Sloth Conservation Internships in Costa Rica
First, What is an Internship?
An internship at The Sloth Institute is a structured learning experience designed to help you gain fieldwork skills and hands-on conservation experience.
Interns support vital programs, from sloth husbandry to wildlife tracking, while learning research methods and professional practices relevant to careers in ecology, animal care, and conservation science. Unlike general volunteer positions, internships have defined learning goals, responsibilities, and timeframes that help interns develop practical expertise.
Know the Key Differences: Internship vs. Volunteer
| Feature | Internship | Volunteer |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Career-focused learning & skills | Support conservation through time contributions |
| Duration | Fixed term (e.g., 3+ months) | Flexible, varies by availability |
| Structure | Defined goals, learning outcomes | Often task-based without formal training |
| Career Value | Professional experience | Personal satisfaction & impact |
| Compensation | Typically unpaid (but skill-building) | Unpaid commitment |
Who Should Apply for an Internship?
Our internships are best suited for:
- Students or graduates in biology, ecology, animal science, communications and marketing, or related fields
- Aspiring wildlife conservation professionals
Individuals seeking structured skills and real-world experience
- Mentorship and networking opportunities with seasoned professionals in the field
What You’ll Gain as an Intern?
Interns at The Sloth Institute typically:
- Build field research skills (e.g., tracking and behavioral observations)
- Learn animal care and rehabilitation techniques
- Participate in conservation education efforts
- Receive mentorship and professional development
Internships are opportunities to grow professionally while contributing meaningfully to sloth welfare and rainforest ecosystem restoration.
Do You Offer Volunteering Opportunities?
Traditionally, The Sloth Institute does not offer short-term volunteer positions. Our work requires specialized training, long-term commitment, and structured responsibilities, which is why we operate through defined internship roles.
However, if you believe you can offer a professional skill set or service that does not fall within our three established internship programs, we encourage you to contact our Service Coordinator directly. Please include a description of your background, proposed contribution, and availability so we can determine if there may be a strategic fit for collaboration.
Sloth Conservation Internships with The Sloth Institute
Sloth Husbandry & Field Work
Gain hands-on experience in sloth care, habitat management, and rainforest fieldwork. Interns assist with daily husbandry, behavioral monitoring, data collection, and participation in our active sloth research program, including tracking and ecological observation.
Sloth Rehabilitation & Clinic
Work closely with our rehabilitation team to support injured and orphaned sloths in recovery. This clinically focused role includes assisting with medical treatments, monitoring health progress, implementing rehabilitation protocols, and preparing sloths for successful release.
Conservation Marketing
Support global conservation efforts through strategic storytelling and digital outreach. Interns contribute to campaign development, content creation, analytics tracking, and brand growth, helping transform on-the-ground conservation work into compelling narratives that inspire worldwide support.
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Be 18 years or older
- Commit to the full internship period (typically ~3 months)
- Be prepared for rigorous fieldwork and working with a mentor/supervisor: heat, rain, insects, and long days, as they are part of life in the jungle
- Respect wildlife boundaries and safety policies (no selfies with sloths)
- Please carefully read your internship description BEFORE applying to ensure we are a good fit.
Note: Each position demands physical stamina, a positive attitude, and commitment to conservation goals.
Apply for TSI's Available Internships:
Sloth Husbandry and Field Technician Intern
Wildlife Rehabilitation Technician - Clinical Focus
On-Site Social Media and Marketing Intern
Have Questions?
Contact our Service Coordinator to learn more about our available internships, application requirements, and program details. We’re happy to help you determine which internship is the best fit for your skills, goals, and passion for sloth conservation.