What Toucan Rescue Ranch does

Toucan Rescue Ranch is a dual-entity nonprofit wildlife rescue and rehabilitation organization headquartered in San Josecito, Heredia, Costa Rica, with a U.S. fundraising arm (The Toucan Rescue Ranch, Inc., 501(c)(3) EIN 80-0516453) and a Costa Rican operating foundation (Fundación Toucan Rescue Ranch, Foundation ID 3006677018). Founded in 2004 by Leslie Howle, the organization rescues, rehabilitates, and releases injured, orphaned, and trafficked Costa Rican wildlife — primarily toucans, sloths, raptors, and howler monkeys — with approximately 500 animals in care at any time and a 16-acre soft-release site in Sarapiquí.

The service portfolio combines direct conservation programs (Saving Toucans Together, Saving Sloths Together, Saving Raptors Together, Saving Howler Monkeys Together, WildMed Fund, Keeping Costa Rica Wild, Parrot Retirement Fund, and Proyecto Anillos de Libertad bird-banding initiative) with public-facing offerings including onsite educational tours, overnight ranch experiences, virtual tours, classroom field trips, volunteer and internship programs (4-week to 6-month commitments), and a symbolic animal adoption program. Notable technical capabilities include a captive-breeding program (first in Costa Rica, second globally, for Emerald Toucanets) and proprietary release protocols using pre-release aviaries that mimic natural conditions.

The revenue model is donation-dependent and diversified across seven streams: individual donations (including a $2/month Venmo "Toucan Club"), symbolic adoptions ($100 Classic, $500/$42 Celebrity), educational tour fees ($15–$37), three-tier corporate sponsorships ($1,000–$12,000+ annually), AZA/EAZA zoo conservation partnerships ($10,000+ annually — Nashville Zoo contributed $20,000 in 2024), volunteer/intern donation fees ($200, waivable for locals), and merchandise sales. Distribution is direct-to-consumer via the organization's website, supplemented by crowdfunding platforms (CUDDLY, MightyCause), social media channels, and an Explore.org live-streaming partnership launched in 2025.

Name

Toucan Rescue Ranch

Legal name

The Toucan Rescue Ranch, Inc.

Website

https://toucanrescueranch.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2004

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Toucan Rescue Ranch is a Costa Rica-based nonprofit (with a U.S. 501(c)(3) fundraising arm) that rescues, rehabilitates, and releases native wildlife including toucans, sloths, raptors, and howler monkeys, funded by donations, educational tours, adoptions, and corporate/zoo sponsorships.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Services

NAICS

Zoos and Botanical Gardens (712130), Zoos and Botanical Gardens (71213)

SIC

Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900), Hotels, Rooming Houses, Camps & Other Lodging Places (7000)

akta.pro primary industry

Wildlife Rescue, Rehabilitation & Release (BPAGAIAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Animal Shelters & Adoption Services (BPAGAIAA), Sanctuaries & Long-Term Care (Farm, Equine, Exotic) (BPAGAIAH), Education & Community Outreach (Responsible Pet Ownership) (BPAGAIAK), Veterinary Charity Clinics & Medical Aid (BPAGAIAD)

Keywords

• Wildlife rescue services
• Wildlife rehabilitation programs
• Conservation education tours
• Wildlife release programs
• Animal sanctuary operations

Headquarters

HQ city

San Isidro

HQ country

Costa Rica

HQ region

Latin America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations and Charitable Contributions: Primary revenue stream. Individual donors contribute through various channels including $2 monthly Venmo club, one-time donations, and program-specific funding. Donations are tax-deductible under both U.S. 501(c)(3) and Costa Rican foundation status.
2. Symbolic Adoption Program: Classic Adoption at $100 provides species support for 3 months with digital package (certificate, bookmarks, info sheet, coloring sheet, desktop backgrounds). Celebrity Adoption at $500/year or $42/month provides named animal adoption with video call, social media feature, and exclusive updates for one year.
3. Educational Tours: Onsite and virtual wildlife education experiences. Classic Ranch Tour: Local $15, International $37. Nocturnal Tour: $25. Private tours and overnight experiences available. Virtual tours: 1-hour scheduled sessions.
4. Corporate Sponsorships: Three-tiered corporate sponsorship program: Owl Badge ($1,000+/year for startups/small businesses), Sloth Badge ($5,000+/year for established businesses/foundations), Toucan Badge ($12,000+/year for enterprises/philanthropists). Includes brand exposure, employee tours, and recognition.
5. Zoo Conservation Partnerships: AZA/EAZA-accredited zoo partners contribute $10,000+ annually (Toucan Badge level or higher) through monetary or in-kind donations. Nashville Zoo donated $20,000 in 2024. Provides medical resources, specialized diets, and habitat enrichment funding.
6. Volunteer and Intern Program Fees: $200 volunteer donation fee (refundable for 12+ week commitments). Costa Rican residents waived. Intern housing/board costs supported. All internships free for local Costa Rican applicants.
7. Merchandise and Shop: Online store selling exclusive merchandise with proceeds supporting wildlife care. Amazon Wish List and CUDDLY platform for in-kind donations.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels8 records

