WATCH A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A VOLUNTEER at kstr!
If you are looking to become a KSTR volunteer, you've come to the right place!
If you are looking to become a KSTR volunteer, you've come to the right place! Kids Saving the Rainforest wouldn't be where it is today without the help from our amazing volunteers. Volunteers have the opportunity to work with our full-time KSTR staff and help monitor, observe, and care for the wild animals that we host at our sanctuary.
KSTR plays a huge role in wildlife conservation. Saving the animals of the rainforest is a passion of ours and wildlife conservation projects help everyone around the world protect wild species.
KSTR provides the best volunteer abroad program in the world. Our program allows volunteers to work with animals and help prevent rainforest deforestation. Join KSTR today to preserve and protect the rainforest and its wildlife.
If you have a passion for wildlife and want to have a positive effect on the world today, view our volunteer abroad programs below and then we'll walk you through the process of becoming a volunteer! We offer short and long term volunteer opportunities to enjoy this special one-of-a-kind program in Costa Rica.
Your taking action will help us in our mission to save the Costa Rica rainforest, animals and aid in environmental conservation!
If you are looking to become a KSTR volunteer, you've come to the right place! Kids Saving the Rainforest wouldn't be where it is today without the help from our amazing volunteers. Volunteers have the opportunity to work with our full-time KSTR staff and help monitor, observe, and care for the wild animals that we host at our sanctuary.
KSTR plays a huge role in wildlife conservation. Saving the animals of the rainforest is a passion of ours and wildlife conservation projects help everyone around the world protect wild species.
KSTR provides the best volunteer abroad program in the world. Our program allows volunteers to work with animals and help prevent rainforest deforestation. Join KSTR today to preserve and protect the rainforest and its wildlife.
If you have a passion for wildlife and want to have a positive effect on the world today, view our volunteer abroad programs below and then we'll walk you through the process of becoming a volunteer! We offer short and long term volunteer opportunities to enjoy this special one-of-a-kind program in Costa Rica.
Your taking action will help us in our mission to save the Costa Rica rainforest, animals and aid in environmental conservation!
Full Day VOLUNTEER Programs
Full Day Program
Prices
*Prices do not include room (scroll down to "Long-Term Volunteer Program" section for room rates)
For group rates of 8 or more, please contact: chip@kstr.org
Payment Options
Documents for Volunteers
Documents for Interns
- 9am - 4pm includes lunch and a tour
- Volunteer activities are not conducive for children under the age of 8.
- Minimum age requirement is 18 years old (alone) and 8 yrs - 17 yrs with PARENTAL SUPERVISION.
Prices
- $125 per adult ($100 deposit required upon acceptance to hold your space)
- $100 per child between 8 - 12 years old
*Prices do not include room (scroll down to "Long-Term Volunteer Program" section for room rates)
For group rates of 8 or more, please contact: chip@kstr.org
Payment Options
- Volunteering Full Day: $20 deposit per person or PAY IN FULL
- Volunteering: Registration fee for 2 weeks or more or PAY IN FULL
- For all volunteering payments please make your payment in the amount stated in your confirmation e-mail from the KSTR Administrator. If you do not receive a confirmation e-mail, please contact volunteer@kidssavingtherainforest.org
Documents for Volunteers
- INTERESTED IN BECOMING A VOLUNTEER? CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE VOLUNTEER PROGRAM GUIDE
- ALREADY A VOLUNTEER? CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE VOLUNTEER HANDBOOK
Documents for Interns
- INTERESTED IN BECOMING AN INTERN? CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE INTERNSHIP PROGRAM GUIDE
- ALREADY AN INTERN? CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE INTERNSHIP HANDBOOK
BECOMING A 1-DAY VOLUNTEER TAKES a single step
Step 1
Fill out the 1-Day Volunteer Form.
Fill out the 1-Day Volunteer Form.
You're all set! We'll contact you with more information on volunteering!
BECOMING A LONG-TERM VOLUNTEER TAKES 2 STEPS
Step 1
Fill out a volunteer form. Wait for an email confirmation from us before moving on to Step 2.
Fill out a volunteer form. Wait for an email confirmation from us before moving on to Step 2.
Step 2
Make a volunteer payment. All applications will be processed as a donation.
Make a volunteer payment. All applications will be processed as a donation.
You're all set! We'll contact you with more information on volunteering!
