“I wanted to immerse myself in a different culture, try a new way of life, and learn as much as I can in another country. I can definitely say I accomplished this.“ – Kylie Clark
For anyone passionate about wildlife conservation, this is your sign to embark on a Wildlife Husbandry Internship that offers a unique and transformative experience. Kylie, a dedicated animal lover, shares her journey and sheds light on her motivations, the sanctuary’s mission, and the invaluable skills she’s gained during her time there.
KEY FACTS:
- Location: Puntarenas Province, Costa Rica
- Academic Focus Area: Animal Rehabilitation
- Length: 4 to 12 weeks
THE INTERNSHIP
Nestled in the vast landscapes of Puntarenas Province, Costa Rica, this Animal Welfare Internship, focused on Wildlife Husbandry, is a haven for wildlife advocates and compassionate changemakers. Immerse yourself in transformative efforts to protect vulnerable species and enhance their habitats. From rehabilitating injured animals to monitoring wildlife populations, your actions will ripple through the ecosystems you serve. Guided by seasoned experts, you’ll learn innovative animal care and conservation approaches, turning your passion into impactful, hands-on work. If you’re ready to advocate for the cause that is animal welfare, this internship offers an unforgettable journey into the heart of Costa Rica’s natural beauty.
THE ORGANIZATION
Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary is a beacon of hope for Costa Rica’s wildlife, standing at the intersection of care, conservation, and community. With a mission rooted in healing and harmony, the sanctuary provides a second chance to animals impacted by the challenges of human-wildlife coexistence. Beyond its lifesaving veterinary efforts, Alturas empowers the local community through education and awareness, fostering a future where humans and wildlife thrive together. With every life saved and story told, the sanctuary is shaping a legacy of compassion and conservancy in one of the world’s most biodiverse regions.
ABOUT KYLIE
Meet Kylie, who is deeply passionate about animal welfare and conservation, and driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact in the field. Alongside her Natural Resources Conservation major at UBC, she chose to intern at the Costa Rican sanctuary to gain hands-on experience in animal rehabilitation and to explore how conservation practices differ across the globe. Beyond her academic pursuits, Kylie sought to immerse herself in a new culture, embrace a different way of life, and expand her knowledge through international learning. Her dedication to helping animals and her enthusiasm for learning continue to inspire those around her.
A PASSION FOR ANIMALS
Kylie’s passion for animals was a driving force behind her decision to do an wildlife conservation internship at Alturas. “I love working with animals and wanted to learn more about animal rehabilitation, and experience what it would be like for my future career,” she shares. “I also wanted to understand how animal care and conservation efforts differ across countries, and this internship provided that opportunity. It has been very relevant to my Natural Resources Conservation Major at UBC. Personally, I wanted to immerse myself in a different culture, try a new way of life, and learn as much as I can in another country.”
Discover why animal welfare is crucial for a sustainable future
DAILY RESPONSIBILITIES
During her internship, Kylie took on a variety of responsibilities crucial to the well-being of the animals at the sanctuary. “My responsibilities include the care and well-being of various Costa Rican wildlife species, engaging in tasks such as habitat cleaning, feeding, providing enrichment activities twice per day, training, and supporting the overall operations of the sanctuary” she explains. One of Kylie’s key projects was conducting a behavioral study on the Geoffrey’s Spider Monkeys, focusing on the effectiveness of different enrichment techniques. “The objective is to develop a comprehensive enrichment calendar that enhances the quality of life for the spider monkeys under care.”
Beyond her daily tasks, Kylie has found time to enjoy the natural beauty surrounding Alturas. “One of my favorite daily activities I’ve been able to do is practice yoga and pilates on the terrace next to Alturas. It is an amazing view, and we often see Toucans and various types of birds sitting on the trees in front of us each day. Here, I’ve had the time to relax and take care of my body, as well as journal and talk with friends. This place will always hold a special place in my heart.”
Kylie’s time at Alturas has also allowed her to be immersed in the surrounding areas, including adventures like paragliding, kayaking, surfing, and trips to Corcovado National Park. “It is beautiful here, and I love exploring.”
Learn how Alturas is making a difference in wildlife conservation
GAINING SKILLS FOR A FUTURE IN CONSERVATION
This animal rehabilitation internship has been more than just an opportunity to help animals, it has been an important stepping stone in Kylie’s career development. Through her hands-on experience, Kylie has gained a deeper understanding of animal care, research methods, and the importance of teamwork in achieving conservation goals.
“During my internship, I developed quite a few skills valuable for my future career. I would say that adaptability is the number one skill I improved upon,“ Kylie explains. “Meeting new people every week, living with people from all over the world, engaging in different tasks every day, and working in a new environment pushed me to become more adaptable and comfortable in unfamiliar situations. This is such an important skill, especially if you plan to move abroad for work.“
Another significant skill Kylie developed was in animal husbandry. “Before coming to Alturas, I had mostly worked with domestic animals like dogs and cats. But here, I learned to care for various species of wildlife from Costa Rica and even some from Panama. I learned about wildlife rehabilitation, animal diets, habits, and behaviors, including orphan care, and how to prevent animals from imprinting on humans.“ This experience gave Kylie a comprehensive understanding of how sanctuaries operate and how to care for diverse wildlife species.
Kylie’s work at Alturas has not only confirmed her desire to work in wildlife conservation but has also equipped her with the skills and knowledge needed to contribute meaningfully to the field in the future.
OVERCOMING CHALLENGES AND BUILDING PROFESSIONAL GROWTH
Like any job, internships come with challenges that help foster growth. One of the key aspects Kylie faced was the dynamic of teamwork and communication with a constantly changing group of volunteers and interns.
“With many volunteers and interns coming in and out of the sanctuary, effective communication and teamwork were essential“ Kylie recalls. “We had to ensure every new person was brought up to speed with how things worked at Alturas. Sometimes, it was difficult to live and work with certain people, but staying longer than most interns taught me how to communicate better with new arrivals and adapt to different personalities.“
Kylie’s ability to manage these interactions and improve her communication skills was a valuable part of her professional development. “Sometimes confrontation is scary, but I learned that addressing issues early and communicating openly makes everyone’s job and living situation better. Being open-minded and understanding different perspectives is crucial in a work environment like this.“
Find out more on how to embark on your own wildlife conservation journey abroad.
MAKE AN IMPACT THROUGH AN INTERNSHIP WITH ROOTS
Has Kylie’s story ignited your passion for helping animals? Are you ready to embark on your own impactful journey and make a difference? Whether it’s animal welfare or another field, you can combine your passion with meaningful work through an NGO internship.
At Roots Interns, we offer a range of opportunities, including animal welfare positions, designed to help you expand your skill set while improving the lives of animals. With roles tailored to align with your interests and career goals, there’s no better place to start making an impact. Reach out today to join us and get involved with animal conservation!
