Over the years, this centre has rescued many sloths and other wildlife that have had bad experiences with the human world. In 1997 the Sloth Sanctuary was recognised 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 centre 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 so that they can return to the wild in their natural habitat.
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 (for participants volunteering for 4 weeks or more only)
- 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
What’s Included in the Programme
- Accommodations at the rescue centre
- Three meals per day
- A detailed orientation on arrival, including full support from the school personnel prior to departure
- An airport pick up in SJO
- Transportation to the project
- 24 hour emergency help
- Tour advice in Costa Rica
- Last night accommodation in a hostel near the airport and airport transfer.
What’s Not Included in the Programme
- Flights
- Visas
- Travel Insurance
- Local transport
- Personal Expenditure
Prices and Durations
Costa Rica Sloth Rescue and Conservation - 3 weeks $1,279
Costa Rica Sloth Rescue and Conservation - 4 weeks $1,589
