Caribbean: sloth and monkey sanctuary

What is the project about?

When animals encounter human civilization, it often has negative consequences for the animals: they frequently get injured by cars or power lines. The animal sanctuary in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca takes care of injured animals and baby animals that have lost their parents.

What animals live in the facility?

The most common animals include sloths, monkeys, turtles, snakes, birds and other small mammals. There are also small bears and deer there. The aim is to return them to the wild. However, some of the animals also find a new home in the facility.

What are your responsibilities?

You can feed the animals, clean the facilities, observe the animals' behavior and document it to know about their progress. Once they are healthy again, they are moved to an outdoor enclosure that serves as a transition station for reintroduction into the wild. Here, too, the animals need special care. Previous knowledge in veterinary medicine is not a requirement, but is always welcome. If you are in the project for a longer period of time, you can also guide visitor groups through the facility.

What leisure activities are there?

Depending on the tasks at hand, a working day lasts around 6 hours. From the late afternoon, you are then free. You can use the time to go to the nearby beach, to exchange ideas with the international participants and to go on excursions together. Puerto Viejo is also a popular place for vacationers to party.