Step into the heart of real-world conservation with this immersive collaborative Wildlife Conservation & Field Research mission. Work alongside experienced biologists as they protect and prepare critically endangered and rehabilitated animals for life in the wild.
From gathering vital behavioral data to creating environmental enrichment and tracking wildlife in their natural habitats, you’ll play an essential role in hands-on conservation efforts in one of the world’s most biodiverse countries.
This program gives interns rare access to both pre-release enclosures and active release sites, where animals are closely monitored to ensure their long-term survival. You’ll gain professional field skills while contributing to meaningful conservation that directly impacts Costa Rica’s threatened wildlife.
See what it is like to join this conservation mission! --> VIDEO
🐒 Conduct wildlife behavioral observations on critically endangered and rehabilitated animals to help assess their readiness for release.
📊 Collect, log, and analyze field data using professional tools such as ZooMonitor, CyberTracker, and other conservation software.
👣 Track wild animals — including monkey troops and local bird species — while learning real field survey techniques.
🌿 Identify and collect natural foods for animals in pre-release enclosures to support species-specific diets.
🎨 Design and implement environmental, sensory, and food-based enrichment to build natural behaviors essential for survival after release.
🦥 Monitor animals after release, recording age, sex, group size, and behavior to help determine health, success, and long-term outcomes.
🔍 Assist with daily field tasks such as early-morning feeder surveys and observational rounds.
🌎 Learn ethical conservation practices and deepen your understanding of biodiversity, field ecology, and rehabilitation science.
🧭 Gain hands-on experience working directly with qualified biologists and field researchers in diverse habitats.
🌴 Enjoy two days off each week to relax, recharge, and explore Costa Rica at your own pace.
Anyone studying or qualified in the biology, ecology, animal behaviour, conservation or related fields
Available year round, beginning on set Wednesdays and end on Fridays
** Pricing and dates accurate until September 2026. Please enquire if you wish to join after this time - there will be a slightly varied itinerary!
Minimum of two weeks required, with longer stays encouraged!
Click Book Now and input your preferred dates into Join Waitlist. A Wilde Tracks Team Member will be in contact!
Email info@wildetracks.com with any questions.
🔥 Real experiences. Real travellers. Read their reviews here!
https://www.tripadvisor.ca/Attraction_Review-g186338-d32706729-Reviews-Wilde_Tracks-London_England.html
16 nights, 17 days shared rooms
All meals and non alcoholic drinks
Including airport pick-up and drop-off from San Jose Aiport (SJO) as well as transport to and from the release site
Join a hands-on conservation mission in Costa Rica, helping track, monitor, and prepare endangered wildlife for release through field research, enrichment, and ethical rewilding alongside expert biolo
Assist endangered wildlife in Costa Rica through behavioral observation, tracking, enrichment, data collection, and post-release monitoring while working with expert biologists in the field.
Qualified English-speaking field professionals
International flight to San Jose Airport
Mandatory
If applicable
Arrive in San José, Costa Rica, and transfer to the wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centre — your home before the journey ahead. Settle into comfortable accommodation right beside the sanctuary, where the sounds of nature surround you. As evening falls, take a gentle walk around the centre to meet some of its permanent residents and hear the calls of the animals you’ve come to help. Your conservation adventure begins here.
After orientation, interns head to the reserve site on the peninsula to begin hands-on conservation work. Over the course of the internship, you’ll gain practical experience in wildlife observation, tracking, and monitoring, working with critically endangered and rehabilitated animals in both pre-release enclosures and active release sites.
You’ll collect, log, and analyze behavioral and ecological data using professional tools like ZooMonitor and CyberTracker, helping biologists assess animal readiness for release and monitor post-release adaptation. Fieldwork includes tracking monkey troops, birds, and other wildlife, identifying natural foods, and supporting habitat maintenance.
A core part of the experience is designing and implementing environmental, sensory, and food-based enrichment, encouraging animals to develop natural behaviors essential for survival in the wild. Interns also participate in feeding, observational surveys, and post-release monitoring, recording vital information on health, group dynamics, and long-term survival.
Throughout your time at the reserve, you’ll work closely with experienced biologists, learning ethical conservation practices, rehabilitation techniques, and practical skills in field research. Interns enjoy two days off per week to explore Costa Rica’s beaches, rainforests, waterfalls, and local culture, making this a truly immersive conservation experience.
Your time in the jungle comes to an end, and interns return to the wildlife sanctuary for one final night. This last day offers time to walk the grounds, revisit the rehabilitation areas, and say goodbye to the resident animals you’ve worked alongside. It’s a chance to reflect on the impact of your conservation work, the skills you’ve built, and the animals whose journey toward release you’ve helped support before concluding your mission.
As your unforgettable Costa Rican adventure comes to an end, it’s time to say goodbye. After a final farewell with your team, you’ll transfer back to San Jose Airport for your departure. Safe travels, and carry the memories of this incredible journey with you!