Marketing channels13 records

Core offering

Toucan Rescue Ranch is a licensed wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, and release center that intakes injured, orphaned, and confiscated native Costa Rican wildlife—including toucans, sloths, raptors, parrots, and howler monkeys—and provides veterinary care, hand-rearing, and pre-release conditioning at a dedicated Release Site. Complementing rescue operations, the Ranch sells paid on-site educational experiences (individual walks, school field trips, overnight stays, and virtual tours) and runs a network of fundraising programs including symbolic animal adoptions, species-specific funds, and corporate sponsorships.

Product overview

Toucan Rescue Ranch is a dual-entity wildlife rescue and rehabilitation organization operating as a U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofit (EIN 80-0516453) and Costa Rica Foundation (#3006677018). The organization offers a portfolio of conservation services centered on rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing Costa Rican wildlife, primarily toucans, sloths, raptors, howler monkeys, and other species. Core offerings include onsite educational walks (Classic Ranch Tour, Nocturnal Tour, Slothies & Coffees), overnight ranch experiences, private tours, and virtual tours for global audiences. The symbolic adoption program allows supporters to symbolically adopt species ($100 Classic) or specific animal characters ($500 Celebrity with personalized updates). Volunteer and internship programs provide hands-on conservation experience with various specializations. Conservation programs include Saving Toucans Together, Saving Sloths Together (est. 2017), Saving Raptors Together (est. 2007), Saving Howler Monkeys Together (est. 2023), WildMed Fund for medical care, Keeping Costa Rica Wild for diverse species, Parrot Retirement Fund for non-releasable parrots, #PapayaisLife Fund for general operations, and Proyecto Anillos de Libertad for bird banding conservation. Corporate engagement includes sponsorship tiers (Owl, Sloth, Toucan Badges) and a Conservation Partnership Program for AZA/EAZA zoos.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Onsite Educational Walk Guided on-site educational walk at the Toucan Rescue Ranch facility for visiting tourists and the general public; focuses on Costa Rican wildlife education and animal welfare.
• Overnight Ranch Experience Premium overnight stay at the Ranch for visitors seeking an immersive multi-visit experience with the wildlife resident animals.
• Private Educational Walk Private, small-group educational walk led by a dedicated guide for visitors seeking a more personalized wildlife experience.
• Virtual Tour Online video-based tour of the Ranch delivered virtually for remote audiences including international donors, students, and individuals unable to travel.
• Classroom Field Trip Curriculum-aligned on-site field trip for K–12 school groups visiting the Ranch for educational programming.
• Symbolic Adoption Program Membership-style donation program in which donors symbolically adopt a specific resident animal and provide recurring monthly support to its care.
• Volunteer Program Program for individuals to pay a fee to live and work at the Ranch for a defined duration, contributing to daily animal care, husbandry, and rehabilitation tasks.
• Internship Program Structured, typically longer-duration learning placement for students and early-career professionals seeking wildlife rehabilitation and conservation experience.
• Saving Toucans Together Fund Restricted donation fund dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of toucans and related species.
• Saving Sloths Together Fund Restricted donation fund dedicated to the care and rehabilitation of sloths in residence at the Ranch.
• Saving Raptors Together Fund Restricted donation fund dedicated to raptor rescue, medical care, and release operations.
• Saving Howler Monkeys Together Fund Restricted donation fund dedicated to the care and rehabilitation of howler monkeys in the Ranch's care.
• WildMed Fund Restricted donation fund dedicated to covering veterinary and medical costs for resident wildlife.
• Keeping Costa Rica Wild Fund Restricted donation fund supporting broader Costa Rican wildlife and habitat conservation initiatives at the Ranch.
• Parrot Retirement Fund Restricted donation fund dedicated to parrots in long-term, non-releasable care at the Ranch.
• #PapayaisLife Fund Restricted donation fund dedicated to supporting the long-term care of a specific resident animal associated with the #PapayaisLife campaign.
• Proyecto Anillos de Libertad Fund Restricted donation fund dedicated to supporting birds with wing injuries whose recovery is supported through the Anillos de Libertad program.
• Corporate Sponsorship and Social Responsibility Program Custom sponsorship and corporate social-responsibility offering for businesses and brands seeking to associate with or fund wildlife welfare initiatives at the Ranch.
• Conservation Partnership Program Program partnering the Ranch with AZA- and EAZA-accredited zoos and conservation institutions for coordinated captive-breeding and animal-placement collaborations.

