Become a Wildlife Hero Today!

Have you visited the Toucan Rescue Ranch while you were in Costa Rica? Maybe you have read our RESIDENTS page or social media and fell in love with an animal? Perhaps you’re looking for that perfect gift for a family member or friend - Consider symbolically adopting at the Toucan Rescue Ranch! By adopting a character or species, you will be helping with their overall care. We have two types of adoptions, learn more below.

For the Parrot Oasis Adoption Program, please go to the bottom of the page.

× This is a SYMBOLIC Adoption Program - We do not sell or physically adopt out any of the rescued wildlife at the Toucan Rescue Ranch.

Thank You to Our Current Celebrity Adoptions

Symbolically Adopt your Favorite Species

$100 Symbolic Classic Adoption:

You will be contributing to your adopted species ongoing food and care. You will receive a downloadable adoption package and tax-deductible information upon check-out. The symbolic Classic Adoption pays for your adopted species costs for 3-months. You can choose from the selection of species we care for at the Toucan Rescue Ranch!

What’s included in the Symbolic Classic Adoption package:

  • Certificate of Adoption - Just for you to print and sign!
  • Bookmarks featuring your chosen species
  • Information Sheet on your chosen species
  • Desktop Backgrounds
  • Toucan Rescue Ranch Screensaver

Symbolic Classic Adoptions are 1 online payment of $100, review available options below.

Symbolically Adopt your Favorite Character

$500 Symbolic Celebrity Adoption:

The symbolic Celebrity Adoption essentially means your favorite animal (character) at the Toucan Rescue Ranch! With this adoption, you will be providing food and care for your favorite character at TRR for 1-year! The adopter will receive a personalized adoption certificate and email with tax-deductible information. You will be given a lead contact who you can email at any time for updates and photos all year long! Did we mention you get a special Skype call with your adopted animal as well?! You can choose between a selection of your favorite characters (i.e. Millie the sloth or Sunshine the toucan) that are cared for at TRR. Not sure who to adopt? Head over to our RESIDENTS webpage or social media to learn more about some characters at TRR.

What’s included in the Symbolic Celebrity Adoption package:

  • Personalized Certificate of Adoption
  • A 15-minute Skype where you get to meet your adopted animal and learn their story
  • A special mention throughout TRR social media channels
  • Your certificate will be put on this webpage as a Celebrity Adoption (see below)
  • A TRR staff member's contact to ask for updates & photos for 1-year.
  • Downloadable Adoption Package of the species:
    • Bookmarks featuring your chosen species
    • Information Sheet on your chosen species
    • Desktop Backgrounds
    • Toucan Rescue Ranch Screensaver

Donation Options: 12 recurring donations of $42/month OR 1 donation of $500.

Please complete the contact form below to get started.

$500 SYMBOLIC CELEBRITY ADOPTION FORM

    We respond to emails usually within 24 hours. If you do not receive a reply in your INBOX please check your SPAM folder.

    NOTE: Please keep in mind that while we will do everything in our power to ensure your adopted animal remains healthy - that all wildlife at TRR is rescued from various critical situations. You will be notified by your lead contact if the following occurs: the rare case that your animal passes away or in the wonderful instance that your animal is released.

    Adoption Program donations are nonrefundable.

    Parrot Oasis Symbolic Adoption Program

    Introducing our official Parrot Retirement Home Symbolic Adoption Program: The Parrot Oasis!

    We are home to loads of permanent residents, including parrots, who can't be rewilded. This year, we decided to dedicate the #ParrotOasis and give all our Looney Tunes Parrots the opportunity to be symbolically adopted! These adoptions will contribute to the rest of these kooky characters for the rest of their lives!

     

    Symbolically Adopt a Looney Tune from Parrot Oasis

    $50 Symbolic Parrot Oasis Adoption:

    The objective of #ParrotOasis is to contribute to your favorite adopted parrot’s ongoing food, husbandry, and general/medical care, as well as enrichment projects related to the species. 

    Your $50.00 donation will help pay for vital enrichment to satisfy both the physical and psychological needs of animals and allows them to live as they would in the wild and perform natural behaviors: animals must find food, defend territories, escape predators and build homes in order to survive… So why not make this available in the Retirement Home enclosures? This in turn will create both a comfortable and natural environment for the parrots to live out their lives as residents at Toucan Rescue Ranch.

    WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THE PARROT OASIS SYMBOLIC ADOPTION PACKAGE:

    • Certificate of Adoption - Just for you to print and sign!
    • Bookmarks featuring your chosen species
    • Information Sheet on your chosen species
    • Desktop Backgrounds
    • Toucan Rescue Ranch Screensaver

    Parrot Oasis Symbolic Adoptions are 1 online payment of $50

    Get Involved with Rescuing Wildlife in Costa Rica

    Toucan Rescue Ranch is a charitable organization that solely depends on donations - we do not receive any government funding. Get involved with various campaigns, crowdfunding projects, unique donation programs, and volunteer opportunities!

    Mark Ruffalo Visits Toucan Rescue Ranch!

    Help Wildlife with Toucan Rescue Ranch!

    Welcome to Toucan Rescue Ranch's service program! Volunteers assist with daily activities such as providing proper diets to our various wildlife, as well as contributing to the overall success and culture of TRR. As a volunteer, you may also play a key role in other important activities such as assisting with animal husbandry, helping coordinate events for our education program, or working to improve animal enclosures and giving enrichment.

    The duties of a volunteer are both fulfilling and rewarding!

    Depending on the volunteer’s background and personality, they may be asked if they would like to help with other tasks. All volunteers are observed on how well they handle themselves around wildlife to determine further responsibility.

    • Food preparations: chopping fruit and vegetables, cutting fish, preparing carnivorous diets
    • Feeding: collecting and washing animal dishes, distributing food, and refilling water
    • Cleaning: Enclosures, driveway, clinic kennels, prep areas, and outdoor kitchen
    • General maintenance: assisting with enclosure repairs, yard work, organizing work areas, and so forth
    WARNING: Volunteering is hard work! This job is fully outside (regardless of weather) and requires medium physical fitness. Get ready to have your hands dirty! Learn more about the various requirements and steps you need to take to become a volunteer at the Toucan Rescue Ranch!

    Fill out our volunteer application form below!

     

    You must check off all of these boxes to be eligible to volunteer at Toucan Rescue Ranch

    • Be able to commit at least four weeks or at least 20 days of volunteering. A longer duration is preferred.
    • Must be 18 years or older
    • Must have a current tetanus vaccination (good for ten years)
    • Must have two doses of Covid-19 vaccination
    • International emergency medical insurance that covers you while volunteering.
    • Willingness to get dirty, sweaty, tired, and work for wildlife

    I'd Like to Apply! 

    If you’d like to be a volunteer, please complete the Google Form application. If you have any questions regarding the application process, you can email [email protected]. Once fully completed, please email it as an attachment to [email protected]. We will reply to your application inquiry within 1-week.

    Please check your SPAM folder for any correspondence from our recruiters at [email protected]

    If you are looking for an internship, please visit our Internship page. 

    Latest Volunteer News

    • Life As The Animal Husbandry Intern!

      Toucan Rescue Ranch’s dedication to wildlife goes beyond rescues and releases. We provide a lifelong home for many permanent residents who have found refuge in our sanctuary. Ensuring their health, happiness, and overall well-being is the biggest responsibility of our dedicated Animal Husbandry Intern.  Caring for Permanent Residents Our Animal Husbandry Internship is a unique […]

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    • Everything You Will Get as a Sloth Intern at Toucan Rescue Ranch!

      Are you passionate about wildlife conservation and eager to make a difference in the lives of sloths? Our sloth rehab internship program offers a unique opportunity to acquire valuable skills and knowledge while actively contributing to the rehabilitation and care of these fascinating creatures. Let’s dive into what you can gain from this enriching experience. […]

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    • What it’s like being the Marketing Intern for Toucan Rescue Ranch!

      Hi, my name is Maria, and I’ve been working as the Marketing Intern at Toucan Rescue Ranch for the past six months. It feels like I just started yesterday; time flies when you are doing something you enjoy. I will tell you more about my experience of What it is like to be a marketing […]

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    THIS IS A GENERAL LIST. PLEASE REVIEW THE JOB APPLICATION FOR SPECIFICS.

    • Be able to commit at least 4 to 6 months
    • Must be 18 years or older
    • Have a current tetanus vaccination (good for ten years)
    • Must have two doses of Covid-19 vaccination
    • International emergency medical insurance while interning
    • Willingness to get dirty, sweaty, tired, and work for wildlife
    • The ANIMAL RELATED INTERNSHIP(s) must get the rabies vaccination to apply. 

