|
 Introduction:
Rainsong Wildlife Sanctuary and Penjamo Community Wildlife Refuge has been created on the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula, on the North Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, and near to the beach towns of Santa Teresa and Montezuma.
The Rainsong Sanctuary and Wildlife Rescue Center are located in Cabuya, on the edge of Costa Rica's oldest National Park, "Reserva Natural Absoluta Cabo Blanco."
Our community refuge stretches from Playa Coyote to Paquera, including (to date) almost 3000 hectares (7500 acres) of protected habitat, a figure
already larger than the nearby Cabo Blanco Reserve, and this figure is growing rapidly as additional property owners sign up.
Please click here: Links and Videos to see a list of interesting links and videos about Rainsong.
Our basic goals are:
Create a "Community" Wildlife Refuge by gathering signatures of conservation-minded individual landowners who are committed to stopping hunting and providing safe habitat for animals. In the first few weeks we have already signed up over 7500 acres to the Penjamo Community Wildlife Refuge.
Provide information and assistance in reforesting the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula. We are already providing half-price seedlings of endangered hardwoods and native fruit trees favored by wildlife.
Operate a badly needed regional wildlife hospital for the rescue of injured or abandoned animals and birds.
Re-introduce endangered species to the areas where they've become extinct in the past few decades. These include the endangered Three-toed Sloth, Baird's Tapir, Quetzal, Spider Monkeys, Kinkajous, Tepezquintles (pacas), Tamandua Anteaters, Green Iguanas, Crested Guan, Chachalacs, native pigeons and quail, Scarlet Macaws...
Recent Volunteer Testimonials :
TESTIMONIAL FROM RAINSONG VOLUNTEER RANIA:
I've been at Rainsong for over two months now and I just can't seem to get enough of the animals. Taking care of baby monkeys never gets old, especially watching them play in the trees. The toucans and the legendary and ever-interesting Tarzan have made my stay pretty incredible. And then there's Cabuya - a tranquil, small place with friendly, absolutely lovely people. I've worked with a wonderfully diverse group of people who now feel like family. Mary is willing to help you with almost anything from getting to rainsong to arranging snorkeling trips to isla tortuga or giving you time off to enjoy the waterfalls and the beautiful nature around here. Overall if you'd like to work closely with some amazing wildlife and don't mind the inevitable bug bites then take the dive and come to Rainsong.
Rania E. July 2010
TESTIMONIAL FROM RAINSONG VOLUNTEER JENNY ADAMS:
December 4, 2010
I spent 3 weeks here in 2008 and after saving up my holiday days from
work I have been able to return to spend a month this year.
Whilst the setting is still the same, a beautiful and secluded spot in the
rainforest in the lazy town of Cabuya. the sanctuary has developed
and succeeded in taking on bigger projects, like sea turtle patrols
on the local beaches (In our latest patrols we saved one nest of
111 eggs which are currently in our hatchery), and campaigning
for the government to take further precautions to prevent wildlife
electrocutions due to uninsulated electrical lines. In addition to the
work with animals, rainsong works closely with the local schools in
CONSERVATION EDUCATION, and a part of each donation is used
to sponsor disadvantaged children through high school and provide
elementary school uniforms to those children unable to afford them.
The sanctuary itself is currently full of monkeys, with an increasing
number of orphaned monkeys being brought in because their mothers
have been electrocuted. It's sad to see this trend, although when these
monkeys are healthy, helping to raise them is incredibly rewarding.
There are several accommodation options, but if you are staying
for more than a month I would highly recommend you stay at the
sanctuary lodgehouse, [FREE LODGING !] which is a 2 story wooden
hut overlooking the ocean. It is very basic and we have spotted the
occasional tarantula and scorpion in the house, but as long as you take
basic precautions, not much beats waking up to a view of the sunrise
over the ocean, and hummingbirds & monkeys playing in the trees.
The local vet is in close contact with mary, providing help diagnosing
and treating any injured animals, while Mary always seeks dietary
advice from scientists, wildlife vets and other sanctuaries specializing in
wildlife species.
Mary is very strict in following the animal care protocols dictated to
Rainsong by wildlife vets, biologists, and the Costa Rican government.
Mary arranges good discounts for many exciting tours and activities for
the Rainsong volunteers, and she is very flexible about allowing extra
days off for FUN TIME.
Some of the animals here won't ever be able to be released, like the
very naughty but loveable Tarzan, the white faced capuchin who lost
an arm after being attack by howler monkeys. However, we make sure
these animals have the best quality of life possible. Tarzan, for example,
enjoys many adventures out in the trees. The sanctuary always receives
positive feedback from its regular monthly inspections from vets,
biologists, and the government.
I would recommend anyone coming here who wants to spend time at
one with nature. Spending time with these animals is a truly unique
experience. Be warned, this is not for the faint hearted. It is a very lucky
volunteer who leaves without at some point getting the wonderful gift
of excrement from those generous monkeys.
JENNY ADAMS
(ja1736@hotmail.com)
Call to Action - End Wildlife Electrocution in Costa Rica WARNING ! ALL ANIMAL LOVERS WILL FIND THESE IMAGES SHOCKING AND DISTRESSING. (PDF)
National Geographic Geotourism questions and answers regarding Rainsong's projects
|
