Skip to main content
A group of volunteers build a bridge in India A group of volunteers build a bridge in India A group of volunteers build a bridge in India

Volunteer

Volunteer

Volunteering at one of our partner sanctuaries is a great way to get more involved in our work and is sure to be truly unforgettable. In addition to a rewarding, educational and fun experience, by volunteering at one of the sanctuaries you will make a direct contribution to our work rescuing and caring for animals in need.

Volunteers with all levels of experiences are welcome, the most important thing is a passion for wildlife and a desire to be more involved in our life-saving work.

Costa Rica

IAR Costa Rica is located in Playas de Nosara, on the Northwest coast of Costa Rica and specialises in the rescue and rehabilitation of howler monkeys, in particular orphaned or abandoned infants. It also cares for all types of wildlife including exotic birds such as parrots and macaws as well as arboreal wildlife, including pizotes, anteaters, kinkajous, squirrels and opossums.

Volunteers are an important part of the team. You will be helping with the care of the wildlife undergoing rehabilitation at the Refuge by:

  • Feeding non-primate infant wildlife**, such as birds, squirrels, opossums, porcupines and many more
  • Providing environmental enrichment activities
  • Building enclosures and much needed items
  • Cleaning enclosures
  • Preparing food for the animals
  • Doing animal laundry
  • Assisting our veterinarian in the Clinic (Veterinary professionals only)

Please note: To maximize the efficiency of the rehabilitation process, we have to carefully control human exposure to the infant howler monkeys. We hope you understand that to give the orphaned howlers the very best chance of success, volunteers are not able to feed these delicate infants.

Volunteers in Costa Rica making enrichment
Volunteer in Costa Rica carrying a basket of food

India

A group of volunteers repairing bear enrichment
A volunteer in India sewing a sack

The Agra Bear Rescue Facility is the largest sloth bear rescue facility in the world and is located in Agra, India. It is home to 170 rescued sloth bears as well as many other species of wildlife in large forested enclosures. The Rescue Facility provides a safe haven for bears that cannot be returned to the wild and specialises in research, disease management and veterinary care.

By volunteering at the Bear Rescue Facility you will be making a major contribution to the welfare of the bears. No previous experiences is required but you will need to be willing and enthusiastic about giving the beautiful bears the best life possible. 

Each day is a little different, but volunteer duties include:

  • Food preparation, including: assisting keepers in preparing fruits / making enrichment treats
  • Distribution of food
  • Cleaning and maintenance of the enclosures and facilities
  • Making enrichment for animals like hammocks and honey logs
  • Gardening / plantation /nursery maintenance & development
  • Painting maintenance work & plumbing maintenance work