What to Expect?

The breeding centre is located in Alajuela, not too far from the capital city of Costa Rica, San Jose. The breeding centre's main focus is to breed and raise macaws for release. The Macaws on site are of varying ages including breeding adults, juveniles waiting for release, and chicks. They require an intensive schedule of work to keep each and every Macaw at the centre healthy and happy. However you will be greatly rewarded for your hard work by getting the opportunity to learn about Macaws and their conservation, and the experience of doing and seeing things only a few other people on the planet have.

You will be working alongside the team of international professionals and ‘ticos’ (Costa Ricans who work on the project). They will use their specific skills to enrich the lives of the Macaws, and also help and teach you about Macaw care and conservation along the way.

There are up to 5 volunteer places available at the breeding centre and a minimum commitment of 2 weeks is required. If volunteering at the release sites, you will be working at one of three release sites; Tiskita, Manzanillo and Punta Islita. All release sites are situated within the tropical jungle, and walking distance to the beach (see photo left of beach not far from release site.) You will be working with expert biologists in the field to conduct studies of the Macaws in the region.

As a volunteer, your studies of the Macaws will be focused in five key areas; Investigating survival rates; Dispersal and adaption to the local area; Social interaction and behaviour; Nesting behaviour and Foraging. The release site project is suitable for qualified biologists and/or studying students, as well as enthusiastic birders, ornithologists, zoo keepers, or conservation workers. There are only 2 places available per release site and a minimum commitment of 2 months is required. You could be working long hours in sometimes uncomfortable and arduous situations and maybe on your own.