By Harley Weiss, Cornell DVM ‘27

This past summer, I had the opportunity to work alongside the veterinarians at the Toucan Rescue Ranch (TRR) in San Isidro, Costa Rica. TRR provides veterinary care, enrichment, and rehabilitation for a diverse array of animals, including birds, sloths, felids, and more. Animals are brought to TRR either by the public or the Costa Rican government. The veterinarians work tirelessly to heal and rehabilitate these animals for release back into the wild. However, some animals, such as former pets or those with permanent injuries, become lifetime residents of TRR’s beautiful sanctuary. With thanks to the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine’s Expanding Horizons International Education Program, I spent two months experiencing the wonderful culture of Costa Rica while learning about and working with animals I had never encountered before. This experience deepened my passion for wildlife conservation and veterinary medicine.

My primary focus was on conducting research on gastrointestinal parasites. Through fecal examinations, I identified the most common parasites among animals at TRR and compared their prevalence between permanent sanctuary residents and rehabilitated individuals. The results of my research will help improve the animals’ quality of life and enhance disease prevention efforts. Beyond research, I assisted the veterinarians with their daily tasks, including medicating, examining, and feeding the animals as well as helping with surgeries and providing behavioral enrichment for the animals.

My experience surpassed all my expectations. I worked with many of Costa Rica’s native species, including Hoffman’s two-toed sloths, brown-throated three-toed sloths, parrots, raptors, and reptiles. It was hard not to have favorites—I grew especially fond of Nevada, a baby two-toed sloth, and Kala, a great potoo, that was the most gentle and regal bird I have ever met.

Working in wildlife medicine in Costa Rica allowed me to experience a new culture and a different approach to practicing medicine. While veterinary medicine is a science, it is also an art. Due to limited resources, the veterinarians at TRR often rely on creativity to treat the animals. Nothing goes to waste, and anything can become a potential tool. One standout moment from my experience was when we urgently needed to immobilize a sloth's arm. Without a traditional cast available, the veterinarians ingeniously repurposed a cardboard tube from a paper towel roll and secured it with veterinary wrap, creating a makeshift yet effective cast. This improvised solution not only immobilized the arm but also highlighted the team's resourcefulness. When resources are limited or unavailable, new ways of thinking emerge. The creativity that TRR’s veterinarians demonstrated daily is something I will carry forward in my career. In the United States, we often take our abundant resources for granted. This experience taught me the importance of maximizing care even in the face of minimal resources—an invaluable skill I didn’t realize I lacked.

The people of Costa Rica live by the “Pura Vida” lifestyle, meaning “pure life” or “simple life,” which creates a relaxed work culture that values ample rest. This was a stark difference from the U.S. mindset I’m accustomed to that equates constant activity to enhanced efficiency. I learned that prioritizing the team’s well-being enhances both effectiveness and animal care. The “Pura Vida” philosophy promotes a mutually beneficial outcome for employees and animals alike; it fosters stronger relationships, better work-life balance, and ultimately more compassionate care for animals. It also emphasizes the role of trust and accountability in effective leadership.

I am deeply grateful for the tremendous support of my mentors, Drs. García Dobles and Bräutigam, who dedicated their time and effort towards advising me on my research and teaching me new skills. This experience has turned what once felt like a distant dream into an achievable reality, and opened my eyes to a new possibility of pursuing a career that includes practicing both small animal and wildlife medicine. Finally, I am thankful to the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine’s Expanding Horizons International Education Program for making this unforgettable adventure possible.

Harley Weiss, Class of 2027, is a second-year DVM student at the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. She is passionate about both wildlife and small animal medicine, aiming to specialize in these fields as a future veterinarian.

Photos provided by Harley Weiss.