Ara Manzanillo’s mission is to re-introduce the critically endangered Great Green Macaws to the Sur Caribbean in Manzanillo, Limon Province, Costa Rica. 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.

Relevant experience:

• Directly enhance the population of the critically endangered Great Green Macaw.
• Experience Costa Rican culture, enhance your Spanish, and engage in conservation practices that benefit 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 tasks:

• 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, may include:
  • Walking the forest at dawn/ dusk to monitor nest sites. 
  • Forage for natural foods (nuts and seeds).
  • Assist with daily site visitation and provide tours.
  • General maintenance of the station.
  • Support of community education and outreach.
  • Feed and care for chicks or injured bird inside the aviary (when required).

Living arrangements:

Ara Manzanillo provides housing on-site at the release station. You will share a fully equipped cabin with up to two other people.Accommodations are basic, though set with essentials: cooking utensils, bedding, bath towels, mosquito nets, washing machine, and an open-air porch – volunteers’ favorite room of the house.  

Who we are looking for: Ara Manzanillo’s ideal volunteer candidate is someone who’s:

• Minimum 18 years old.
• Highly motivated. ·
• Physically and mentally healthy.
• Has a passion for wildlife and ecology.
• Enjoys living emmersed 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. 

To be considered, COMPLETE OUR VOLUNTEER APPLICATION:     https://aramanzanillo.org/volunteering/