People in the Navy: Sailor trades cubicle for wildlife
By Sarah Gilmour
 Credit: Image provided by LCdr Salt LCdr James Salt feeds a toucan at the Monkey Park Animal Rescue Centre in Costa Rica. |
He had four weeks of leave to use up and decided instead of a traditional holiday, or staying in his Ottawa home, he would volunteer his time in a Costa Rica animal rescue park. The Monkey Park Animal Rescue Centre in Portegolpe, a small town on Costa Rica's Pacific coast, relies on international volunteers to help treat injured wildlife and return some to the wild. LCdr Salt visited December 29, 2006- January 25.
“Six days a week I was feeding, cleaning and repairing the cages and environments,” said LCdr Salt, 38. The work was hard, dirty and often challenging. “Try hopping into a croc’s tank to clean it while the croc’s still in it!”
 Credit: Image provided by LCdr James Salt A baby howler monkey receives treatment at the centre’s clinic. |
He found the park on a volunteer website and found it a good match for his love of animals and desire to do something different.
“It wasn’t a vacation, it was work,” said LCdr Salt. “It was pretty cool,” he said, unable to stifle a smile.
People in the Navy
'Father of electronic chart' awarded Admirals' Medal
Primary navigation (left column)
Footer
