14 Volunteer Vacations Where You Can Help Animals & Explore Amazing Places

3. Sloth Rehabilitation – Cahuita, Costa Rica

In the lush lowland jungles near Cahuita, volunteers care for rescued two- and three-toed sloths who’ve been injured or orphaned due to deforestation. Daily tasks include feeding, habitat cleaning, and enrichment activities to help them heal and (if possible) return to the wild. The center operates just steps from Caribbean beaches, blending tropical paradise with real conservation impact. You'll learn about Costa Rica’s broader wildlife challenges while helping one of its most beloved animals. The work is slow, quiet, and profoundly rewarding—just like the sloths themselves.