Long-Term Volunteer Program
- Stay on our property in the Volunteer Center or down the road in a luxury cottage at The Blue Banyan Inn. Food is provided.
- Give back while you travel and gain invaluable experience working in our Wildlife Sanctuary
Bunk Room Rates
1-14 nights: $70 a night / 15-20 nights: $65 a night/ 21-30 nights: $60 a night (OVER 30 days: $35/night)
Cottage Rates
1-7 nights: $150 for 1 person. 2 people: $104 per person per night. 3 people: $90 per person per night.
8-14 nights: $140 for 1 person. 2 people: $98 per person per night. 3 people: $84 per person per night.
15-21 nights: $130 for 1 person. 2 people: $91 per person per night. 3 people: $78 per person per night.
22-30 nights: $120 for 1 person. 2 people: $84 per person per night. 3 people: $72 per person per night.
*Includes lodging, food (prepared breakfast & lunch, and supplies for dinner) and the experience
For more information about volunteering with us, download full program details.
For overnight stays and longer volunteer opportunities, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator: volunteer@kstr.org
Internship Positions
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Wildlife Sanctuary/Zookeeper Intern
This internship will help prepare you for a career in the field of Zookeeping and Animal Caretaking. You will assist our Sanctuary Manager/Biologist & Zookeeper in our Wildlife Sanctuary evaluating the quality of life of animals in captivity. Your daily tasks will include assisting in the daily feeding, cleaning, and enrichment of enclosures of the animals. You will asset behaviors and may be called upon to assist in capturing or restraining animals for necessary medical procedures. Veterinary Clinic/Wildlife Rehabilitation Intern This internship is suited for students or recent graduates with a concentration in veterinary medicine, biology, wildlife management, animal conservation, and/or similar fields of study. You will assist our veterinary team in the clinic performing exams, treatments (if trained and authorized), surgery (for those interested), handling/restraining wildlife, and various procedures. You will assist in the intake of injured and orphaned wildlife, rehabilitation and provide daily cleaning and feeding for the animals currently residing in the clinic. Interns should expect a physically challenging and hustling environment with emergency cases coming in at any time. You will also work in our rescue center, helping prepare animals for their release. The tasks required of you will vary greatly, depending upon the animals in our care and what we need to do for the animals to be released. Activities will include designing enclosure and feeding enrichment, animal observations, collecting data with ethograms, foraging, taking animals in rehabilitation out to exercise, coming up with rehab exercises, designing challenges to prepare animals for release and more. You may be called upon to perform studies of suitable habitats, and/or to track individuals after release. Nursery Assistant Intern This internship requires selfless dedication to the care and rearing of orphaned baby wildlife. You will assist our Nursery Manager in a variety of duties that may include syringe feeding, preparing special diets for the babies, collecting wild leaves, and supervising the climbing and foraging of young animals as they practice for their lives in the wild. This position requires long hours, a willingness to work night shifts, and foregoing personal comfort in rustic conditions in the interest of the babies you are working hard to help save. A preference for a 6-month placement is given for this internship given the extensive training required. |
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD
OUR INTERNSHIP PROGRAM INFORMATION CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE PACKING LIST |
Blue Banyan Inn
The KSTR Volunteer Center is run in conjunction with the Blue Banyan Inn - a peaceful Bed and Breakfast located 20 minutes from Manuel Antonio National Park. Click HERE for information and availability.
Contact Us & VOLUNTEER TODAY!
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You will enjoy this special and one of a kind program. You will learn so much more about KIDS SAVING THE RAINFOREST and the importance of saving this incredible environment.
For Overnight Stays and Longer Volunteer Opportunities, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator -
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Sign up to receive updates on our projects and animals by clicking here!
Volunteer Testimonials
"I would like to express my deepest gratitude to you. I fell in love with the animals, the family, and your work. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to have lived and worked with you and for making me feel like home. I leave KSTR and left a piece of my heart behind. When I got to KSTR, I didn’t think I had what it takes to pursue a career in animal medicine, let alone in conservation, but this experience gave me the confidence and bravery to go ahead and pursue it.
I admire your work, your unconditional love for what you have created. KSTR is an amazing organization and can be so much more. I still remember when I got here in September, you made me feel like you cared and that you have known me forever I will miss you and your Wellness Wednesday.
