Observe wildlife in one of the most remote and wild places in Santa Elena, Costa Rica

Details

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  Description

  Update: For our remote biological reserve project, we are currently looking for someone who can do grounds keeping and maintenance for around 2 weeks.
  Work will involve clearing trails and boundaries from overgrowth and possible fallen trees. Other task may include carrying in loads using backpack during re supplies.
  Our bird Sanctuary is a private reserve created in 2001 for the sole purpose of protecting old growth forest and all that lives there. Located in the mountainous region of the near Monteverde, sanctuary is not open to the public to ensure the birds, cats, monkeys, sloths and other animals have a peaceful, protected area in which to live and raise their young. Spanning 5 eco-zones, the reserve is a safe haven for three species of monkey, 6 species of cat, over 400 species of orchid and hundreds of species of resident and migrating birds, including rare and endangered species such as Resplendent quetzal, Three-wattled-bellbird and severely endangered Bare-necked Umbrellabird.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Charity Work

  Help with Eco Projects
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  UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

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  What's this?
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  Volunteers will be helping side by side with international guides and wildlife researchers / photographers with decades of experience in conservation in some of the most remote and wild places on the planet. They will share their expertise, knowledge and stories during your stay. English, Spanish and French are spoken on site

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  Help

  Once a year, from March 1 to May 1, Sanctuary seeks volunteers wishing to assist resident researchers and conservationists with wildlife research data collection, scientific transects, wildlife observation from hides, setting camera traps etc. Other activities may include trail maintenance, night walks / observations, bird banding and wildlife monitoring using radio telemetry. Workers do not need prior experience but must be prepared for “off the trail” treks (with professional wildlife guides), 3-4 hour shifts observing and collecting data from hides / during transect walks, using on-site video and photographic cameras, mid-stream walks and late-night forest walks or early morning pre-dawn transects. Trained professionals will assist you in any skills training you may need to be helpful to the study. Due to the nature of the help and depth of training needed, we ask for a minimum one week commitment. Though the project runs during the “dry season”, this is a rain/cloud forest reserve so helpers must be willing to experience the forest in all her beauty, both wet and dry.

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  Languages spoken

  English: Fluent
  French: Fluent
  Spanish: Intermediate

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  Accommodation

  If you love wildlife and enjoy being in pristine natural settings and are looking for some time away from the noise and energy of the many tourist attractions spread across Costa Rica, the sanctuary is for you. Our “off the grid” research station is located within the reserve (20 minute access on foot) and has a small solar system used for basic lighting, charging of phones, cameras etc. A grey water system and specially designed composting toilet ensures the forest and streams stays clean and natural. A separate dormitory building sleeps 12 people maximum, though we limit human visits to the reserve at 4 participants at any given time to ensure a low impact and a more personalized experience for the volunteer. Phone / internet connection is sporadic throughout the reserve if you have an international e-sim or purchase a local Costa Rican sim.
  
  We offer vegetarian meals.

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  A little more information

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    Internet access

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    Limited internet access

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    We have pets

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    We are smokers

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    Can host families

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  Two

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