Sibu Wildlife Sanctuary’s Volunteer Program

Sibu Wildlife Sanctuary looks for volunteers with a real passion for our project and the work we do, who not only want to help with the daily sanctuary chores but are also motivated to support our mission to prevent the devastating and often fatal wildlife electrocutions on power lines happening daily across Costa Rica. 

If you think you would be a good match for our organization, please fill out and submit the application below!

Full Time Volunteers

We require a minimum commitment of 3 months from full-time volunteers, but ideally are looking for volunteers to join our permanent team. To ensure candidates are serious about committing to the project, we ask for a deposit of $300 per month. On-site accommodation is provided.

Volunteer responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Creating and implementing enrichment ideas
• Food preparation
• Cleaning habitats
• Scrubbing soiled blankets
• Observing behavior
• Preparing sleeping areas
• Keeping the sanctuary grounds clean and presentable, including all facilities
• Working on maintenance projects
• Assisting with educational visits

Please note that direct contact with all wildlife is limited. If you are looking for a place to play and cuddle with monkeys, Sibu Wildlife Sanctuary is not the place for you.

Most wildlife at Sibu Wildlife Sanctuary will spend the rest of their lives here, so researching and developing enrichment projects is a top priority to ensure top quality of life. These can be related to the animals’ food, such as finding stimulating ways to feed the animals to recreate challenges they might face in the wild. The enrichment projects can also be related to entertainment and mental stimulation, like configuring habitats and building toys or objects for the animals to play with, interact with or climb over. All volunteers must have approval from management ahead of building and implementing enrichment projects.

We are looking for mature, hardworking, fast learners, preferably 25+ who have experience living away from home. Working with vulnerable and disabled animals can be hard, both mentally and physically. Volunteers need to take initiative, be self-motivated, respectful and – most of all – flexible. Volunteers will get hot, wet, dirty and tired, but in the end the results of your work will be your reward!

All backgrounds are welcome, however we have particular interest in candidates with education or experience in one of the following areas:

• Wildlife rehabilitation
• Conservation
• Fundraising
• Marketing

Some level of Spanish is appreciated, but not required. Fluent English is mandatory.

Local Part Time Volunteers

Local part time volunteers are generally people who already live in Nosara area, who can commit to helping at Sibu Wildlife Sanctuary at least 1 shift a week on a set schedule.

Morning shift: 6:45 am – 10am

Afternoon shift: 2.30pm – 5.30pm

Duties typically include food preparation, cleaning, habitat maintenance, and greenhouse maintenance, however duties may vary greatly depending on skills, experience, age and interests. If you are interested in volunteering at Sibu Wildlife Sanctuary and you live in the Nosara area and can commit to volunteering 1 shift a week, please fill out the volunteer application below.