About Us
Macaw Recovery Network (MRN) is a Costa Rican nonprofit working to protect and recover wild macaw populations through conservation breeding, release programs, habitat conservation, and community engagement.
Our breeding centre is located in Islita, a small coastal community beside Costa Rica’s tropical dry forest. Here, our team cares for rescued macaws and other parrots and supports their recovery and conservation. Volunteers contribute to the birds’ daily care by preparing food, feeding them, cleaning aviaries, and assisting with other activities at the centre. Their tasks vary according to the needs of the birds and the ongoing projects.
Volunteering with us is also an opportunity to experience life in a rural Costa Rican community and learn about the care of parrots and the challenges of wildlife conservation. We welcome responsible, compassionate people who are eager to learn, work as part of a team, and contribute to our mission.
Program at a glance
Why choose us?
Our volunteer program offers a meaningful, hands-on opportunity to support macaw conservation in Costa Rica. At our breeding centre in Islita, you’ll work alongside an experienced team and contribute to the daily care of rescued macaws and other parrots. You’ll gain insight into the work involved in wildlife care and conservation while experiencing life in a small coastal community beside Costa Rica’s tropical dry forest. We welcome volunteers who are responsible, compassionate, and eager to learn. Your time and help make a valuable contribution to our team and to the birds in our care.
Requirements
Applicants must be at least 18 years old and submit a CV, a motivation letter, and a short introductory video. Volunteers should be responsible, comfortable working as part of a team, and willing to help with the daily care of macaws and other parrots, including preparing food, feeding birds, and cleaning aviaries. They must follow all animal-care, safety, and photography guidelines. Volunteers are responsible for arranging and covering their own travel, travel insurance, food, personal expenses, and any visa or immigration requirements.
Volunteer experience
A typical day at our breeding centre begins at around 5:30 a.m. with feeding the birds and cleaning the aviaries. After a breakfast break, volunteers help with bird-care activities and other tasks from around 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. There is a longer break during the hottest part of the day for lunch and rest. Activities usually resume around 2:00 p.m. with the afternoon feeding and continue until about 4:00 p.m. Schedules may vary depending on the birds’ needs and ongoing projects. After the day’s activities, volunteers can relax at the centre, visit the village, go to the nearby beach, or enjoy the local scenery.
Enquire
Volunteers stay in shared accommodation at our centre in Islita. Bedrooms and common areas are shared with other volunteers. Water, electricity, and internet are included, and volunteers can use the shared kitchen and laundry facilities. We provide soap for washing hands, clothes, and dishes. Food is not included, so volunteers are responsible for their own meals and personal expenses.
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Volunteers can spend their free time relaxing at the centre, visiting the nearby beach, or exploring Islita, a small and welcoming rural village. The beach is about a 15-minute walk away and is suitable for surfing. Volunteers also enjoy visiting local viewpoints, taking in the scenery, and joining community activities or trips to the village, especially on weekends. Activities are arranged independently and depend on personal interests and the schedule.
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