It’s been incredibly heartening to see how the TRR has evolved over the years, and one must know of their humble beginnings in order to fully appreciate how much they have contributed to animal welfare in Costa Rica. Over the years the founders and volunteers have never faltered from striving to do their very best for the animals that arrive. They all have always worked incredibly hard, with few resources, to do what they have done to help the orphaned, injured, and animals in need of rehabilitation. They also have dedicated precious space on site to the animals who can never be released into the wild, and these are the lifetime residents that visitors can meet upon a visit. I highly recommend making the trip up to visit, so you can see the efforts for yourself. Please note that this is NOT a zoo or a animal exhibition, but a working rescue facility that has a focus on education. The offsite release site is the crowing glory of the rescue: As their ultimate goal is to return every animal to its environment. The TRR is an admirable place, made up of amazing people who sacrifice their normal lives/time/money, but all in a shared effort so that TRR continues to grow and advance with the mission of animal welfare and conservation.
Watching for 3 years. I support all they do to take care of Costs Rica's wildlife and rewilding so many.
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I’ve been to TRR many many times and the staff has always been so nice to me! They’ve always been so kind to give me coffee which is so tasty!
Loved the tour and the tour guides, they all are so friendly! The animals are amazing and to know their stories encourages me to find more ways to help them!
If you’re planning a vacation to Costa Rica, Toucan Rescue Ranch is a MUST!
Toucan Rescue Ranch is a great organization. I signed up for a virtual tour and absolutely loved it. It was very educational, and also really interesting.
I have had the pleasure of visiting the Toucan Ranch Rescue twice. The first time I fell in love with a female sloth named Pink. Pink had been taken to the rescue after being electrocuted. The medical team had found it necessary to amputate one of her arms in hope of a full recovery. I was able to observe the medical team taking care of her, feeding her and helping her with physical therapy. They care so deeply for all the animals and birds at the rescue. It is truly a labor of love.
Toucan Rescue provided an excellent tour of their facility to me and my family. We enjoyed learning about the animals they serve and their advocacy to protect the wildlife in Costa Rica. I know that thanks to TRR more utility companies are attempting to protect sloths from electrocution on power lines. I know that they promote animal welfare in tourism as they do not allow their own animals to be picked up for pictures and they advocate that no tourist should be taking selfies with wild animals. Thank you to all the hardworking volunteers and employees at TRR for helping save wildlife in Costa Rica.
Toucan Resuce Ranch is absolutely amazing not only for taking care of and rehabilitating the animals in their care but also educating locally and globally. The live cams they share online provide a wonderful view into TRR’s resident animals.
I have followed them for about 4 years and am amazed at how they treat the animals. Also, they were kind to provide photos for my children’s storybook, Can A Toucan Hoot Too? Their information is very educational fo children.
We had a wonderful experience at the Toucan Rescue Ranch at our coffee and slothies tour. We learnt so much from our guide about the rehabilitation program they run for their rescued sloths. I was amazed at just how much work goes into getting these animals back into the wild. Huge bucket list tick for me.
We visited Toucan Rescue Ranch and had a great experience interacting with the staff who were informative and dedicated to saving animals and birds
We came out more knowledgable about so many different species
many on the road to recovery with the help of this non profit charity
The Toucan Rescue Ranch is legit! They really do an amazing job at rehabilitation of so many animals and then rehabilitation back into the wild. The awesome job that they do is a great inspiration to us all!
This is an amazing place. They do so much to help and save the local wildlife. And they probably educate 1000's of visitors every year! Our daughter was fortunate enough to have a 6 month internship there and she said it was one of best experiences ever!
We visited in January, 2023. My niece had done her homework with this place. One of the reasons we wanted to visit was to see sloths up close. And one of the reasons she chose Toucan Rescue Ranch was their reputation on how they treat the animals. This is NOT a petting zoo. Only animals that are not eligible for re-wilding are on display. Small tours only, so as to not bother the animals too much.
The Slothees and Coffee session and tour was so informative!! Two-toed Sloths are not the cuddly, lazy things they pretend to be, but rather are quiet strong and fierce when they need to be. And almost all human interaction is when they need to be.
The gift shop was small but well curated to include a variety of gifts. Would highly recommend a stop here. The work they do to re-wild most of their animals is very admirable. Definitely worth the visit.
I first visited Toucan Rescue Ranch in 2015 and have been there once a year since and have been following them on social media and it has been so amazing to watch them do such incredible work to rescue, rehabilitate, and release, if possible, so many different types of animals from Costa Rica I absolutely love this organization and all the do to help animals and to educate people about animals!
