Welcome to Toucan Rescue Ranch's service program! Volunteers and interns are vital to helping TRR achieve our goals. Volunteers assist with daily activities such as providing proper diets to our various wildlife, as well as contributing to the overall success and culture of TRR. Interns are given a special opportunity to learn more in their field while assisting TRR in achieving its mission. You may also play a key role in other important activities such as being a tour guide, helping coordinate events for our education program, assisting with marketing and administrative duties, or working to improve animal enclosures and giving enrichment.
The duties of a volunteer are both fulfilling and rewarding!
Depending on the volunteer’s background and personality, they may be asked if they would like to help with other tasks. All volunteers are observed on how well they handle themselves around wildlife to determine further responsibility.
- Food preparations: chopping fruit and vegetables, cutting fish, preparing carnivorous diets
- Feeding: collecting and washing animal dishes, distributing food and refilling water
- Cleaning: Enclosures, driveway, clinic kennels, prep areas, and outdoor kitchen
- General maintenance: assisting with enclosure repairs, yardwork, organizing work areas, and so forth
WARNING: Volunteering is hard work! This job is fully outside (regardless of weather) and requires medium physical fitness. Get ready to have your hands dirty! Learn more about the various requirements and steps you need to take to become a volunteer at the Toucan Rescue Ranch!
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 to volunteering. A longer duration is preferred.
- Must be 18-years or older
- Have a current tetanus vaccination
- International emergency medical insurance while volunteering
- Willingness to get dirty, sweaty, tired, and work for wildlife
We ask people who are volunteering at Toucan Rescue Ranch to give a $50-per week donation. This 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. This donation is waived for local volunteers and individuals staying 3-months or more.
Activities dealing with wildlife require that volunteers to wear protective gear. If you can offer a special skill please include 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 resposnible 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.
- Standard schedule is 5-days a week from 7:00 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- Two consecutive days off per week - not necessarily weekends or holidays
When working with animals it’s important to understand all risks. The Toucan Rescue Ranch ensures both the volunteer’s safety as well as its rescued wildlife. Please provide allergy or other medicines needed in your application. For your safety you are required to provide proof of international medical insurance and/or medical travelers insurance as well as a current tetanus shot (within the last 10-years).
Housing is not provided for 1-month 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, Wi-Fi. Shared common areas with the host family. Fee is $25-per day. All locations are walking distance to TRR or to a local bus stop.
- Option 2: Rent a volunteer apartment from a North American couple and prepare your own meals. The apartment has one bedroom, one bathroom, small living room area and kitchenette. Cost is $21-per day. Access to laundry facilities and Wi-Fi. Walking distance to the Ranch or to a local bus stop.
I'd Like to Apply!
If you’d like to be a volunteer, please complete the Google Form application. If you have any questions regarding the application process you can email applications@toucanrescueranch.org. Once fully completed, please email as an attachment to applications@toucanrescueranch.org. We will reply to your application inquiry within 1-week.