Interview with Sara from the Turtle and Wildlife Conservation project
Project & Pod News / 11 December 2025
We chatted to Sara who works at the Turtle and Wildlife Conservation project in Costa Rica, about her passion for nature - especially butterflies. She is a truly inspirational and contagiously passionate person who our volunteers love to spend time with!
Where are you from and how long have you been in Costa Rica?
Hello my name is Sara, I'm from Spain, but I've been living in Costa Rica for five years.
What did you do before working with the Turtle and Wildlife Conservation project in Costa Rica?
I was a Project Coordinator in a social program in Costa Rica.
What's your favorite part of your job?
There are many things I like about my job. First of all, it's having the opportunity to work in a natural setting, surrounded by jungle with many animals and plants. I always feel a great sense of calm and strength in nature. Another thing I love is seeing how my colleagues work with such passion and how we all do our part to care for and protect nature.
I also love seeing the volunteer process from day one until they leave. There's such a strong learning process and connection with nature, that people leave the reserve in a different way.
What's the best part of working in the butterfly garden?
The best thing for me about working at the butterfly garden is, first and foremost, learning about insects. I always explain to the volunteers that at the butterfly garden, they'll be able to observe the power of nature, in a tiny and delicate butterflies world. It's incredible to be able to observe the entire life cycle, from egg to butterfly development. There are changes in size, color, metamorphosis, and ere comes the butterfly!! It's a project that doesn't understand rushing; it has given me a lot of peace, tranquility, and, above all, it has taught me patience and slow progress.
In addition to all this, the knowledge extends to host plants, butterfly morphology, gardening care. It's a process where many things come together.
What's your favorite Costa Rican animal?
What a difficult question! I can't say I have a favorite animal; I love them all. But I have to say that butterflies represent something very important in my life right now.
What's your favorite food?
Spanish omelet is my favorite dish from Spain. Enyucado, patacones, and empanadas are my favorite dishes from Costa Rica!
What are some of your favorite things to do on your days off?
On my days off, I always go to the beach or the river with my dogs. I really like discovering new places and exploring the country.
Do you have any hobbies or passions?
I love music and playing the guitar.
What's a country that you haven't visited yet but would love to travel to, and why?
That's another question that's difficult to answer. I would love to visit the whole world! But if I had to decide now, I would love to travel to Asia, Australia, or New Zealand. I would like Asia because there is an impressive cultural and natural diversity.
I would love to learn about different cultures and come into contact with other types of animals we don't have here in Costa Rica, like elephants or tigers. I would love to visit Australia and New Zealand, because they are true natural paradises. I would love to see Australian coral reefs and kangaroos.
