Isla’s wildlife vet dream takes flight with support from Young and Talented Cornwall

Isla was awarded a Young and Talented grant through the Spirit of Trevithick award to help fund a two-week wildlife volunteering placement in Costa Rica — an experience that brought her dream of becoming a wildlife vet one step closer to reality.

Rescue Center Costa Rica, located near San José, runs a wildlife rescue, rehabilitation and release project caring for animals from across the region. Isla arrived on the animal team, quickly finding herself immersed in the day-to-day work of caring for animals that can no longer be returned to the wild.

“I loved how hands-on the volunteer work was and was delighted to be trusted with so much responsibility.”

Her time on the animal team involved preparing fruit and vegetables, feeding the animals, and cleaning enclosures. Particularly rewarding were the interactive moments with the resident parrots, which gave Isla a taste of working closely with wildlife in a care setting.

As the placement progressed, Isla was given the opportunity to join the vet team — a highlight she had barely dared to hope for. Shadowing and assisting the centre’s veterinary staff, she watched and helped with emergency procedures, administered injections and medications, and assisted during operations. One particularly memorable moment came when she learned how to perform physiotherapy on a sloth.

Isla was also entrusted with significant responsibility beyond direct animal care. She took on the training of new volunteers and was placed in charge of both the baby and rescue hospitals — with a vet on call — demonstrating the confidence the team placed in her. She also took part in an animal anaesthetic darts workshop, learning how to prepare, load, and fire a dart gun.

After her volunteering placement, Isla spent a further two weeks exploring Costa Rica’s extraordinary biodiversity and national parks. Throughout her time in the country, she was also able to speak with people already working in wildlife veterinary careers, gaining invaluable insight into the steps involved and what the profession truly looks like in practice.

Reflecting on the experience, Isla said she could not imagine how she would have managed any of it without the support of Young and Talented Cornwall, describing the trip as absolutely incredible and expressing deep gratitude for the opportunity.