Animal welfare in the nature reserve in Costa Rica

About the project

Costa Rica's Ojochal region is home to an almost untouched natural world with a variety of landscapes and animal species. An environmental organization has been caring for the local wetlands here since 2009. It does this by raising awareness of the sensitivity of the local ecosystem through public education and by monitoring the species population. Seven to nine permanent employees work there throughout the year and are supported by a maximum of 18 volunteers.

The organization pursues various environmental protection projects on site:

- It helps to provide optimal breeding conditions on the beaches for native turtles.

- Tree felling is monitored, collected, and measured in the region's mangrove forests.

- Data on the local mammal population is collected using stationary cameras. This data is crucial for the balance of the ecosystem.

- The number of crocodiles is also checked and the small crocodiles are collected.

- The diet and behavior of native birds are studied.

Your tasks in the project

You will become part of the team on site. Generally, two to four volunteers work together with one permanent employee. Tasks include studying animal species and occasional educational work such as guiding school classes through the reserve. In addition, the reserve must be cleaned of trash and trees must be planted. However, your exact tasks may vary depending on your needs and the season.

Depending on your preferences, you can work with different animals. Snakes, crocodiles, butterflies, birds, and various mammals can be found in the reserve throughout the year. The turtles only come ashore on the beaches of Ojochal from July to December. Accordingly, they are only part of the work on site during this period. During this time, you will help prepare the turtle nesting site as a volunteer.

Your daily routine in the project
You will usually work a 6-day week and work approximately 6 hours per day. You will have either Saturday or Sunday off. The actual working hours depend on the tasks at hand and may be during the day or at night. Your breaks may also take place at different times of the day.