Step into the heart of real-life conservation at Costa Rica’s leading wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centre with this Wilde Tracks Collaboration Mission. Shadow expert veterinarians as they care for injured, orphaned, and confiscated wildlife - from tiny reptiles and colourful tropical birds to curious mammals - and be part of their journey back to the wild.

The centre sees over 3,000 animals per year, ranging from jaguars and sloths to birds and monkeys. It is a specialised rehabilitation centre for primates, birds, and mammals, and one of only a few registered and officially recognised rescue centres in the entire country. The centre is also partnered with its own release site, where animals are closely monitored once returned to the wild - a process you could play a crucial part in during your mission.

See what it is like to join this conservation mission! --> VIDEO

Costa Rica is renowned for its extraordinary biodiversity, lush tropical landscapes and strong commitment to wildlife conservation. From dense rainforests and misty cloud forests to volcanoes, mangroves and spectacular Pacific and Caribbean coastlines, the country is home to an incredible range of ecosystems and wildlife, including sloths, monkeys, toucans, crocodiles, sea turtles and countless tropical species. With more than a quarter of the country protected through national parks, wildlife refuges and conservation areas, Costa Rica is a global leader in conservation and sustainable tourism. Its vibrant culture, welcoming communities and remarkable natural environments offer an unforgettable combination of wildlife, conservation, adventure and cultural experiences.

• Shadow Wildlife Veterinarians: Spend time alongside experienced wildlife veterinarians as they provide hands-on care to injured, orphaned, and confiscated animals. Gain insight into the assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management of a diverse range of species, from reptiles and tropical birds to mammals.

• Experience the Wildlife Rehabilitation Process: Participate in different stages of rehabilitation, from the initial examination and emergency response through medical treatment, recovery, and preparation for release or long-term placement. Learn how veterinary care works alongside behavioural rehabilitation and daily animal management.

• Assist with Veterinary Procedures and Diagnostics: Gain practical exposure to veterinary procedures such as physical examinations, blood sampling, wound care, medication administration, and rehabilitation therapies. Develop an understanding of how veterinarians assess an animal’s condition and determine appropriate treatment plans.

• Support Daily Animal Care and Rehabilitation: Become involved in the day-to-day care of wildlife within specialised facilities for reptiles, birds, and mammals. Activities may include preparing and providing diets, supporting enrichment programmes, maintaining habitats, and observing animal behaviour as part of the rehabilitation process.

• Observe Veterinary Rounds and Surgical Procedures: Follow veterinary rounds and observe procedures where appropriate, gaining a deeper understanding of clinical decision-making, surgical care, anaesthesia, patient monitoring, and post-operative recovery in wildlife patients.

• Gain Exposure to Veterinary Technology: Learn how modern diagnostic and therapeutic technologies are used in wildlife medicine, including digital radiography, in-house blood analysis, and laser therapy. See how these tools support accurate diagnosis, treatment planning, and patient recovery.

• Explore Wildlife Conservation and Veterinary Medicine: Develop a broader understanding of the relationship between veterinary medicine, wildlife rehabilitation, conservation, and animal welfare. Learn about the challenges involved in caring for wildlife and the important role veterinary teams play in protecting individual animals and supporting wider conservation efforts.

• Build Practical Skills and Professional Confidence: Develop valuable hands-on experience, professional awareness, and confidence in a real-world wildlife care environment. Gain insight into the responsibilities and challenges of careers in veterinary medicine, wildlife rehabilitation, animal care, and conservation.

Arrive in San José, Costa Rica, and transfer to the wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centre - your home for the journey ahead. Settle into comfortable accommodation right beside the clinic, 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.

Over these days, you will be fully involved in the centre’s day-to-day operations, helping with any incoming cases and being ready for emergencies and medical intakes. You will assist with ongoing patients, supporting their care and monitoring progress as they recover.

As animals advance in their rehabilitation, you will help prepare them for release, including upgrading them to new enclosures and fitting tags or identification rings. You will also gain hands-on experience in diagnostics, such as radiology, blood analysis, and other medical procedures.

In addition, you could participate in advanced rehabilitation techniques, including laser therapy and enrichment programs, learning how veterinarians and caretakers work together to give wildlife the best chance of returning to the wild.

Each day offers a unique experience - no two days are the same - and a mix of practical work, problem-solving, and direct contribution to conservation in action.

This is your chance to ask questions, observe procedures up close, and receive a wealth of knowledge in wildlife medicine and conservation. There is a 2-week minimum, but we highly recommend staying longer - the more days you spend at the centre, the more experience you could gain and the wider variety of species you could encounter.

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!

Next Mission

• Available year round with a 2 week minimum

• Begins Sunday, ends Saturday

  • Private Group missions available - contact for details!

Who Can Join

• Anyone studying or qualified in the veterinary industry - including pre vet, nurse/tech and vet students of any year level

• Open to any gender

• Open to 18 year old

📧 Email us: info@wildetracks.com

📸 See the experience in action: Follow @wildetracks on Instagram for footage from past missions, conservation work and behind-the-scenes moments.

💬 Have a question? Send us an email or DM on Instagram, or use the “Ask a Question” button at the top of this page - our team is happy to help.