• Ability to commit to at least 4 to 6 months
• Must be 18 years or older
• Since January 2025, we have updated our policy to no longer require COVID vaccinations. Volunteers and interns can either provide proof of vaccination or present a negative test taken within 48 hours before starting their volunteering or internship. Additionally, we require an up-to-date tetanus vaccination (valid for ten years).
• International emergency medical insurance coverage during the internship
• Willingness to get dirty, sweaty, and work hard for wildlife
• For animal-related internships, rabies vaccination is required to apply

*Please review the internship application for specific details

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.

Why Choose an Internship at Toucan Rescue Ranch? By joining Toucan Rescue Ranch as an intern, you’ll gain:

• Hands-On Experience in Wildlife Care: Work directly with rescued animals, including sloths, toucans, owls, and monkeys, contributing to their rehabilitation and release into the wild.
• Valuable Field Skills: Learn about animal behavior, diet preparation, habitat enrichment, and conservation techniques in real-world settings.
• Immersive Cultural Experience: Live in the heart of Costa Rica, engaging with local communities and discovering the country’s rich biodiversity.
• Expert Guidance: Receive mentorship from experienced professionals in wildlife conservation, veterinary care, and environmental education.
• Resume-Boosting Opportunities: Build a strong portfolio with practical experience that stands out to future employers or universities.
• Teamwork and Leadership Skills: Collaborate with a passionate, international team to achieve conservation goals.
• Unique Living Experience: Stay in one-of-a-kind accommodations, including the Toucan Rescue Ranch Headquarters or the remote Release Site, surrounded by nature.
• Networking Opportunities: Connect with conservation experts, fellow interns, and visiting researchers from around the world.
• Conservation Impact: Be part of a mission-driven organization working to protect Costa Rica’s wildlife and promote environmental awareness.
• Personal Growth: Develop confidence, adaptability, and a deeper appreciation for wildlife and the environment while making memories to last a lifetime.

This is more than an internship—it’s an unforgettable adventure where you’ll make a real difference for wildlife while building your skills and future.

At Toucan Rescue Ranch, we are committed to providing a valuable internship experience that allows you to contribute your unique skills while helping us achieve our mission of rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing wildlife. Your health and safety are our top priority, and we ensure appropriate training and protective gear throughout your stay. Working with animals comes with certain risks, and it is crucial to understand and minimize them for the safety of both you and the wildlife.

Requirements:

• All interns must have a current tetanus vaccination.
• You must have international medical insurance that covers you in Costa Rica. We can provide insurance recommendations if needed—just ask during your application process.
• Proof of current vaccinations and insurance must be submitted during orientation.

*Please note, while working with wildlife, there may be a risk of zoonotic diseases. It is your responsibility to follow strict biosecurity protocols as advised by our staff to ensure the safety of both yourself and the animals.

Headquarters Intern House:
You will stay with fellow interns in the Headquarters Intern House at Toucan Rescue Ranch. This multi-level house includes three shared dormitories and one private room. The house has 3.5 bathrooms and a shared kitchen, which is used by staff members to prepare prepped meals. The kitchen is available for communal use after 4 p.m. Laundry facilities are inside the house, with a hang-dry option. The house is shared with administrative employees who have an office within the home.

The property features a large yard area and a balcony, providing ample space for relaxation. The house is located in a safe, gated community with shared employee parking. Please note that the property is shared with the landlord, who lives on-site. The house is just a 3-minute walk from the Ranch Headquarters and is situated in San Josecito, San Isidro, Heredia.

Headquarters Nightshift Cabin:
For Sloth Rehabilitation and Nightshift Animal Care Team members, you may be stationed in the Nightshift Cabin located on TRR grounds. This small, open-concept cabin includes a shared bedroom, a small common area, a kitchenette with a microwave and mini-fridge, and one bathroom. There is laundry access with prior approval from the owner and Fiberoptic WiFi.

The cabin is situated at Toucan Rescue Ranch Headquarters in San Josecito, San Isidro, Heredia. You will share this space with baby mammals and other wildlife that require overnight feedings and care, providing a unique opportunity to work closely with the animals during their rehabilitation.

Release Site Intern House:
If you are applying for a Main Release Site internship, you will be staying at our Release Site in a remote area of Sarapiquí, Costa Rica. The accommodation includes a private or shared bedroom, two bathrooms, a standard room, and a kitchen with some laundry access. WiFi is provided. This house is located directly on the TRR Release Site grounds in Nazareth, Sarapiquí, Heredia.