Chippy, As you would famously say... “Ohhh my God”, I will miss you calling out my name every morning at breakfast. I respect the way you treat every client that visits Blue Banyan Inn. You make sure everyone feels welcome, comfortable and that they’ve had their banana pancakes. The way you love Mariana shows how special you are Chippy. I will miss you dearly, and I hope we get to meet again.
Thank you sincerely. KSTR has a special place in my heart forever. Counting the days until I can visit someday."
- Mari (Puerto Rico)
I admire your work, your unconditional love for what you have created. KSTR is an amazing organization and can be so much more. I still remember when I got here in September, you made me feel like you cared and that you have known me forever I will miss you and your Wellness Wednesday.
Chippy, As you would famously say... “Ohhh my God”, I will miss you calling out my name every morning at breakfast. I respect the way you treat every client that visits Blue Banyan Inn. You make sure everyone feels welcome, comfortable and that they’ve had their banana pancakes. The way you love Mariana shows how special you are Chippy. I will miss you dearly, and I hope we get to meet again.
Thank you sincerely. KSTR has a special place in my heart forever. Counting the days until I can visit someday."
- Mari (Puerto Rico)
"We were picked up at the airport and driven to our destination, stopping for coffee and to see the crocodiles sunning themselves on the river banks. A wonderful beginning. We arrived at the Blue Banyan Inn, KSTR, animal rescue where we were welcomed by Mackenzie, one of the amazing staff, who showed us to our cottage (very cute, comfortable beds, toilet, shower). He then showed us around the grounds and the sanctuary. We couldn't wait to start working! We came back to an absolutely delicious lunch, including of course rice and beans, fresh fruit and vegetables etc. The whole staff sat together with volunteers. There were 5 volunteers the four of us and a girl from Scotland who became our very close friend. Chip and Jennifer, who started the whole project were incredibly warm, welcoming and energetic. Work started early the next morning after (the best) banana pancakes, eggs, fruit, coffee and orange juice served by Chip himself.
We cleaned and scrubbed cages, took out and washed all the dirty bowls, swept the stuck leaves of the paths in the sanctuary, prepared food, and learned about the animals. We were all there for them and we fell in love! Cooling off in the gorgeous pool, watching and discovering everything. The fruits, the trees, the flowers, the birds, the iguanas, the spiders and the myriad of butterflies like flowers in the air, constantly around us. Excellent buffet all together and back to work for the afternoon. We met and became friends with the most amazing, interesting and passionate people. Volunteering at the KSTRF table at Manuel Antonio Park was a whole new experience. A totally new way of life. We were free after to explore the park and the beaches. No words! On the last day Chip insisted we go on a Catamaran for a morning of dolphins, snorkeling, totally unexpected delicious lunch, and slides into the ocean. It was very difficult to leave. Time seems to go at a different pace there. A week feels like two. I think we had about 5 mosquito bites between us and loved the weather, though hot and humid, with beautiful rain late afternoon. We all cannot wait foe our next adventure with you."
- Amanda
We cleaned and scrubbed cages, took out and washed all the dirty bowls, swept the stuck leaves of the paths in the sanctuary, prepared food, and learned about the animals. We were all there for them and we fell in love! Cooling off in the gorgeous pool, watching and discovering everything. The fruits, the trees, the flowers, the birds, the iguanas, the spiders and the myriad of butterflies like flowers in the air, constantly around us. Excellent buffet all together and back to work for the afternoon. We met and became friends with the most amazing, interesting and passionate people. Volunteering at the KSTRF table at Manuel Antonio Park was a whole new experience. A totally new way of life. We were free after to explore the park and the beaches. No words! On the last day Chip insisted we go on a Catamaran for a morning of dolphins, snorkeling, totally unexpected delicious lunch, and slides into the ocean. It was very difficult to leave. Time seems to go at a different pace there. A week feels like two. I think we had about 5 mosquito bites between us and loved the weather, though hot and humid, with beautiful rain late afternoon. We all cannot wait foe our next adventure with you."
- Amanda
"Volunteering at Kids Saving the Rainforest is among the best things I've ever done in my life and the experiences I made there were impressive and lasting! I fell in love with the animals and I'm so glad that I had the possibility to help taking care of them!
I feel so honored that I had the chance to work with these amazing and dedicated people and to be a little part of KSTR! Meanwhile I've been there three times and I can't wait for the next time!"
- Andrea (Germany)
I feel so honored that I had the chance to work with these amazing and dedicated people and to be a little part of KSTR! Meanwhile I've been there three times and I can't wait for the next time!"
