Wildlife Conservation Volunteer – Macaw Breeding Center
Program Overview
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.
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Program Highlights
What's Included
Exclusions
Quick Details
- 2-4 Weeks
- 3-6 Months
- 5-8 Weeks
- Summer
- Winter
- Animal Welfare
- Biological Research
- Conservation
- Environment
- Veterinary Science
- Wildlife
Updated Aug 19, 2026
Program Details
Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know
Locations
- Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Available Terms / Availability
- Years Offered
- Year Round
Eligible Nationalities
- All Nationalities
- This Program is also open to Couples
Education Levels & Language
- Language
- English
- Education
- Any/All Education Levels Accepted
Application Procedures
- Written Application
- Online Application
- Travel Insurance
Age Requirement
18+
Duration
- 2-4 Weeks
- 3-6 Months
- 5-8 Weeks
- Summer
- Winter
Starts At
No Upfront Fees
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FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to all the most common questions about Macaw Recovery Network.
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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