Release Site Wildlife Care Internship

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.

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

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.

Animal Husbandry

• Feed and monitor animals at the Release Site.
• Clean enclosures and perform 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

• 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.

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.