I love Toucan Rescue Ranch work, compassion and knowledge! They make a tremendous impact, not only in their community, but in the lives of their patients and as an impact in this world
GreatNonprofits should honor this highly regarded nonprofit with their 2023 Top-Rated List. Let us raise visibility for Toucan Rescue Ranch!! Thank you for all you do! Such an amazing organization!
The staff at Toucan Rescue Ranch is incredibly caring and dedicated to the rehabilitation of any animal that is brought to them. From watching their online Explore.org cameras, one can see the efforts they make to help get animals back to their native habitats.
I regularly fundraise for the TRR and the work they do in Costa Rica, not just with the sloths but with all wildlife is exceptional. The staff are dedicated and perform miracles daily.
Toucan Rescue Ranch does an incredible job of rehabilitating animals that deserve a much better life. Thank you for everything you guys do to make the Earth a better place!
Toucan Rescue Ranch's staff is extraordinary hard working and passionate in what they do. The process of rescue, rehabilitation and the eventual release or permanent residency is all done with such love and focus by the vets and interns. Also the educational walks and proyects are made with such devotion to help change and be the spark in people's minds and hearts to protect, conserve and love wildlife in Costa Rica.
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.
I spent three months on Toucan Rescue Ranch as volunteer and researcher. I loved being there, It was a pleasure being part of the team and they truly care about the animals.
Really great place. I donate to them. I live in the US but enjoy their educational post. They sent me a Tunes for Toucans shirt when I donated for their fundraiser. Very educational place.
We've been watching Toucan Rescue Ranch online since they joined Explore.com a year ago. The love, dedication and care that the staff and volunteers give to the sick, injured and orphaned sloths, porcupines, tamanduas, racoons etc is amazing. We share their joy at seeing the babies grow and move through their training and rehabilitation to be rewilded. We cry with them when baby sloths aren't able to overcome their illnesses and disabilities. TRR is more than just a rehab centre though. Its educational role in teaching the community about the need to preserve habitats and reduce the risks of injury to native animals is also impressive. TRR also offers specialist training for vets and clinic staff. Watching them give physiotherapy for example to a baby sloth to help his coordination and climbing skills is a special experience. Thank you is an inadequate word.
This non-profit has done such amazing things for the wildlife of Costa Rica. They constantly accept new rescues (up to their capacity) and rehabilitate with the goal to release the animals back into the wild if they are deemed to be releasable by their highly trained staff of rehabilitators and veterinarians. The animals who cannot be released become residents of the ranch. There are so many rescues that look good on the outside but are problematic within their inner workings, but the Toucan Rescue Ranch is as authentic and responsible as they come. You will not find money grabs like sloth petting or one-on-one meet and greets with the animals here, as they focus heavily on the emotional and physical well-being of the animals in their care. They do not allow the animals that they care for to be put into stressful situations like these, even if it can provide some extra income. The staff of the Toucan Rescue Ranch is there for the animals above all else, but they still find fun ways to provide up close educational opportunities to the public. Whether it’s through their quirky and fun tour guides or Leslie herself, the things you learn at the ranch aren’t just informative, they’re interesting! These animals all have amazing and wild stories, and some of the successful treatments used on their patients have not been done anywhere else! When you visit, prepare to see baby sloths just learning to climb in “preschool”, you’ll see owls, toucans, monkeys, an oncilla, an ocelot, and so much more! If you’re lucky, maybe you’ll even pass by one of the founders or vets transporting baby sloths from the sloth house to the clinic for their check up. This facility is it’s own little community that attracts inclusion and love, and there’s a great sense that you’re in a safe space when you are here. This facility is geared towards all ages, and is an easy walk for even our older friends and family. I have been to the TRR three times since i was a child, and I cannot wait to return again, as it continues to grow and morph as time goes on. If you’re in Costa Rica, do not pass up the opportunity to see this beautiful rescue in the mountains, and when you’re done, run to Sibu down the road for some amazing food and gourmet chocolate.
During our incredible and beautiful stay at Toucan Rescue Ranch a sweet young kinkajou arrived as a rescue. He stole my husband’s heart. The remarkably devoted and caring staff and volunteers save countless animals. Animals of all kinds, from toucans to sloths to large cats to even little Chico the kinkajou. They would let my husband cuddle little Chico in the evenings (under close supervision). It was a wonderful dazzling facility. Just can’t say enough positive things about this truly amazing non profit.