    Application Deadlines & Service Dates

    Headquarters (HQ) in San Josecito, San Isidro, Heredia | Release Site (RS) in Nazareth, Sarapiqui, Heredia

     

    Animal Husbandry & Zookeeping at Headquarters: San Isidro, Heredia, Costa Rica

    Wildlife Veterinary Internship at Headquarters: San Isidro, Heredia, Costa Rica

    Sloth Rehabilitation Internship(s) at Headquarters: San Isidro, Heredia, Costa Rica

    Wildlife Nursery at Headquarters: San Isidro, Heredia, Costa Rica

    Conservation Marketing Internship at Headquarters: San Isidro, Heredia, Costa Rica

    Wildlife Veterinary Internship at the Release Site: Nazareth, Sarapiqui, Costa Rica

    Wildlife Care Internship(s) at the Release Site: Nazareth, Sarapiqui, Costa Rica

     

    Primate Rehab & Research Internship at the Release Site: Nazareth, Sarapiqui, Costa Rica

     

    Professional Internships with the Toucan Rescue Ranch!

    Get involved by becoming an intern at the Toucan Rescue Ranch! By applying for an internship - you are given a unique experience, gaining an in-depth understanding of our mission and the animals we serve. We have several internships requiring various skills and experience - from marketing, business administration, animal clinical work, conservation research, ecology and environment, and veterinarian education. We also work with various schools worldwide if you want an externship or earn credit with your university. We happily accept university students, graduates, individuals working in their respective fields, and so on. Please read our various descriptions for a better understanding of your applied position.

    Your Safety, Our Priority:

    Regardless of your role, we are committed to providing a rich internship opportunity that utilizes your unique skills to help Toucan Rescue Ranch achieve its mission of rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing wildlife. Your health and safety are of utmost concern to us during your internship assignment. While working with animals, it’s essential to understand and minimize the risks you take to ensure your safety and that of the wildlife. We’ll work to provide our interns with appropriate training and protective gear throughout their stay.

    We require that ALL internships have a current tetanus vaccination. You must also have international medical insurance covering you in Costa Rica. We have insurance coverage recommendations for those being covered in Costa Rica. If you are interested, please ask in your application. You must turn in document proof of your current vaccinations and insurance during orientation.

    By agreeing to come to volunteer/intern at Toucan Rescue Ranch, you must be aware that while working with wildlife, you may encounter zoonotic diseases. It’s your responsibility to follow strict biosecurity measures advised by the staff while volunteering or as an intern at Toucan Rescue Ranch.

    What you will gain from this experience: 

    As an intern at Toucan Rescue Ranch, you will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience working with a variety of animals, including toucans, sloths, owls, and more.

    • Animal care, rehabilitation, and release, as well as the importance of conservation efforts.
    • You will also be able to work alongside experienced professionals and volunteers, gaining valuable knowledge and skills that will benefit your future career.
    • You will have the opportunity to explore the beautiful country of Costa Rica, learning about its culture and history while immersing yourself in its natural beauty.
    • You will have the satisfaction of knowing that you are contributing to the important work of protecting and rehabilitating animals in need.
    • Interning at Toucan Rescue Ranch is a unique and rewarding experience that will provide you with valuable skills, knowledge, and memories that will last a lifetime.

    Why We Charge for our Internships:

    We have tried to keep our internships free to make them available to the broadest range of people. But as costs keep increasing and income from tourism varies, we must implement fees to maintain our operations. The fee covers room and board costs the education you will receive, and contributes to the medical care, food, and general husbandry of the animals in our care. We continue to improve and expand our facilities and staff, providing you with an excellent learning environment.

    Read what past interns & volunteers have to say!

    Best experience I’ve ever had: being able to help a great cause, plus meeting a group of amazing people that do everything they can to help and take care of injured or neglected animals; it’s the best. I get inspired every day by each and every vet, coordinator,guide, volunteer and their passion for the cause. I hope I can stay there helping for as long as possible.

    I toured the Toucan Rescue Ranch and had such a great experience, I decided to start volunteering there! Tours in English and Spanish are offered ... the staff is really nice and very professional. Highly recommend a visit!

    I began my volunteering a couple of months ago in Toucan Rescue Ranch, since then I have been overblown by the commitment of the owner, staff, interns and volunteers. What amazes me that most is that the people who works there are mostly from abroad. Thank you for the work you have done and continue to do to preserve wildlife in Costa Rica!

