Wildlife and Ara Reserve

The Macaw Reserve was created in the year 1994 by two Costa Ricans for their grand admiration for the parrots. In addition, the reserve began as a result of their preoccupation with the constant threat that these emblematic birds face, the loss of their natural habitat and their extraction from the forest as pets. For these reasons there has been an incredible reduction in the population of native, wild macaws in Costa Rica, further highlighting the importance of such a sanctuary of conservation.

The Macaw Reserve has the primary purpose to conserve native, wild macaws of Costa Rica and develop a captive management and breeding program to rescue, rehabilitate and reintroduce them into the wild, with support from the Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE), the National Police and volunteers from civil society. Additionally, the Sanctuary facilitates programs of reforestation, environmental education and ecotourism. For this reason, the proyect was declared by the Central Municipality of Puntarenas, a place of educational, scientific and touristic interest, by motion created on July 13th 2015.

Your work includes

  • Help caring for animals
  • Preparing food and helping the keeper with the portions for each animal
  • Cleaning and repairs of the facility and viewing areas
  • Maintainance of pathways and areas around animal pens
  • Helping in discussions and workshops with schools and visitors
  • Attending visitors

Things to bring

  • Love for animals and nature
  • Being prepared for sometimes physically demanding work
  • Ability to integrate and adapt to the center's rules
  • Enjoy to communicate with the guests of the center
  • Good knowledge of spanish or English

Special requirements

  • Older than 18 years
  • Medical insurance valid in Costa Rica; bring a copy
  • Minimum stay 2 weeks

Dates

The program runs throughout the year.

Location

Close to the pacific coast, near to Puntarenas.

Registration form

If you register here and start the project, we will plant a tree for you!

Project Video