Welcome to the Toucan Rescue Ranch Volunteer Program!
As a volunteer, you’ll play a vital role in the daily operations and mission of Toucan Rescue Ranch. Your contributions will directly impact the care and well-being of rescued wildlife while supporting conservation efforts.
- Animal Care: Assist with preparing and providing proper diets for our diverse wildlife species.
- Animal Husbandry: Help maintain clean and safe enclosures, monitor animal behavior, and support rehabilitation efforts.
- Education Support: Participate in coordinating educational events to promote wildlife conservation and environmental awareness.
- Enrichment Activities: Create and implement enrichment plans to keep animals mentally and physically stimulated.
- Facility Improvements: Contribute to enclosure upgrades and overall facility maintenance, ensuring the best environment for wildlife.
Why Volunteering Your Time Matters
By volunteering at Toucan Rescue Ranch, you’ll become part of a dedicated team working to rescue, rehabilitate, and release wildlife in Costa Rica. Your time with us will support the animals and foster personal growth, new skills, and unforgettable experiences.
Support Wildlife Conservation
Hands-On Support
Education Awareness
Advocate for Change
Personal Growth
Cultural Immersion
Toucan Rescue Ranch has Two Locations
Headquarters in San Josecito, San Isidro, Heredia, and the Release Site in Nazareth, Sarapiqui, Heredia.
As a volunteer, you will play a vital role in supporting daily operations, including cleaning enclosures, preparing and delivering food and water, providing enrichment to encourage natural behaviors, assisting with yard work, and helping staff with general tasks.
Both locations are home to a variety of incredible wildlife, such as toucans, raptors, macaws, parrots, and sloths, offering a unique opportunity to contribute directly to their care and conservation.
About Toucan Rescue Ranch's Volunteer Program
Before applying, familiarize yourself with our requirements, donation fee, schedule and health and safety requirements
To be eligible to volunteer at Toucan Rescue Ranch, you must meet the following requirements:
- Commitment: Dedicate at least four weeks or a minimum of 20 days to volunteering (longer durations are highly preferred).
- Age Requirement: Be 18 years or older.
- Vaccinations: Have an up-to-date tetanus vaccination (valid for ten years) and proof of two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.
- Insurance: Possess international emergency medical insurance that provides coverage while volunteering.
- Mindset: Be ready to embrace hard work, get dirty, sweat, and contribute your energy to the care and well-being of wildlife.
No prior animal experience is required, though it is encouraged. We welcome volunteers from all professions, backgrounds, and experience levels. Whether you’re looking to gain hands-on experience in wildlife care, or you’re a seasoned professional wanting to share your expertise, we value all contributions and are excited to have you on board!
If you’re passionate, dedicated, and meet these criteria, we’d love to have you join our team!
Volunteer Donation Fee at Toucan Rescue Ranch
To ensure commitment and help sustain our mission, Toucan Rescue Ranch requires a $200 donation fee for volunteers (a limited-time offer). This contribution directly supports the #PapayaisLife Fund, which provides essential resources such as housing, food, and operational costs for our rescue center and sanctuary.
- Refundable for Long-Term Volunteers: International volunteers who commit to 12 weeks or more are eligible for a refund of this fee. Refunds are processed through PayPal, though you do not need a PayPal account to make your donation.
- Waived for Local Volunteers: Costa Rican residents are not required to pay the donation fee.
By contributing, you’re not only confirming your commitment but also playing a vital role in the care and rehabilitation of wildlife. Your generosity makes a difference!
Join the Dynamic TOUCAN TEAM (Animal Care Teams)!
As a volunteer at Toucan Rescue Ranch, you’ll be part of the TOUCAN TEAM, a passionate and diverse group dedicated to the daily care and well-being of our wildlife. Your role will involve meeting the day-to-day needs of our rescued animals, with tasks tailored to the current volume of volunteers and animals in care.
Schedule Overview:
- Standard hours: 5 days a week, 7:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
- Shifts may vary between morning and evening, depending on team needs.
- Enjoy two consecutive days off per week, though they may not always align with weekends or public holidays.
This dynamic schedule ensures you’ll gain a meaningful and immersive experience while contributing to the rescue and rehabilitation of wildlife.
At Toucan Rescue Ranch, your safety and the well-being of our rescued animals are our top priorities. When working with wildlife, it’s important to acknowledge the potential risks and take necessary precautions. To ensure a safe experience, please include any allergies or medications you may need in your application.
For your protection, you must provide proof of international medical insurance that covers you while in Costa Rica, including Covid-19 coverage. Additionally, a current tetanus vaccination (within the last 10 years) is required.
While volunteering or interning with us, you may come into contact with zoonotic diseases. We ask that you follow the strict biosecurity protocols set by our staff to ensure your health and the safety of the animals in our care. Thank you for understanding and helping us maintain a safe and responsible environment.
Exceptional Housing Options for Volunteers at Toucan Rescue Ranch
While the Ranch does not provide housing directly, we offer fantastic and affordable housing options to ensure a comfortable stay during your volunteer experience. Choose the option that best fits your preferences and budget.
All accommodations are booked directly with the respective hosts.
Immerse yourself in Costa Rican culture by staying with a friendly local family. Enjoy a private bedroom, bathroom, three daily meals, laundry facilities, and Wi-Fi. Shared common areas with the family offer a great opportunity to experience the local lifestyle. The fee is approximately $25 per day. All homestays are conveniently located within walking distance of TRR or near a local bus stop, making it easy to get to and from the Ranch.
Stay in our vibrant Volunteer and Intern House, just a short walk from the ranch. This spacious house features four bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, a large living room area, and a kitchen available after 4 p.m. Enjoy the convenience of Wi-Fi and laundry facilities, making your stay as comfortable as possible. The cost is just $30 per day, providing a great balance of community and privacy with fellow volunteers.
For volunteers assigned to our Release Site in Sarapiquí, Costa Rica, enjoy the unique experience of living in a remote, tranquil environment. The housing includes a shared intern home with three bedrooms: one dormitory-style, and the other two rooms shared by two people each. You’ll have access to a communal kitchen, where a staff member prepares meals, and enjoy a peaceful setting to relax after a day of working with wildlife. This location provides a truly immersive experience in nature, with proximity to the work you’ll be doing at the Release Site.