You must check off all of these boxes to be eligible to volunteer at Toucan Rescue Ranch

• Be able to commit at least 4 weeks or at least 20 days of volunteering. A longer duration is preferred.
• Must be 18 years or older
• Must have a current tetanus vaccination (good for 10 years)
• Must have two doses of Covid-19 vaccination 
• International emergency medical insurance that covers you while volunteering.
• Willingness to get dirty, sweaty, tired, and work for wildlife

Toucan Rescue Ranch requires people who are volunteering at Toucan Rescue Ranch to donate a $200 flat fee. This deposit is to ensure that you are committed to the cause while also contributing to the #Papayaislife Fund which provides housing, food, and generals costs to run the rescue center and sanctuary.

The $200-flat donation fee is refundable for all international volunteers who commit 12 weeks or longer. To receive this refund you must donate through PayPal - you do not need a PayPal account to do this.

This fee is waived for all local volunteers.

Activities dealing with wildlife require that volunteers wear protective gear. If you can offer a special skill please include it in the Volunteer Application.

• Deep clean enclosures with the guidance of an intern
• Help provide enrichment for the rescued residence
• Contribute to our Education Program
• Help administration with data entry
• Assist volunteer coordinators with volunteer activities and events
• Become a tour guide

You will be working on a diverse and dynamic team known as the TOUCAN TEAM. This team is responsible for the day-to-day demands of the animals in our care. This schedule is variable to change to morning and evening shifts and is dependent on the volume of volunteers.

• The standard schedule is 5-days a week from 7:00 a.m. – 3 p.m. Please keep in mind that hours might vary based on workload and amount of volunteers
• Two consecutive days off per week - not necessarily weekends or holidays

When working with animals, it’s essential to understand all risks. The Toucan Rescue Ranch ensures the volunteer’s safety and its rescued wildlife. Please provide allergy or other medicines needed in your application. For your safety, you must provide proof of international medical insurance and a current tetanus shot (within the last ten years). This insurance must include coverage for Covid-19 while in the country. If you are curious about our Covid-19 protocol, please refer to our blog.

By agreeing to come to volunteer/intern at Toucan Rescue Ranch, you must be aware that while working with wildlife, you may encounter zoonotic diseases. It’s your responsibility to follow strict biosecurity measures advised by the staff while volunteering or as an intern at Toucan Rescue Ranch.

Housing is not provided for volunteers, however, we do provide the housing listed below (prices may vary):

• Option 1: Homestays with local families. Includes a bedroom, bathroom, three meals per day, access to laundry facilities, and Wi-Fi. Shared common areas with the host family. The fee is an average of $25 per day. All locations are within walking distance of TRR or a local bus stop.
• Option 2: Rent from Toucan Rescue Ranch in our Volunteer and Intern House!  The house has four bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, a large living room area, and a kitchen available after 4 p.m. The cost is $30 per day. Access to laundry facilities and Wi-Fi. Quick walking distance to the Toucan Rescue Ranch.

All homestay and living accommodations are directly booked with the homeowners. Please review our HOMESTAY document to review prices and options in the area.

Toucan Rescue Ranch has two locations: our headquarters in San Josecito, San Isidro, Heredia, and our Release Site in Nazareth, Sarapiqui, Heredia. As a volunteer, you will be doing the same work: cleaning enclosures, feeding animals, watering animals, providing enrichment, doing yard work, and supporting staff in general chores. Both locations have similar wildlife such as toucans, raptors, macaws, parrots, and sloths.

Headquarters is a much larger operation located in a cloud forest near the center of Costa Rica. This location is close to the country's capital, San Jose. This location is a good fit for you if you want to be close to shopping centers and extracurricular activities. Headquarters is in the mountains where you will experience a cooler climate in a cloud forest. The main site is where the Toucan Rescue Ranch's sanctuary is with a larger diversity in wildlife and is where the majority of operations take place. This site is where most of the staff, interns, and volunteers work.

Main Release Site is a small operation located in the tropical rainforest of Costa Rica. This location is in a rural agriculture community with a small church, a convenience store, and a soccer field. This location is a good fit for you if you want to be in the jungle in a remote setting. The Release Site is in a humid and warm climate in the Caribbean Slope. The Release Site is where Toucan Rescue Ranch does most of its rewilding programs. It cares for a much smaller population of animals with less diversity in species. This site is managed by a much smaller team of people.

1. Headquarters: San Josecito, San Isidro, Heredia
2. Main Release Site: Nazareth, Sarapiqui, Heredia