    I started my journey at Toucan Rescue Ranch as a Marketing Intern in 2020. It quickly became a place for me to grow, learn, make friends for a lifetime, and enjoy the little things in life that nature teaches us. Every single animal that the staff works on truly gets the best treatment possible, which really made me believe there are real people who care for conservation. If you want to learn and experience wildlife up close with the best teachers in Costa Rica, you found your place!

    I’ve been to the ranch four times, three of them as a volunteer. The Toucan Rescue Ranch staff and volunteers are like my family and I consider it my home away from home. They all share their passion and love for wildlife with everyone who visits. Leslie Howle and the veterinarians, along with the others who work there should be recognized as one of Costa Rica’s biggest assets as an animal rescue and release facility.

    A really great organisation. A lovely place, weather to visit, volunteer or donate too. The toucan rescue ranch provides excellent care for all wildlife and always aims to release and rehabilitate. The team and owners are all so hardworking, pleasant and welcoming and all just want the best for the animals. Supporting important initiatives such as the no animal selfies and trying to educate locals and tourists on why holding or taking photos with animals is a bad thing, the rescue ranch is doing an amazing job and is a leading example of how to run a great wildlife sanctuary. I miss this place with all my heart!

    Latest Service Program News

    • Life As The Animal Husbandry Intern!

      Toucan Rescue Ranch’s dedication to wildlife goes beyond rescues and releases. We provide a lifelong home for many permanent residents who have found refuge in our sanctuary. Ensuring their health, happiness, and overall well-being is the biggest responsibility of our dedicated Animal Husbandry Intern.  Caring for Permanent Residents Our Animal Husbandry Internship is a unique […]

      Continue reading
    • Everything You Will Get as a Sloth Intern at Toucan Rescue Ranch!

      Are you passionate about wildlife conservation and eager to make a difference in the lives of sloths? Our sloth rehab internship program offers a unique opportunity to acquire valuable skills and knowledge while actively contributing to the rehabilitation and care of these fascinating creatures. Let’s dive into what you can gain from this enriching experience. […]

      Continue reading
    • What it’s like being the Marketing Intern for Toucan Rescue Ranch!

      Hi, my name is Maria, and I’ve been working as the Marketing Intern at Toucan Rescue Ranch for the past six months. It feels like I just started yesterday; time flies when you are doing something you enjoy. I will tell you more about my experience of What it is like to be a marketing […]

      Continue reading

    An Annual Partnership with TRR

    By sponsoring the Toucan Rescue Ranch with a donation, you enable us to continue to provide quality care for rescued wildlife and provide education about wildlife conservation. Your sponsorship will also help us fulfill our mission. In return, you will prominently be promoted throughout TRR’s social media, website, facility, and newsletter.

    Why we Need your Help:

    The Toucan Rescue Ranch is a nongovernment funded project that solely operates from donations. We would not be able to do the work we do for the rescued wildlife of Costa Rica without the assistance of donors and supporters. TRR cares for roughly 500 animals annually. All varying in species, dietary demands and rehabilitation needs. The operating costs of TRR are over $30,000/month. This number varies. These costs consist of food, medical supplies, veterinarian services, small staff payroll, utilities, and more.  In sponsoring you can be assured that your dollars are helping keep TRR operating.

    Ways You Can Sponsor:

    1. Provide an annual cash donation to help with ongoing costs of running the rescue center
    2. Provide in-kind product, such as food, supplies, services, advertisement, equipment, or professional personnel.

    Benefits for the Sponsor:

    • Visible association with a representable rescue center in Costa Rica
    • Commitment to economic and environmental prosperity to Costa Rica’s wildlife
    • Fostering a culture of philanthropy in conservation
    • Enhancement of the reputation and philanthropic profile of your corporation
    • Access to potential partners for your corporation
    • An initiative to establish Cause Marketing within your company
    • Exposure with a new target market within Toucan Rescue Ranch's channels and audience reach

    The Corporate Sponsorship Packet

    Learn more about the benefits you receive by becoming an annual partner with TRR!

    Toucan Rescue Ranch's Current Sponsors

    Learn about the Annual Benefits you will Receive as a Sponsor!

    Owl Badge Benefits
    $1,000
    Annually

    Website Sponsor Page (company information)

    Video/Sponsor newsletter thank you at the end of the calendar year

    Mention in monthly newsletter

    Sloth Badge Benefits
    $5,000
    Annually

    Website Sponsor Page (company information)

    Video/Sponsor newsletter thank you at the end of the calendar year

    Mention in monthly newsletter

    Website sponsor page - logo, link

    Employee recognition tour (36 people max)

    Logo in monthly newsletter (ongoing)