Writing with Wildlife
Storytelling Series with the Jaguar Rescue Center
Join author, naturalist, and wildlife advocate Vanessa Chakour and Jaguar Rescue Center founder Encar Vila for a rare and intimate online writing experience that bridges storytelling and species survival. 50% of proceeds benefit the JRC.
Every other month, you’ll meet a rescued animal and hear their story directly from Encar, a world-renowned wildlife biologist and one of Costa Rica’s most experienced wildlife rehabilitators. From sloths and spider monkeys to kinkajous and great green macaws, you’ll learn about the biology, behavior, and threats facing these animals and the deeper ecological context behind their rescue.
During the first portion of class, writers will explore craft and intentions for their work with Vanessa. For example, if you’re interested in writing children’s books you will be listening and taking notes differently versus an article to pitch to a magazine like Orion, a news outlet like the New York Times, or your own social media. Vanessa will discuss various approaches to writing on behalf of the wild, the language we use when writing for other species, and share writing prompts to help you get started. Then, you will be ready to meet Encar and a rescued animal.
Core Bi-Monthly Series
Live sessions with Encar & Vanessa featuring a rescued animal and their story. This provides intimate access to the stories of rescued wildlife.
Saturdays starting January 10th, 1:00 - 2:30pm Costa Rica time/ 3:00-4:30pm EST
Price for Entire Bi-Monthly Series: $425
Jan. 10th, March 14th, May 9th, July 11th, Sept. 12th, Nov. 14th
Price per Session: $85
Please note: There is always a possibility that the animal portion of class is rescheduled due to weather or a wildlife emergency in Cocles. In that case, Vanessa will share 45 minutes of the writing portion, and the animal introduction will be rescheduled to the nearest possible Saturday at the same time.
JRC Writers Circle
Small-group feedback sessions with Vanessa for deeper writing support. Limited to 8 writers, this session meets bi-monthly between the sessions with The Jaguar Rescue Center. Students in the writers circle will have opportunities to submit work for consideration in Wild Voices Collective Magazine and the JRC blog. Limited to 8 spaces.
Session one: Sloth Circle: $55
Session two: Howler Circle:$55
Session three: Macaw Circle: $55
All Six Writers Circles: $300
Bi-monthly between sessions with the JRC:
Bi-monthly Saturdays starting in February 7th, 1:00-3:30pm Costa Rica Time/ 3:00-4:30pm EST
50% of proceeds benefit the Jaguar Rescue Center
Class Structure
The bi-monthly, hour and a half class has 6 sessions and is structured in 2-segments and a 5-minute break in between so you can stretch your legs and refocus.
Students who want to dive deeper into their craft between sessions with Encar and the animals can join the Writer’s Circle with Vanessa for feedback on their work. This session is limited to 8 writers and fills quickly.
Students in all sessions will be encouraged to submit and publish their work on behalf of the wild. 50% of proceeds benefit the JRC.
Writers will have a chance for Q&A at the end of the animal presentation.
The rescued animals you’ll meet and learn from:
January: Sloth
March: Macaw
May: Howler Monkey
July, September & November animals will be announced. You are likely meet a Kinajou, Spider Monkey, and other mystery guests.
Why your voice is important
Costa Rica is often marketed as an ecotourism haven, but the reality is more complex. Habitat loss, noise pollution, and unchecked development are displacing countless wild lives.
The Jaguar Rescue Center rescues over 1,000 animals annually and the frequency of rescues are only growing. The animals and their habitat need your help.
This course is for writers, advocates, and anyone who longs to give voice to wildlife. Whether you’re new to storytelling or seasoned in your craft, you’ll be part of a growing movement to write with compassion, clarity, and purpose.
Your Guides
Vanessa Chakour
Vanessa Chakour is a naturalist, author, herbalist and land steward who builds emotional and ecological bridges between humans and nature. Through writing, immersive retreats, and collaborative storytelling, she invites deeper connection with plants, animals, and land. Her books, Awakening Artemis and Earthly Bodies, blend memoir with calls to kinship, exploring the interdependent paths of personal and ecological healing. Vanessa has collaborated with organizations like the Wolf Conservation Center and Jaguar Rescue Center, and as a Project Coyote ambassador, facilitates conversations that inspire reverence for our multispecies family. A devoted student of nature, Vanessa continually seeks creative and regenerative pathways toward coexistence.
Encar Vila
Encar is a world-renowned wildlife biologist and the Founder and Director of the Jaguar Rescue Center. With over 30 years of experience, she is one of the most respected and skilled wildlife rehabilitators working today. Her work appears on NBC, BBC, National Geographic, and Netflix’s Down to Earth. She publishes in scientific journals and has been widely honored for her contributions to wildlife conservation. Beyond her scientific credentials, Encar is known for her profound empathy, tireless advocacy, and unwavering commitment to loving rescue, rehabilitation, and release. Through hands-on care, education, and international collaboration, she is actively shaping the future for the wildlife she loves.