Join us and contribute to a fun & rewarding conservation experience!
Volunteer at Ara Manzanillo!
Living amidst the breathtaking backdrop of the tropical rainforest and Caribbean beaches, Ara Manzanillo volunteers participate in hands-on conservation work as well also forge connections with like- minded individuals from diverse backgrounds. Embrace the opportunity experience rural Costa Rican life and culture along a remote coastal wildlife refuge and create memories that last a lifetime. Contributing alongside Ara Manzanillo for the preservation of the critically endangered Great Green Macaw is an experience like no other. Ara Manzanillo’s mission is to re-introduce the critically endangered Great Green Macaws to the Sur Caribbean in Manzanillo, Limon Province, Costa Rica. Our project thrives thanks to the unwavering support of our passionate volunteer field assistants from across the globe. Joining our team offers nature lovers and conservation enthusiasts a remarkable chance to immerse themselves in the world of species reintroduction, live within a jungle refuge nearby scenic beaches, and closely engage with some of Earth’s most stunning and charismatic birds.
Volunteer Benefits
- Engage in conservation efforts at Ara Manzanillo to directly enhance the population of the critically endangered Great Green Macaw.
- Experience Costa Rican culture first-hand, enhance your Spanish, and engage in conservation practices that benefit both the ecosystem and local community.
- Forge lasting bonds with other nature-passionate volunteers, while sharing knowledge and experiences as you work together.
- Explore Costa Rica's world-renowned beauty: visit beaches, snorkel coral reefs, hike in the jungle and wildlife refuges - all reachable within 2 km of the station. We highly recommend volunteers use days off and time after work to develop a connection with the ecosystem you’re helping to protect.
- Enrich your resume with international experience working with a crucially endangered population and acquire skills that will stand out in your career path.
Daily Volunteer Work
- Manage the released population of Great Green Macaws
- Maintain supplemental feeders located in surrounding forest
- Monitor the released birds and offspring;
Depending on the season this may include:
- Walking the forest at dawn/ dusk to monitor nest sites.
- Climbing trees to conduct nest checks.
- Providing supplemental feeding to chicks in nests. - Forage for natural foods (nuts and seeds)
- Assist with daily site visits and providing tours
- General maintenance and cleaning of the field station
- Support of community education and outreach
- Feed and care for chicks or injured bird inside the aviary (when required)
Ideal Volunteer
Ara Manzanillo’s ideal volunteer is someone who’s:
- Minimum 18 years old.
- Highly motivated.
- Physically and mentally healthy.
- Has a passion for wildlife and ecology.
- Enjoys living emersed in nature (provided housing is -in- the jungle).
- A background in biology, ecology, animal husbandry and veterinary medicine or like fields are encouraged, however not required.
- Is willing and able to work in a variety of weather. The tropics swing between HOT and WET days. Please be prepared to work in a range of conditions, at times buggy and sweaty. ** Please note, we require a one-month minimum stay to be of equal benefit for both Ara Manzanillo and volunteers.
Living at Ara Manzanillo
Volunteers share a fully equipped cabin on-site at the release station. There are two-bedrooms, 3-beds, one shared bathroom, and a fully equipped kitchen. Essential housing supplies are provided (mosquito nets, bedding, towels, basic food) as well as a washing machine on site. Accommodations are basic, though the station provides hammocks, a gorgeous balcony overlooking the rainforest, as well as an open-air porch – volunteers’ favorite room of the house.
All volunteers are provided a bike for foraging as well as personal use. It should be noted, accessing the station includes a steep (1km) walk uphill. To live and work at Ara Manzanillo, you should be comfortable to be on your own, enjoy the beauty of nature, in physical shape, and be content spending evenings reading a book. Wi-Fi is generally available at the station, though faster Wi-Fi can be accessed at the nearby general store.Apply Now!
For more information please review our “What You Should Know” information.
Come and join the Ara Manzanillo Team!
We are a not-for-profit organization and we could not carry out our mission without the generous donations of time and energy our many volunteers provide! Whenever possible we try to provide varied experiences, a chance to develop new skills and encourage fun activities during free time. However, our resources are limited and the greatest reward you will receive from working with Ara Manzanillo is meeting the birds and knowing that you are helping the endangered Great Green Macaw to avoid extinction.
