People on this project

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  Zara Palmer

  Marketing Advisor

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#PapayaisLife Ongoing Fund



Zara Palmer

Marketing Advisor

Zara Palmer is the Marketing Advisor at Toucan Rescue Ranch, hailing from Northern Idaho, USA. She graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in business administration and marketing from Lewis-Clark State College in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Zara began her tenure at the Ranch as a volunteer, progressing to become the organization’s first intern. She has since advanced through various roles, including Marketing Specialist and Marketing Manager, to her current position as Marketing Advisor. Her strategic crowdfunding campaigns have been vital in expanding the Ranch’s facilities, including developing new animal enclosures at both the headquarters and the Release Site.

Zara was foundational in establishing the Ranch’s volunteer and intern programs and co-founded the TRR “Owl Team,” focusing on tourism and education while establishing many operational standards. She started her career as an educational tour guide at the Ranch, providing valuable support across multiple departments.

Since relocating intermittently to Costa Rica in 2015, Zara has spearheaded the center’s marketing, fundraising, and branding strategies. She manages essential areas such as donor programs, organically developed the Ranch’s social media presence, authored corporate sustainability programs, and led crowdfunding initiatives and community events, significantly boosting the Ranch’s overall marketing and brand awareness.

In addition to her work at the Ranch, Zara has an impressive portfolio in media production. She served as the Producer for National Geographic’s Photo Ark photoshoot throughout Costa Rica in 2022 and worked as an Associate Producer for NBC’s “American Ninja Warrior.” Furthermore, she was an Associate Producer for NatGeo Wild’s “Dr. Oakley Yukon Vet” Costa Rica episode. Zara also owns Zarpal Media Co., and her work has been published in NatGeo Kids.

Zara has organized significant fundraising events, including the Tunes for Toucans charity concert in Costa Rica and the multimedia Sloth Ironman Games fundraiser for the Saving Sloths Together Program. She has also orchestrated high-profile fundraising events in the United States, such as the Wildlife Wonders gala.

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  Carol Friesen

  Operations Adviser, Finance

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#PapayaisLife Ongoing Fund



Carol Friesen

Operations Adviser, Finance

Biography

Carol has worked and volunteered all over the world including countries like Malawi and the Philippines. She has a professional background in IT development and consulting. Carol was one of the original volunteers at Toucan Rescue Ranch, coming every Saturday for a few years to help founder, Leslie Howle, prepare the various diets for the rescued animals. Since her earlier years with us, her position has evolved into an administrative role. Now, she works part-time as an advisor to the administrative team and as the project coordinator. As the project coordinator, she maintains and monitors project plans, schedules, budgets, and expenditures. Carol also assists with financial management and writes company procedures and protocols. On a rare occasion, you might also see Carol giving a tour for our Educational Walks.