Release Site Wildlife Veterinary Internship

The Intern works five days a week with two days off. Days off are not necessarily on the weekend. The daily schedule must be flexible depending on the animals in the clinic. Night work is required. The intern works long hours and is expected to be ready for emergencies. 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
• Triage
• Conducting intake examinations
• Animal restraint techniques
• Medication administration
• Testing procedures
• Safety and sterilization best practice
• Anesthesia procedures
• Small animal health management
• Clinic records maintenance

Clinic & Animal Husbandry

• Feed and monitor animals
• Clean clinic and kennels
• Feed and monitor animals at the Release Site.
• Triage animals were received at the Release Site. Triage will determine whether 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 the Vet Director and TRR Founder.
• Assist in exams and treatments
• Animal enrichment
• Proper maintenance regarding animal enclosures and zookeeping
• Backup to other Toucan Rescue Ranch Interns.
• Nighttime animal monitoring

• Manage cleanliness and ordering of animal care supplies.
• Evaluate and perfect the quality of rehab animals’ diets.
• Complete thorough record-keeping and detailed observations as needed. We are always open to suggestions. Let us know if you have a special skill you think will be useful.

• Backup to other Release Site interns, such as Saving Sloths Together technicians
• Assist in the feeding and care of birds in the pre-release and breeding enclosures
• Assist in the mapping 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, facility cleaning