- Andrea (Germany)
"I have been a volunteer, an intern, and conducted research at Kids Saving the Rainforest. I first came to KSTR in 2010 while I was on a primate research trip with Broadreach Academic Treks. On that trip, I fell in love with animal conservation, specifically primates. I knew I wanted to take a break from school after high school in 2012, and I remembered how amazing my time was at KSTR. I sent them an email asking if they accepted interns, and sure enough they did! I went for 3 months and gained the best work experience I have ever had. While some organizations have volunteer programs that involve a good amount of observing, the program at KSTR is extremely hands-on. You get the opportunity to experience all aspects of working in an animal rehabilitation center and sanctuary. For example, you gain experience learning what it is like to be an animal caretaker: prepping food, feeding animals, cleaning enclosures, and designing animal enrichment. Long term volunteers are asked to give educational tours to visitors. I absolutely loved being a tour guide! Educating people on the importance of conservation is critical and can be very rewarding – something I learned at KSTR. Clinical Volunteers also gain experience working in a wildlife veterinary clinic. If you are considering becoming a vet, this is the perfect program because you get to work hands-on alongside a vet. The program allows you to get a feel for what being a wildlife rehab vet would be like. For me, I ended up not taking the vet route, but I am working towards a degree in animal behaviour conservation. In the summer of 2016, I returned a third time to KSTR to conduct research for my ungraduated senior thesis. KSTR was happy to have me there and worked with me to produce a project that I am now going on to get published! All in all, this volunteer program is one of the best out there. They are willing to work with you so that you can achieve your dreams, whatever they may be!"
- Martie Stothoff
- Martie Stothoff
"I interned for four months with Kids Saving the Rainforest. I absolutely loved my time spent with them! Not only did I gain the most incredible experiences but I made life-long friends! I truly felt as though I was welcomed into a family. I was able to work closely with the animals and vet, as well as conduct research. I would (and often do) highly recommend volunteering at Kids Saving the Rainforest to friends, or at least going for a tour if one doesn't have much time!"
- Elle McGraw
- Elle McGraw
"I volunteered for KSTR for a month and it was truly an unforgettable experience. Every day is different from another and is full of adventures. I was learning something new every day from the vet or other volunteers and I was constantly improving my knowledge about animals, welfare and nature. Every other animal organisation needs to learn from KSTR regarding their welfare standards, their handling practices and the way they care about animals. Highly professional people work there and they work around the clock to make sure animals are healthy and happy. The owners of KSTR are amazing people as well, they are very easy to get along with and they would always listen to you and help. I was doing my research on squirrel monkeys and KSTR was a perfect place to do that, they helped me a lot and together we did an amazing report. I gained a valuable experience by working with KSTR and I would recommend everyone to volunteer with them. "
- Margarita (Latvia)
- Margarita (Latvia)
"Our daughter, Jenny, is so happy to be there. She Skypes every week to let us know how she is doing and tells us about her experiences with the animals. She adores Pia and is thankful for all the opportunities you have given her through this wonderful organization. Please know how grateful my husband and I for offering her the chance to expand her knowledge in such beautiful surroundings. She's been passionate about animals her entire life but we never dreamed she'd have an experience like this."
- Mother of Volunteer
- Mother of Volunteer
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“This was the most amazing experience I’ve ever had in my life and I know that I will never be able to explain to my family and friends what happened here without getting emotional."
- Vernita (Philadelphia) |
"You can't help but give everything you can to the experience that KSTR gives you in helping make a difference to the rainforest and its many treasures. What you get back is far better than anywhere else out there."
- Charlemagne (Southern California)
"Muchas gracias everyone for being so warm and welcoming! It truly is like a family here! This has been such a unique and memorable experience. Everyone's love for the animals, hard work, and dedication is admirable. These animals are in excellent hands. I will miss you all."
- Jill Prevendar
- Jill Prevendar
"Well this is the day I fly home. A truly magical experience. My life is now more enriched thanks to all of you. I’ve made some wonderful friends who I’ll keep in touch with. Such a diverse and interesting array of people.
Sarah - your dry sense of humour cracks me up ! Thank you for your friendship and kindness Many a moment buckled up with laughter !
Mark - you are now adopted by your jungle mother, stay strong my son ! You have been so very kind to me
Anna - love your attitude towards your work and your wonderful enthusiasm
Mari- I want to say keep up the excellent cleaning in joke lol , but seriously good luck with your studies
Kels- your jewelry is fab! You have a talent ! Kick that self esteem up the back side!