Quantifiable outcome

• 808 animals received and 80 releases in 2025
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Six partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Nashville ZoocoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024AZA-accredited Nashville Zoo serves as Conservation Partner through its Conservation Works Program. Donated $20,000 in 2024 after hosting TRR's first Wildlife Wonders Gala. Partnership strengthens international wildlife conservation efforts and provides funding for rescue, rehabilitation, and rewilding programs.
• Explore.orgcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLive streaming partnership featuring wildlife cams from Toucan Rescue Ranch. Provides global audience access to observe animals in real-time, expanding conservation awareness and supporter engagement worldwide.
• Pack for a PurposeminorGTM or Marketing PartnerTravelers can bring supplies in their luggage to support wildlife care. Enables donors to contribute physical goods alongside financial support.
• CUDDLYminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAnimal-specific crowdfunding platform with 2,000+ animal welfare organizations. Toucan Rescue Ranch shares specific animal cases with donors for targeted support.
• MightyCauseminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCrowdfunding platform for targeted campaigns to fund specific projects and initiatives at Toucan Rescue Ranch.
• Alex Moczadlo (Knoxville, TN)minorOthersBoard member warehouse in Knoxville, Tennessee stores donated items before shipping to Costa Rica. Addresses unreliable Costa Rica postal system.

Scale indicators16 records

Recent moves2 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• World Wildlife Fund (WWF): Global conservation nonprofit operating wildlife programs and corporate partnerships worldwide. Comparable as a broader incumbent in the wildlife conservation nonprofit space, though operating at vastly larger scale and geographic scope.
• San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance: Large established zoological/conservation organization that funds international wildlife projects through its conservation arm—comparable to TRR as an institutional funder and operator of conservation and education programs at scale.
• Nashville Zoo: AZA-accredited zoo and direct conservation partner of TRR. Comparable as a larger zoo institution that partners with and funds international wildlife rescue efforts.

Others

• CUDDLY: Animal-welfare-specific crowdfunding platform and TRR partner. Comparable as an ecosystem enabler that channels donors to animal rescue organizations like TRR through case-specific giving.
• Explore.org: Live streaming and philanthropic media platform partnering with TRR for wildlife cams. Comparable as an enabling partner that expands audience reach and donor engagement for wildlife nonprofits.

Direct peers

• Kids Saving the Rainforest: Costa Rica nonprofit wildlife rescue and sanctuary running volunteer, tour, and donation programs. Operates a similar direct-to-consumer eco-tourism + donor-supported rescue model in the same region.
• The Sloth Conservation Foundation: Nonprofit focused on sloth conservation through rescue, research, and education in Costa Rica. Comparable to TRR's Saving Sloths Together program in species focus, geographic market, and educational/donor-driven revenue model.
• Aviarios Sloth Sanctuary: Costa Rica-based sloth rescue and rehabilitation center. Directly comparable to Toucan Rescue Ranch as a wildlife rescue/rehab facility in the same country that runs educational tours and volunteer programs; notably, TRR's Vet Director previously worked at Aviarios.
• Wildlife Rescue & Rehabilitation (Texas): U.S. nonprofit wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, and release organization with education programs. Comparable in mission structure (rescue/rehab/release + education + donations) but U.S.-based.
• Jaguar Rescue Center: Costa Rican wildlife rescue center run as a nonprofit, offering guided tours, volunteer programs, and rehabilitation/release services for native species—sharing the same eco-tourism and rescue/rehab business model as TRR.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/toucanrescue
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@toucanrescueranch
• Facebookfacebook.com/ToucanRescue
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/toucan-rescue-ranch
• Instagraminstagram.com/toucanrescueranch
• Pinterestpinterest.com/toucanrescue

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles16 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Toucan Rescue Ranch