About Toucan Rescue Ranch

The Toucan Rescue Ranch’s (TRR) mission is to rescue, rehabilitate, and release Costa Rican wildlife. TRR works with a model focusing on conservation, education, and research to ensure a brighter future for Costa Rican wildlife. TRR emphasizes the care, rehabilitation, and release of national wildlife. We receive and care for confiscated, sick, and injured animals from government agencies.

The Toucan Rescue Ranch works closely with the Ministry of Environment and Energy of Costa Rica (MINAE), which brings injured and displaced wildlife to the center. TRR provides sanctuary while providing treatment and rehabilitation. Whenever possible, the animals are released to their natural environment.

The Toucan Rescue Ranch is a licensed Costa Rica wildlife rescue facility, Costa Rica Foundation (300667701803), and a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization (EIN: 80-0516453).

Internship Description

We seek an enthusiastic intern to help with husbandry and administrative activities. You will live in close contact with nature and wildlife. You will also be able to contribute to improving the animals’ wellbeing.

Internship Duration: 4-Months

Work Schedule

The Intern works 5 days a week with two days off a week. Days off are not necessarily on the weekend. You will learn about your schedule and days off during your orientation at the Toucan Rescue Ranch.

Internship Location – Release Site

The Release Site of Toucan Rescue Ranch is located in the picturesque village of Nazareth, Sarapiquí, on Costa Rica’s lush Caribbean slope. Situated about an hour from TRR Headquarters, this area is a remote agricultural and farming region, offering interns a tranquil and immersive experience in Costa Rica’s natural beauty.

Climate and Weather:
Nazareth enjoys a warm, tropical climate typical of the Caribbean lowlands. Expect humid weather with frequent rains, especially during the wet season (May–November). Temperatures range between 75°F (24°C) and 85°F (29°C), making the area consistently lush and green. The dry season (December–April) brings slightly less humidity but remains vibrant and full of life.

Village Amenities:
Nazareth is a small but charming village featuring a local convenience store, a church, a school, and a soccer field, serving as the community hub. Although amenities are basic, the Release Site vehicle is available for work-related transportation needs, offering flexibility when supplies or resources are required.

What to Expect as an Intern:

• Remote Location: The Release Site is secluded, providing a serene environment ideal for wildlife conservation work. While it lacks urban amenities, it offers a deeply immersive experience in the rural heart of Costa Rica.
• Hands-On Work: Interns will work directly with wildlife in preparation for their release, contributing to vital conservation efforts. This location is perfect for those passionate about fieldwork and animal rehabilitation.
• Community Living: Interns live and work alongside a close-knit team, fostering camaraderie and shared purpose. The simplicity of village life encourages meaningful connections and a deeper understanding of Costa Rican culture.

The Release Site is ideal for interns eager to make a tangible impact in wildlife conservation while experiencing life in one of Costa Rica’s most biodiverse regions.

Skills You Will Learn from this Internship

• Teamwork.
• Exposure to the running of a Wildlife rescue center.
• Animal restraint techniques.
• Proper husbandry techniques.
• Diet management.
• Animal behavior.
• Enrichment.

Activities & Responsibilities

Animal Husbandry

• Feed and monitor animals at the Release Site.
• Clean enclosures and general maintenance.
• Provide enrichment for animals on site.
• Triage animals were received at the Release Site. Triage will determine if the animal can be treated at the Release Site, needs to be sent to the TRR Headquarters for clinic care, or is an emergency requiring immediate direction from our Founder, Vet Director, or Vet Supervisors.
• Assist in exams and treatments.

Administrative Work

• Manage cleanliness and ordering of animal care supplies.
• Evaluate and perfect quality of rehab animals’ diets.
• Complete thorough record keeping, and detail observations as needed.

Wildlife Care Intern Focus:

• Initiate approved care plans related to treatments, procedures, medications and continuing care requirements for rescues received at the Release Site.
• Identify and communicate abnormal animal conditions by alerting supervisory personnel.
• Monitor delivery of care of rescues received at the Release Site by completing patient rounds, documenting care, identifying progress toward desired care outcomes.
• Review the care plan for wildlife in conjunction with direct care providers.
• Preparing food/collecting wild food items for animals.
• Assist in scanning and opportunistic capture of sloths in pre-release.

Other Activities

• Backup to other Release Site interns.
• Assist in the mapping and identification of the plants and trees on the release site.
• Assist in the monitoring of wild animals and identification of what they eat.
• General facility maintenance (yard work, cleaning): We are always open to suggestions. Let us know if you have a special skill you think will be useful.

Requirements & Qualifications

General Requirements

• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Provide proof of emergency health insurance while in Costa Rica.
• Provide proof of at least 2 COVID-19 vaccines.
• Provide proof of current tetanus and rabies (recommended) vaccinations.
• The ability to follow directions with attention to detail.
• A positive “can-do” attitude and the ability to work well in a team environment.

Specific Requirements

• Fluent in English. Basic or intermediate Spanish.
• Coursework in veterinary studies, zoology, Animal Welfare, Animal Husbandry Wildlife Management Wildlife Biology.
• Have excellent communication skills.
• Have a strong interest in animal welfare and conservation.
• Moderate degree of fitness.
• First Aid course is highly recommended.
• Preferred experience in a veterinary setting.

Other Valuable Skills

• Experience traveling to a tropical country, living in remote conditions are preferred.
• Experience working with wildlife is a plus.
• Experience handling animals.

Ensuring Best Practices Implementation

• Fostering practices that support and improve the Ranch’s philosophy and goals.
• Maintaining quality by establishing and enforcing organization standards.

Program Benefits & Costs

To make our internships accessible to a wide range of people, we’ve worked hard to keep them free. However, due to rising costs and fluctuations in tourism income, we must implement costs in our internship program. This fee covers room, board, and the valuable education you’ll receive throughout your internship.

Your contribution directly supports the medical care, food, and daily needs of the animals in our care, helping us maintain and improve our facilities, staff, and learning environment. Thank you for helping us continue our mission! Your donation is tax-deductible in the United States.

Apply Today!

One-page cover letter of interest—specify which internship you are interested in and the start date, CV or resume, and contact information for three professional references. After reviewing your application, we will promptly contact you to schedule a virtual interview.

If you have any questions, we are always available via email to answer any questions

Application form