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parresseux dans un centre de réhabilitation au Costa Rica

Wildlife Sloth Rehabilitation internship
Costa Rica

Take part in the rehabilitation of injured, orphaned, or recovering sloths at Toucan Rescue Ranch. Working alongside a specialized team, you’ll support their daily care, health monitoring, and preparation for a potential return to the wild.

AN IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE IN SLOTH REHABILITATION

At Toucan Rescue Ranch, you’ll join the team specializing in sloth rehabilitation.

You’ll take part in their daily care, health monitoring, feeding, the administration of certain treatments, and the management of their environment to support their recovery.

Depending on your level of experience, you may also assist with certain veterinary procedures under the supervision of the medical team.

This hands-on experience will give you a deeper understanding of every stage of sloth rehabilitation, from their arrival at the center to their preparation for a potential release back into the wild.

Sloth undergoing rehabilitation in the Costa Rican rainforest during a wildlife care and rehabilitation internship.

WHY I RECOMMEND THIS INTERNSHIP

I particularly recommend this internship for its strong focus on sloth welfare.

Toucan Rescue Ranch is recognized for its expertise in the rehabilitation of this iconic Costa Rican species. You’ll work alongside an experienced team while gaining insight into how a real wildlife conservation program operates.

It’s an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience in animal care while directly supporting wildlife conservation.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

During this internship, you’ll develop skills including:

🦥 Take part in sloth rehabilitation
🥣 Prepare and distribute their food
💉 Administer certain treatments under supervision
⚕️ Assist with health monitoring and medical check-ups
📊 Monitor animal behavior and progress
🌿 Design enrichment activities adapted to sloths
🧹 Maintain rehabilitation areas
🧑‍⚕️ Work alongside a specialized veterinary team
📚 Learn wildlife rehabilitation techniques

Sloth undergoing rehabilitation in a suitable environment at Toucan Rescue Ranch in Costa Rica.
Sloth feeding on leaves during rehabilitation at a wildlife conservation center in Costa Rica.

ESSENTIAL INFORMATION

Everything you need to know before applying.

Location

San Isidro de Heredia
Costa Rica

Language

English or Spanish

Field of study

Biology • Animal Care • Veterinary Medicine • Animal Science

Duration

Minimum 4 months*

* Contact me to find out about upcoming internship dates.

Admission requirements

✓ Minimum age: 18
✓ Travel and health insurance
✓ Rabies vaccination recommended
✓ Good physical condition
✓ Fluency in English or Spanish
✓ Education or experience related to animals
✓ Interest in animal welfare

Full requirements will be provided during the application process.

The center’s philosophy

Here, contact with animals is never the goal.

Every intervention is carried out only when necessary for care or rehabilitation. All handling takes place under the team’s supervision to respect the sloths’ natural behavior and maximize their chances of returning to the wild.

Toucan Rescue Ranch, a wildlife rehabilitation center in Costa Rica welcoming interns in animal care and veterinary medicine.

PROGRAM CONTRIBUTION

USD 3,000 ≈ €2,640

for 4 months

What’s included

✓ Shared accommodation
✓ 3 meals per day
✓ Hands-on training
✓ Supervision by the specialized team
✓ Participation in the Saving Sloths Together program

What’s not included

✕ International flights
✕ Travel insurance
✕ Immigration fees
✕ Personal expenses

Part of this fee directly supports the center’s operations and animal care.

HOW TO APPLY

Send your application to info@vayaplanet.com

  • Your CV

  • A cover letter specifying the internship you’re applying for

  • 3 references

Let’s discuss your project

We’ll talk about your plans, make sure this internship matches your goals, and answer any questions you may have.

I’ll support you

I’ll guide you through the next steps of your application and remain available throughout your experience whenever you need support.

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