My business fundraises for the TRR after we discovered them while researching a project on sloths for my daughter. The work they do is so so important, rescuing and rehabilitating the sloths after electric shocks, dog attacks and general deforestation within Costa Rica. It's our aim to go to Costa Rica and spend a few days with the team at TRR for my 50th birthday (2 years away) These guys and girls are proper lifesavers.
Toucan Rescue Ranch does an amazing job of rescuing, rehabilitating and rewilding Costa Rican wildlife. I have been donating when ever possible to support the wonderful work they are doing, it's desperately needed. The saving sloths together program is amazing to see at work, right on SlothTV via the explore.org live stream. Seeing the tiny baby orphaned sloths being cared for and grow big and strong through the program, with all the skills being learned along the way that they need to survive in the wild. They deserve all the support they can get, to be able to continue the amazing work they do!
I have visited many sanctuaries/rescue centers and the like around the world. When I visited TRR last year I was so impressed by how ethically it is run that I came back and volunteered for four weeks this year. It was a very rewarding experience and I highly recommend it. Or just book a tour of the facility which is in itself a very worthwhile and fun experience.
The moment I walked into the entrance of this wildlife rescue ranch, I felt the love the staff had for these precious animals. From the marketing team, volunteer coordinators, kitchen staff, the veternarian team, and founder, Leslie, their professionalism and dedication was evident as I toured the facility. After retirement, I signed up to volunteer for the month of November in 2019. The experience was incredible! The work wasn't always easy, but rewarding is how I now describe it.
The other volunteers were from all over the world and some of the relationships continue to this day. It was fun to share our cultural perspectives between all of us. Most of the volunteers were young, so I was able fill the role of the "den mother."
The rescue ranch provided movie and game nights for volunteers and staff in order to create a bonding experience, and a place for entertainment after a long day. I felt safe in this environment. There was also a meal provided by interns during movie night.
While there, I felt respected for who I was and felt my work was appreciated. If tools for cleaning enclosures were needed, we filled out a request form and they were provided promptly. We were also given a t-shirt I display proudly at home.
Volunteers were encouraged to develop a project that would benefit the animals, adding to the feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction during my volunteer experience. Myself and a few other volunteers found a bird enclosure for two aging birds that needed a safe bird house within the bird enclosure where they could interact with the others, but not get hurt.
Most of the animals were on a schedule for enhancement activities throughout the week. This was my favorite part of working there. We were able to be creative with material on hand that would allow the long-term residents to use natural behaviors they used in the wild to forage for food, play, and be inquisitive.
I love this place so much that I volunteered another month in April and May, 2021. I think I was the dirtiest volunteer at the end of everyday, but I wore the dirt with pride as I walked home, knowing I made a valuable contribution to the welfare of those calling Toucan Rescue Ranch home. I plan on volunteering again soon. I feel like these is my home away from home!
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, coordinador,guide, volunteer and their passion for the cause. I hope I can stay there helping for as long as possible #papayaislife #trrvolunteer
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!
toucanrescueranch 09/21/2021
We love these stories! Thank you for becoming a part of our wildlife warrior team!
A great place with great people and with great passion to help orphaned and injured sloths and wildlife. Truly a noble cause to help those innocent animals.
Bless their heart!
toucanrescueranch 09/21/2021
Thank you very much!
The Toucan Rescue Ranch was my favorite part of our trip to Costa Rica. We met Hutch (pictured), a two-fingered sloth who was injured by power lines so he is blind in one eye and lost an arm. IT was truly an amazing experience getting to have our up-close encounter with this sweet boy,
toucanrescueranch 09/21/2021
It's so cool to read that we were your favorite part, thanks so much and we hope to have you back again!
I started to volunteer and work as a guide in Toucan Rescue Ranch since January of 2021 and I feel honored to be able to contribute to the work done to help costarican wildlife in this amazing ONG. I have worked as a guide for more than 10 years and as a biologist for 5 years so I got to know a lot of other rescue centers in Costa Rica and I have been pleasantly surprised by the work that is done here. The commitment of the owner, vets, staff and volunteers to help wildlife return to the wild is really impressive. Every animal that arrives at Toucan Rescue Ranch that can be rewilded will be rewilded and every effort will be done to do this in a responsible way. The animals that can't be rewilded also help us with our environmental education mission. People who visit the ranch don't just come to see the animals they learn about their lifes, the problems they face and how they can make a difference in their every day life to help wildlife.
toucanrescueranch 09/21/2021
We love what you do for us Steph! Thank you!
