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Loop Abroad: Costa Rica Pre-Vet Wildlife Medicine: Rescue Center (Directory Program)

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  • Locations: San Jose, Costa Rica
  • Program Terms: Summer
  • Homepage: Click to visit
  • Program Sponsor: Loop Abroad 
Fact Sheet:
Fact Sheet:
Click here for a definition of this term Language of Instruction: English Click here for a definition of this term Class Status: 1-first year, 2-sophomore, 3-junior, 4-senior
Program Description:
The two-week Costa Rica Pre-Vet Wildlife Medicine: Rescue Center program is based at a wildlife rescue center that rehabilitates, reintroduces, and cares for animals who are victims of wildlife trafficking, human animal conflict, or who otherwise need care. In addition to learning about the animals of Costa Rica and their conservation and care in the sanctuary and veterinary clinic, you’ll also get a chance to explore the famous Manuel Antonio National Park and famous Poas Volcano.

You can optionally earn 4 credits studying wildlife conservation during this program. The course includes observing and learning about the animals at the facility and learning from your veterinary trip leader and your on-site local veterinarian in the classroom, clinic, and rescue center.


sloth
Who It’s For

This program is designed for university-aged students who are interested in becoming veterinarians or working professionally with animals. Participants must be at least 18 years old. Most are 18 to 25, but we also accept full-time undergraduates over 25.

There are no pre-requisites for this program. You do not need to be in school currently to apply. Individuals of any nationality may apply.

Each group of up to 10-12 students will have its own teaching veterinarian and the groups will share site staff. All programming is in English – no Spanish skills are required (but if you have them, you’ll definitely use them!) 

Highlights
  • -Care for sloths, kinkajous, monkeys, parrots, and other Costa Rican animals
  • -Learn from dedicated veterinarians about the identification, physiology, and veterinary care of Costa Rican mammals, reptiles, and birds
  • -Learn about zoonotic diseases, necropsy, nutrition, diagnostics and therapies, wildlife immobilization, and how to provide wild species with good welfare in captivity
  • -Perform behavioral observation and design a goal-oriented enrichment project for an animal at the center
  • -Perform veterinary labs such as suturing, clinical skills, blood smear analysis, fecal cytology, and blow darting
  • -Visit a equine center and perform medical checkups on horses
  • -Go on an excursion to experience the famous Poas Volcano
  • -Enjoy a fun day exploring Manuel Antonio National Park, where you might see two-toed and three-toed sloths, howler monkeys, squirrel and spider monkeys, coatis, pacas, and anteaters in the wild