GoAbroad
GoEco
Costa Rica – Family-Friendly Animal Rescue and Conservation logo

Costa Rica – Family-Friendly Animal Rescue and Conservation

by: GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization

5 (4)VerifiedSince 2005

Discover the wonders of wildlife conservation with your family in Costa Rica's Family-Friendly Animal Rescue and Conservation program. This program offers a practical and educational experience working with a respected wildlife organization. Participants engage in activities like preparing food for over 100 animals, maintaining animal enclosures, and supporting local conservation efforts. It's an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in wildlife care and learn about environmental challenges in a diverse ecosystem. Ideal for families seeking an active and educational vacation, this program combines wildlife conservation with a unique chance to learn about Costa Rica's rich biodiversity. Engage in meaningful work, contribute to vital conservation efforts, and enjoy a unique family experience in one of the world's most biodiverse countries.

Program Highlights

Engage in direct care for over 100 animals, including feeding and habitat maintenance.

Learn about wildlife conservation challenges and contribute to rehabilitation efforts.

Share a unique and enriching experience with your family in a natural setting.

Assist a top wildlife organization in Costa Rica in their mission to protect native species.

Participate in educational community projects and promote environmental awareness.

Quick Details

Locations:
  • Costa Rica
Availability
Year(s) Offered: Year RoundDuration:
  • 1-2 Weeks
  • 2-4 Weeks
  • Summer
Age Requirement: All Ages
Types & Subjects
Adventure Types:
  • Eco Tours
  • Ecology
  • Nature Tours
  • Rainforest Tours
  • Tours
  • Vacation Packages
Focus Areas:
  • Community Service & Volunteering
Fields:
  • Animal Sciences
  • Zoology & Wildlife Sciences
Causes:
  • Animal Welfare
  • Conservation
  • Environment
  • Grassroots Organization
  • Wildlife
Types:
  • Adventure Travel
  • Animals
  • Volunteering
Guidelines:
  • All Nationalities
See all program details
Last Updated: Jun 16, 2026

Awards

Top Rated Provider Volunteer Abroad 2025Innovative Volunteer Abroad ProgramGoAbroad Innovation Awards 2024 Finalist - Intern Abroad ProgramTop Rated Provider 2023 - Notable MentionInnovation in Sustainability Finalist 2022

Program Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about the programs

Overall Rating

5

Total Reviews

4

Feeling inspired and deeply connected to the mission

February 15, 2026by: Jana Minn
5

Our week at the animal rescue sanctuary in Costa Rica was truly unforgettable. My husband, 12-year-old daughter, and I had the opportunity to care for a wide variety of animals and learn so much through hands-on experience. The permanent staff were incredibly kind, patient, and supportive, making it easy for us to understand our daily responsibilities. Working alongside other passionate volunteers made the experience even more meaningful—we left feeling inspired and deeply connected to the mission.

It was great to see the kids rise to the challenges and hard work with ease.

February 26, 2025by: Sierra Loar
5

Volunteering as a family was always on my bucket list and it was as amazing as I had hoped. It was great to see the kids rise to the challenges and hard work with ease. There is a lot of autonomy and I think they felt proud of what they did. That they got to spend so much time with some amazing animals was a wonderful bonus. Our program was a good match for our family.

Helping out the animals was awesome

January 15, 2025by: C.J. (Charles) Greenisen
5

My family and I had a great time and loved where we stayed off site. I definitely recommend your guests staying off site as it’s a lot more comfortable. Helping out the animals was awesome and my kids loved that part. The tour was beautiful and the waterfalls and jungle were amazing.

One of the most rewarding experiences of my life

March 24, 2024by: Amber
5

I really did not know what to expect when applying for this experience, but it was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. From the people I met to the animals I got to work with. After just a few days of being there I get to give tours of the sanctuary to other travelers and it really made me feel like part of a community.

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Costa Rica

Types and Subjects

  • Adventure Types
  • Eco Tours
  • Ecology
  • Nature Tours
  • Rainforest Tours
  • Tours
  • Vacation Packages
  • Focus Areas
  • Community Service & Volunteering
  • Fields
  • Animal Sciences
  • Zoology & Wildlife Sciences
  • Causes
  • Animal Welfare
  • Conservation
  • Environment
  • Grassroots Organization
  • Wildlife
  • Types
  • Adventure Travel
  • Animals
  • Volunteering

Availability

Years Offered: Year Round

Duration:
  • 1-2 Weeks
  • 2-4 Weeks
  • Summer
Intern Duration:
  • Summer
  • Short Term
Gap Year Timing:
  • After College
  • Career Break / Mid-Career
  • During College
  • During High School
  • Post High School

Age Requirement

Open to All Ages

Guidelines

All Nationalities

This Program is also open to Solo, Couples, Families, Group

Program Cost Includes

  • Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
  • All Program Activity Costs
  • Weekday Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
  • Weekend Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
  • Airport Transfer (Pick-Up)
  • Airport Transfer (Drop-Off)
  • In-Country Orientation
  • On-Site / In-Country Staff Support
  • Emergency Support

Accommodation Options

  • Group living

Qualifications & Experience

    Language Skills Required

  • English

    Accepted Education Levels

  • Any/All Education Levels Accepted

Application Procedures

  • Phone/Video Interview
  • Online Application

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of activities will we be involved in during the program?

Activities include preparing food for animals, cleaning and maintaining enclosures, building animal enrichment toys, and assisting with facility maintenance and community education projects.

Is this program suitable for families with children?

Absolutely! This program is designed to be family-friendly, offering a safe and educational environment for both adults and children (minimum age of 6) to learn about wildlife conservation.

How does this program impact wildlife conservation in Costa Rica?

Your participation directly contributes to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of local wildlife, supporting the broader efforts of wildlife conservation in Costa Rica.

GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization

GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization

5Verified

Ready to Learn More?

Discover the wonders of wildlife conservation with your family in Costa Rica's Family-Friendly Animal Rescue and Conservation program. This program offers a practical and educational experience working with a respected wildlife organization. Participants engage in activities like preparing food for over 100 animals, maintaining animal enclosures, and supporting local conservation efforts. It's an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in wildlife care and learn about environmental challenges in a diverse ecosystem. Ideal for families seeking an active and educational vacation, this program combines wildlife conservation with a unique chance to learn about Costa Rica's rich biodiversity. Engage in meaningful work, contribute to vital conservation efforts, and enjoy a unique family ...

Related Programs

Browse programs you might like