Liz - loved how you are so English, love your sense of humour and I love your enthusiasm and interest in wildlife - truly inspirational see you for another trip !
Mac - what can I say? - a true jungle Jesus ! Thank you for all your fantastic knowledge. I truly admire your work and it’s great you have made such an interesting life from it . Can’t be easy either keeping this lot under control ! Thank you for all your help with the clinic run !
Dylan my friend - sorry you’ve had it so tough this week . Your love for animals shines brightly and thank you for all your help . You have a wealth of knowledge.
Karen -love your enthusiasm and passion and I felt we were in tune with that . Thank you for being so kind with all the taxi runs . Good luck with your life out here .
Dani - an amazing work and passion for your job and dedication . Didn’t get to know you too well sadly . Find a bit more time for you !
Jennifer and Chip and all the team - thank you for welcoming me so warmly . The work you do here is truly wonderful and much needed . Tracking the sloths has been so valuable and I’m so pleased you have the equipment now. Poor grubby . Food had been amazing too so lots of thanks to the girls for that ! Everyone knows how passionate I became about it .
Well I’ll be quiet now !
Lots of love xx"
Sarah - your dry sense of humour cracks me up ! Thank you for your friendship and kindness Many a moment buckled up with laughter !
Mark - you are now adopted by your jungle mother, stay strong my son ! You have been so very kind to me
Anna - love your attitude towards your work and your wonderful enthusiasm
Mari- I want to say keep up the excellent cleaning in joke lol , but seriously good luck with your studies
Kels- your jewelry is fab! You have a talent ! Kick that self esteem up the back side!
Liz - loved how you are so English, love your sense of humour and I love your enthusiasm and interest in wildlife - truly inspirational see you for another trip !
Mac - what can I say? - a true jungle Jesus ! Thank you for all your fantastic knowledge. I truly admire your work and it’s great you have made such an interesting life from it . Can’t be easy either keeping this lot under control ! Thank you for all your help with the clinic run !
Dylan my friend - sorry you’ve had it so tough this week . Your love for animals shines brightly and thank you for all your help . You have a wealth of knowledge.
Karen -love your enthusiasm and passion and I felt we were in tune with that . Thank you for being so kind with all the taxi runs . Good luck with your life out here .
Dani - an amazing work and passion for your job and dedication . Didn’t get to know you too well sadly . Find a bit more time for you !
Jennifer and Chip and all the team - thank you for welcoming me so warmly . The work you do here is truly wonderful and much needed . Tracking the sloths has been so valuable and I’m so pleased you have the equipment now. Poor grubby . Food had been amazing too so lots of thanks to the girls for that ! Everyone knows how passionate I became about it .
Well I’ll be quiet now !
Lots of love xx"
"I just want to say that it was a wonderful experience for me! I loved all the good, Bella, the kinkajou on the bridge during our night walk, the sloths eating the hibiscus we strung, toucans in real life, to name a few... Even Darwin peeing on my shoulder/arm. All part of the experiences I will never forget. And all the wonderful people that I met and who helped me to learn and appreciate the work in caring for all the animals. I will never forget any of you! Thank you one and all! Until I make it out to Costa Rica again....
Muchas gracias!"
- Mary Ann (Vermont)
Muchas gracias!"
- Mary Ann (Vermont)
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"I thoroughly enjoyed my 3-week placement at KSTR in Cost Rica, the work there is very rewarding and the group very grateful for everything you do to help them. You are very much a part of a team and involved in the day to day running of the animal sanctuary. This, primarily, involves preparing and delivering food to the animals in their enclosures. It is a little daunting at first to see the numerous number of different bowls that need to be taken around the enclosures but they patiently work with you and in a few days you become more familiar with the routine and, before you know it, you are taking the trolley of food and remembering which animal gets what.
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In addition to that, you learn about administering medicine to select animals, which can be drops of medicine on a marshmallow for the Squirrel Monkeys or crushed medicine mixed with peanut butter on a piece of bread to be given to a Spider monkey that lost an arm in a circus accident. There is then, a lot of responsibility, and a lot of training, but, it is only a matter of time before you are more than capable and comfortable, and that is very satisfying."
- Jason Denyer (United Kingdom)
- Jason Denyer (United Kingdom)
