Wildlife Conservation Internships

The Toucan Rescue Ranch (TRR) is dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing Costa Rican wildlife. Our work is built on three core pillars—conservation, education, and research—to help create a brighter future for the country's native wildlife. We provide specialised care for sick, injured, and confiscated animals referred to us by Costa Rican government agencies.

TRR works closely with the Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE), which brings injured and displaced wildlife to our rescue centres. Animals receive expert veterinary treatment, rehabilitation, and, whenever possible, are successfully released back into their natural habitats.

Our internship programmes offer hands-on experience in wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, and conservation, making them ideal for students and aspiring conservationists who want to gain practical skills while making a meaningful impact.

TRR operates across two locations:

Headquarters (HQ) – San Isidro, Heredia

Home to the rescue centre, veterinary clinic, quarantine, and rehabilitation facilities.
Houses the wildlife sanctuary for animals that cannot be released and require lifelong care.
Offers educational guided tours focused on wildlife conservation and environmental education.

Release Site (RS) – Nazareth, Sarapiquí

Functions as a second rescue centre.
Serves as the final rehabilitation and pre-release site for many rescued animals before they return to the wild.

TRR offers a range of specialised internship opportunities to suit different interests and career goals:

- Animal Husbandry & Zookeeping (Headquarters)

- Wildlife Veterinary Medicine (Headquarters)

- Sloth Rehabilitation (Headquarters)

- Wildlife Care (Release Site)

- Wildlife Veterinary Medicine (Release Site)


As a TRR intern, you will:

- Gain hands-on experience in wildlife care, animal behaviour, diet preparation, habitat enrichment, and conservation practices

- Immerse yourself in Costa Rican culture and conservation efforts

- Receive mentorship from experienced wildlife conservationists and veterinary professionals

- Develop teamwork, communication, and leadership skills

- Build valuable connections with professionals and fellow conservationists

- Contribute to a mission-driven organisation dedicated to protecting and rehabilitating Costa Rica's native wildlife

- We require an up-to-date tetanus vaccination (valid for ten years)

- International emergency medical insurance coverage during the internship

- For vet-related internships, rabies vaccination is required to apply

- Willingness to get dirty, sweaty, and work hard for wildlife

- The ability to follow directions with attention to detail

- A positive “can-do” attitude, proactiveness and the ability to work well in a team environment

- Excellent communication and teamwork skills

- Moderate degree of fitness.

- Fluent in either English or Spanish (or both is preferred)

- Studying or having studied an animal, science or vet related discipline, or have some previous experience working with animals

- Have a strong interest in animal welfare and conservation

- Fostering practices that support and improve the Ranch’s philosophy and goals

- Successfully complete the Recruitment Process which includes an application form, preliminary interview and final interview with supervisors