This Nature Photography Day, Toucan Rescue Ranch is celebrating big with our 2nd Annual  #TRRShareYourShot Wildlife Photography Competition: Wild for Wildlife!

According to nanpa.org, every year, June 15th is observed as a day to “promote the enjoyment of nature photography, and to explain how images are used to advance the cause of conservation and protect plants, wildlife, and landscapes both locally and globally”.

So, what is Toucan Rescue Ranch up to? Here at TRR, we are doing our part in celebrating this day by holding a wildlife photography contest as a fundraiser for our wildlife rescue facility

WHAT IS THIS PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST RAISING MONEY FOR?

At the Toucan Rescue Ranch, our number one priority is keeping our staff, visitors, and most of all, our wildlife safe. We also want our sanctuary to be an inclusive environment no matter their needs which is why we are raising money to ensure new security measures and resting spots within our sanctuary.

The funds raised from this photography competition will be used to purchase and construct a security gate, security camera, new locks for all the enclosures, and four new benches for seating among our Educational Walks.

It is important to us that our guests have the best experience at our facility while learning about wildlife conservation -that involves having resting spots, especially for those who are of old age or have disabilities. In addition to resting spots, enhancing security at Toucan Rescue Ranch is long overdue. The desire to secure a formal lock system and a practical gate is a constant among our animal care team – all we need are the funds!

HOW TO VOTE/DONATE

Although submissions are now closed, VOTING for our entries crucial is open until June 30th, 2021. To make it simple, $1 Donation = 1 vote toward your favorite photo(s)

To vote for a photo submission, dedicate your donation to a specific photo/photographer at checkout on our fundraiser page. 

• STEP 1: Click the green DONATE button
• STEP 2: Enter donation amount. $1 = 1 VOTE
• STEP 3: Type the TITLE of the photo and NAME OF PHOTOGRAPHER
• STEP 4: Enter payment info and complete – it’s that easy!

If you want to check out who is winning be sure to see our rankings spreadsheet by CLICKING HERE!

The winners will receive unforgettable prizes including overnight stays in eco-lodges all over Costa Rica and the opportunity to visit the TRR sanctuary! The adult first-place prize will include a 2-night stay in Osa, Costa Rica at Bosque del Cabo, a Toucan Rescue Ranch Private or On-site Tour, the TRR Photographer of the Year Certificate, and your photo displayed in our Education Center for an entire year. Second place will receive a 2-night stay at Villa Blanca Cloud Forest and Nature Reserve in Costa Rica, a voucher for a TRR Slothies and Coffees tour for two people, and an Honorable Mention 2nd place certificate. 

Don’t think we forgot about the juniors category! The first-place prize winner will receive a 1-night stay right here at the Toucan Rescue Ranch for our Ranch Experience, a Toucan Rescue Ranch Private or On-site Tour, TRR Photographer of the Year Certificate, and their photo displayed in our Education Center for an entire year. Second place takes home a voucher for a Meet the Babies Virtual Tour where you will have the opportunity to meet and have a Q&A with our Founder, Leslie Howle AND learn about our current orphaned baby sloths! In addition, second-place juniors will also receive an Honorable Mentions certificate, just like the adult category!

Buy a Tee, Support the Fundraiser! All Funds go Back to #TRRShareYourShot!

Whether you choose to participate in the photography competition or not, you can also support this fundraiser by purchasing a t-shirt designed specifically for this photography competition! Sales for this limited edition shirt will end on June 24th, so don’t miss your chance to purchase. The funds raised from these shirts will go to our overall goal for the fundraiser so we hope to sell at least 100! After purchasing, expect to receive your TRR gear 12 working days after the campaign closes on the 24th.

A big Thank You to Our Prize Donors!

We would like to thank everybody who has participated thus far, and our generous prize donor, Sandy Schmidt who donated a 2-Night stay at cloud forest resort, Villa Blanca Cloud Forest Hotel! And to the Adult Category first prize donors, Phil & Kim Spier of Bosque del Cabo. Without your help, we wouldn’t be able to make this photography contest possible.

Overall, we ask that you celebrate this Nature Photography Day with us by voting for your favorite submission or purchasing a #trrshareyourshot shirt to show your support. Every little bit will help us reach our goal of $10,000 to improve the safety and security of our rehabilitating and sanctuary animals and visitors.