Monkey Park Costa Rica: volunteer work with exotic birds, felines, and other wildlife

Volunteer at Monkey Park Zoo in Costa Rica

A memorable experience for Wildlife Fans

Monkey Park Animal Rescue Center is located in the North Pacific area of Costa Rica. It is 200 Kilometers from San Jose City, and 18 kilometers from Flamingo, and Tamarindo beach.

The Reserve covers 23 hectares, and was founded in the year 2000. It's mission is to rescue and protect abandoned and mistreated wild animals that were captured and mistreated. They also provide environmental education to children and adults of nearby communities. This rescue center is legally registered with the Costa Rica Ministry of Environment and Energy – MINAE, and is regulated and supervised by this government institution.

Monkey Park is supported by donations received from the volunteers, and other public or private donors and corporations. These donations provide food, and drugs for the animals, pays for the veterinary services, materials to build new cages, the salaries of the permanent Park staff, and more. Environmental educational programs educate people on the importance of nature, and the need to preserve it for the current and future generations. And the impact that our nature resources have on the economy of nearby communities and the country.

An important part of the organization are the volunteers who perform many of the necessary duties of maintaining the park. Volunteers also carry to the rest of society the importance of the care and preservation of our natural environment.

The temperate climate is between 26 degrees and 32 degrees celcius. (78 to 80 Fahrenheit) And the rainy season is from mid May to mid November during which time there is moderate rain most days. The forest flora transitions from dry tropical to wet.

Birds`cage

Cuadro de texto: This is one of the most active wildlife rescue centers in Costa Rica, with a large variety of wild animals. Following is a list of animals living at the zoo as of May 31, of 2011: 2 crocodiles 20 turtles 1 Ocelot ( This is a small size feline ) 2 Mottled Owl ( one is a baby, the other one is adult ) 1 Rainbow beaked Toucan 2 Scarlet Macaws 5 red lored parrots 20 amazonian parrots 6 parekeets 3 chachalacas birds 3 Cararas birds (a kind of Gavilan) 1 Pava bird 6 howler monkeys, 4 white faced monkeys, 2 marmoset monkeys, 2 tamarin monkeys, and 2 spider monkeys. A few of them living in cages, more of them living in a forest within the property. 1 Saino (Collared Peccary commonly referred to as javelina, also known as the musk hog and Mexican hog) 1 female coyote 1 Tepezcuinte (Lowland Paca (Cuniculus paca), also known as the Spotted Paca) 3 coatimundi (a mammal in the raccoon family) 3 raccons and 2 squirrels 5 deers Some species such as the three toed sloths, or Titi monkeys often receive temporary medical care and are returned to the wild within a few days.

Ocelot

Scarlet Macaw

The shelter team includes a Doctor of Veterinary medicine and a General Director who is in charge of all administrative duties (Vanessa), and two young women who attend to visitors along with other duties, (Angelica and Patricia). There is also a chef and his assistant at La Coyota restaurant. And a handyman rounds out the team.

Monkey Park is located near many attractive beaches, such a Playa Grande, Brasilito, Conchal, Flamingo and Tamirindo, which offer many beach and water activities.

Available services include potable water, electricity, and a three bedroom guest house with twin beds, and a closet at each room, a shared bathroom with hot water, a gas stove, and a laundry area.

The mission of Monkey Park Zoo is to rescue and treat wounded and mistreated wild animals and reintroduce them into their natural environment. Volunteers at his project have an opportunity to participate in an enriching experience and gain valuable knowledge and experience in the care and treatment of wild animals, while providing a valuable service to the natural environment, and nearby communities.

Tamarindo beach

Volunteer duties may include:

Cleaning animal cages

Collecting and recycling of non-biodegradable materials

Preparation of food, and feeding the animals

Providing assistance to the Veterinarian upon request

Cleaning existing trails and making new ones.

Planting trees

Assisting with normal building maintenance

Providing tours of the park to visitors

Teaching environmental education to children and adults at nearby communities and schools.

A new program is now in progress at Monkey Park, which is under the supervision of the MINAE called “Program of rehabilitation and liberation of the howler monkey”. This is a scientic research project in a 3 hectare area of the Park, dedicated to increasing this particular species of monkey in captivity for later release into the wild. Individuals must wear camouflage at all times when in contact with these monkeys, which makes the release of the animals back into the wild an easier transition. Volunteers will also be requested into the wild.

The volunteer work shift is five days a week, six hours a day, from 8 am to 2 pm. All volunteers must respect the “Volunteer Guidelines”. See more information below.

Complete the form: “Offer of Voluntary Service”.

Work Requirements:

A basic level of Spanish is helpful, but not mandatory

A minimum stay of 2 weeks is required for this program

Desire to work

Love of animals

Accommodations:

Accommodations are provided for volunteers in a house within the project. There are shared rooms with a twin bed for each occupant, a shared bathroom with hot water, and a small living area. Volunteers are responsible for keeping the house clean. A washing machine is available but you have to bring your own laundry detergent.

The park also offers a nice pool for exclusive use of the Zoo`s staff and volunteers.

Meals:

Meals consist mainly of rice, beans, plantains, vegetable salads, chicken beef or pork, eggs, fruits and occasionally corn flakes and milk for breakfast. Meals are provided in the Park`s restaurant at 8 am ( breakfast ), 12 noon ( lunch ), and 6 pm ( dinner ) Additional snacks and drinks are available for purchase at the restaurant.

If you are allergic to any foods, please notify us with in advance so we can adjust your menu accordingly.

What to bring:

Blanket, sheets, mosquito repellent, sun lotion, toothpaste and brush, soap, deodorant, comfortable casual clothing and closed shoes.