlights
Hands-On Macaw Conservation Gain practical experience caring for macaws and supporting daily conservation work at our breeding center.
Support a Breeding & Release Program Contribute to a program where rescued, non-releasable macaws help produce offspring that can eventually be released into the wild.
Learn About Wildlife Care Develop practical skills in animal husbandry, bird behavior, health monitoring, feeding, enrichment, and aviary maintenance.
Live and Work Surrounded by Nature Experience life in rustic facilities while living communally with other volunteers and gaining a deeper appreciation for different cultures and lifestyles.
No Previous Experience Required You don’t need a Biology degree or previous experience. We welcome motivated, responsible, and proactive people who are passionate about birds and nature conservation.
Quick Details
- Guanacaste, Costa Rica
- 2-4 Weeks
- 3-6 Months
- 5-8 Weeks
- Summer
- Winter
- Animal Welfare
- Biological Research
- Conservation
- Environment
- Veterinary Science
- Wildlife
- All Nationalities
Program Details
Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know
Locations
- Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Types and Subjects
- Causes
- Animal Welfare
- Biological Research
- Conservation
- Environment
- Veterinary Science
- Wildlife
Availability
Years Offered: Year Round
- 2-4 Weeks
- 3-6 Months
- 5-8 Weeks
- Summer
- Winter
Age Requirement
18+
Guidelines
All Nationalities
This Program is also open to Couples
Starts At
No Upfront Fees
Program Cost Includes
- Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
- Wifi Costs
- Pre-Departure Orientation
- In-Country Orientation
- On-Site / In-Country Staff Support
- Guide / Chaperone
- Training
Program Cost Excludes
- Travel Insurance
- Weekday Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
- Weekend Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
- Airport Transfer (Pick-Up)
- Airport Transfer (Drop-Off)
- International SIM Card
- International Airfare
Refund Policy
Other
Qualifications & Experience
- English
Language Skills Required
- Any/All Education Levels Accepted
Accepted Education Levels
Application Procedures
- Written Application
- Online Application
- Travel Insurance
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the living conditions like at the Breeding Center?
Volunteers stay in shared housing in Islita with basic services included: electricity, drinking water, Wi-Fi, an equipped kitchen, and a laundry area. MRN provides technical support throughout your stay, so you're never on your own if something comes up.
Do I need previous experience working with birds or wildlife?
No. Previous experience or an academic background in Biology is not required. What matters most is being responsible, motivated, willing to learn, and genuinely interested in wildlife conservation. Experience in animal care, veterinary medicine, carpentry, or construction is a plus
How long can I volunteer at the Macaw Breeding Center?
The minimum stay is one month, and volunteers can stay for up to six months. The program runs throughout the year.
What will I be doing as a volunteer?
You will take part in the daily care of the macaws, including preparing and providing food, cleaning aviaries, providing enrichment, monitoring bird health and behavior, and supporting other husbandry and center maintenance activities. Depending on the breeding season, you may also help care for chicks and prepare them for release.
What costs are covered by the program?
Once you arrive at the center, MRN provides accommodation, daily transportation related to volunteer activities, and basic utilities at no cost. Volunteers are responsible for their own travel to the center, food, and comprehensive insurance for their stay.
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