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!
toucanrescueranch 09/21/2021
Thanks so much, Arturo!
It was a wonderful experience to see so many people working for wildlife.
toucanrescueranch 09/21/2021
Thank you!
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!
toucanrescueranch 09/21/2021
We love you Mariana, thank you for your kind words!
I have been visiting and supporting the TRR since the early years. The work they do is amazing! I especially appreciate the ZOOM tours they did during the quarantine. I was able to share that with all of my grandchildren as well as employee's family members. It was interactive and the kids really felt like they were part of the Ranch! These are selfless and committed staff and volunteers who truly care for the animals and the public that supports them.
toucanrescueranch 09/21/2021
How cool! We love to read those who loved our virtual tours. Thank you for your continued support!
loved our visit- very informative and caring staff; happy to support their work!
toucanrescueranch 09/21/2021
Thank you so much for your kind review and what an adorable picture!
Wonderful sanctuary for Costa Rica animals of all kinds where life has dealt them a knock. Warm and friendly staff. Particularly impressed at their releasing sloths back into the wild.
toucanrescueranch 09/21/2021
Thank you for your kind review!
TRR does a great job educating the public on protection of the wildlife in Costa Rica. They do so much for the animals and also provide fun, educational tours of their facilities.
toucanrescueranch 09/21/2021
Thanks so much for your thoughtful review Meg!
During my recent trip to Costa Rica (March 4, 2020), I had the pleasure to visit and tour Toucan Rescue Ranch. Our guide was very pleasant as he explained the habitats of different animals that were there and the reason that they were there and whether they could be released in the wild eventually or not. Obviously if animals cannot hunt and fend for themselves they must be held in captivity rather than released. One thing I was pleasantly surprised about was the high rate of releases back into natural habitats after animals are rehabilitated at TRR. In the past I have been a volunteer at the California Raptor Center at the University of California Davis and I know the hard work that it takes to rehabilitate wild animals. But I also know the great joy that comes on the day when the animal can finally be released back into the wild where they belong.
Due to traffic, we arrived after the tours had already started. But we were quickly given the go ahead that we could still take the tour. All cages were very well-maintained and clean. We were able to ask questions and our guide happily gave us the information we were seeking. The main reason I was so adamant about visiting TRR was that I knew the cost of our tours would 100% benefit the animals. We also did some shopping in the gift shop.
I am grateful to all of the people who work so hard to make Toucan Rescue Ranch so successful. Thank you all for enhancing my vacation with such a wonderful place. I will definitely be back in the future.
toucanrescueranch 09/21/2021
What a great review, thank you so much for your thoughts and support!
I’ve donated to this wonderful organization on multiple occasions. The work they do for not only sloths, but tons of localized wildlife is amazing. They also do a great job of connecting people to the wildlife by focusing on telling stories in the Instagram posts and on their website about the animals and their rescues. You get to know all the animals by there name, and it truly is awesome.
toucanrescueranch 03/30/2020
Thank you so much for the kind review, Josh! We appreciate your support!
I have been volunteering and working for Toucan Rescue Ranch since 2015. This is a small but ambitious project that is making a truly positive change for wildlife conservation in Costa Rica. I am incredibly proud to work for TRR and could not recommend it enough to you as a donor or potential volunteer.
An amazing organization with super dedicated owners, employees and volunteers! If you want to know a real rescue centre where they save Costa Rica's wildlife and do ethical educational tours for visitors do not hesitate to book your spot today! The Toucan Rescue Ranch is a place where you can spend a few hours without any regrets and you will know your money what you spent on a tour supports a great cause!
toucanrescueranch 03/30/2020
Thank you for the kind review SlowLoris22!
When I visited the Toucan Rescue Ranch for the first time, I was very impressed. It is a very well run organization that has tremendous outreach to both the local and international community. Dedicated volunteers from around the world do a marvelous job of rehabbing and releasing injured and orphaned wildlife. The world needs more places like this.
toucanrescueranch 03/30/2020
Thank you, Jerry! We appreciate your endless support for our project!
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 doign an amazing job and is a leading example of how to run a great wildlife sanctuary.
I miss this place with all my heart!
toucanrescueranch 03/30/2020
We miss you, Lucy! Thank you so much for your kind words and we hope you are safe and healthy!
Comments ( 1 )
toucanrescueranch 09/21/2021 WOW! What an amazing and thoughtful review, thank you so much! We appreciate all of your love and support for our mission!