Senior Management
Leslie Howle
Leslie’s deep connection to wildlife began in Costa Rica, inspired by her father’s work in ecotourism. After a career in the U.S. and a transformative trip to Peru, she returned to Costa Rica to fulfill her dream of creating a bird sanctuary. What started as a bed and breakfast for friends has evolved into the Toucan Rescue Ranch, a thriving wildlife rescue center. Today, Leslie’s vision extends beyond toucans to include a diverse range of species, reflecting her enduring commitment to wildlife conservation.
Janet Sandi Carmiol
Janet, Veterinarian Director at Toucan Rescue Ranch, brings extensive experience from Aviarios Sloth Sanctuary, the Dallas World Aquarium, and her own clinic. She manages animal health and operations at TRR, supported by her MBA and expertise in veterinary care.
Carol Friesen
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Animal Care Team
Andrés Sáenz Bräutigam
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Santiago Garcia Dobles
Santiago Garcia Dobles is a Veterinary Supervisor at Toucan Rescue Ranch with a degree in Veterinary Medicine from Costa Rica National University. He began as a local TCU volunteer, advanced to an HQ Clinic Intern, and worked alongside Dra. Janet Sandí at various wildlife organizations. Santiago manages wildlife casualty records, assists in diagnostics and surgeries, and implements preventive medicine protocols. His work includes using advanced techniques like tilapia skin and collagen for therapeutic treatments.
Isaac Brenes Jiménez
Isaac became part of Toucan Rescue Ranch in April 2021, starting as a volunteer and soon taking on the role of Tour Guide, where he remains dedicated to environmental education.
Ivette Sirias
Ivette Sirias has been a beloved member of the Toucan Rescue Ranch team for years. After a career in laundry services and a health setback, Ivette found her calling at TRR, where her love for animals and dedication shine. She oversees the outdoor animal kitchen, ensuring that hundreds of animals receive top-notch care. Ivette’s passion and charm make her an essential part of TRR, turning her job into a fulfilling and therapeutic experience.
Jorge Luis Mercado Ortega
At Toucan Rescue Ranch, Jorge Luis Mercado Ortega plays a pivotal role as the head vet at the Release Site. Since joining in mid-2022, he has managed the intake and triage of emergency cases from regions such as Limón, Alajuela, and Sarapiquí. Jorge oversees the stabilization and rehabilitation of wildlife, focusing on preparing them for release back into their natural habitats. In addition to his clinical duties, he is dedicated to mentoring aspiring veterinarians from around the world, providing them with invaluable hands-on training and insights into wildlife medicine. His expertise and commitment are crucial to the Ranch’s mission of rescuing and rehabilitating wildlife.
Administration & Operations Team
Daniel Espinoza
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Laura Mendez
Laura joined Toucan Rescue Ranch as a receptionist and quickly adapted to an administrative role during the 2020 pandemic, helping the organization navigate the challenges of that time. With a background in teaching and technical marketing, Laura brings a wealth of experience from her work with the Costa Rica Tourism Board, Garnier Group, and other notable companies. Her passion for animals, nature, and Costa Rica shines through in her work, and she loves contributing to the TRR team’s mission.
Elena Alvarez Sirias
As the Supply and Inventory Coordinator at Toucan Rescue Ranch, Elena plays a crucial role in maintaining the flow of products, supplies, and materials across all departments. She manages orders to ensure that both administrative and animal care needs are consistently met. Elena’s responsibilities include overseeing inventory levels, coordinating with vendors, and supporting the administrative team with facility management and financial tasks.
Don Hector Zuñiga Ramirez
Don Hector Ramirez, a proud local from San Josecito, Heredia, Costa Rica, is the dedicated landscaper and gardener at Toucan Rescue Ranch. With a lifelong love for agriculture, he transforms the Ranch into a vibrant haven for wildlife. Since joining TRR years ago, Don Hector has focused on planting nectar-rich and native plants that attract beautiful birds and insects, enhancing the Ranch’s natural beauty. His work ensures that the grounds are not only lush and inviting but also a thriving habitat for local wildlife.
Education & Ecotourism Team
Andrea Quirós Vargas
Andrea Quirós Vargas is the Tour Coordinator and a full-time guide at Toucan Rescue Ranch. She is completing her degree in Management of Natural Resources at UNED in Costa Rica, focusing on captive wildlife management for her thesis. Andrea joined TRR in October 2020 and is dedicated to educating visitors about wildlife conservation. Her volunteer work with Gente y Fauna, participation in the Ecological Restoration Network, and leadership roles in the Student Association of Management of Natural Resources reflect her deep commitment to wildlife and environmental education.
Stephanie Valle Cubero
Stephanie Valle Cubero, the Environmental Education Coordinator and guide at Toucan Rescue Ranch, holds a degree in Tropical Biology from the National University (UNA) of Costa Rica and is completing her Lic. degree in Natural Resource Management at the Universidad Estatal a Distancia (UNED). With experience as a naturalist guide since 2010 and as a teaching assistant for the Organisation of Tropical Studies (OTS), she is dedicated to enhancing local communities’ relationships with wildlife through her thesis on Environmental Education. Stephanie has a rich background in conservation, including volunteering with ONGs like UESPRA and PRETOMA, and is an active ornithologist working to make birding more inclusive and educational.
Alejandra Zumbado Salas
Alejandra, a passionate tour guide at Toucan Rescue Ranch since 2022, brings her extensive background in zootechnical engineering and wildlife nutrition to her role. Her love for animals and commitment to conservation are evident in her engaging tours, where she educates visitors about the diverse species at the sanctuary and their unique needs. Alejandra’s tours are not just informative but inspiring, highlighting the importance of wildlife protection and conservation. Her dedication to sharing knowledge and fostering a deeper understanding of wildlife makes her an invaluable member of the TRR team, enriching the experience for guests from around the globe.
Marketing Team
Zara Palmer
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María Vargas
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Melanny Bolaños
Melanny Bolaños is the Marketing Assistant at Toucan Rescue Ranch, where she supports the creation of dynamic marketing and communications materials. Her responsibilities include developing social media content, designing fundraising campaigns, and contributing to email marketing efforts. Melanny’s role is essential in amplifying the Ranch’s message and engaging with the community. Her background in advertising design and hands-on experience in marketing ensure that Toucan Rescue Ranch’s initiatives are both creative and effective.
United States Board of Directors
Leslie Howle – Founder & Executive Director of Toucan Rescue Ranch
Diana Van Leuven – CEO of Van Leuven Company
Richard Henderson – Attorney
Jerry Jennings – Owner of Emerald Forest Bird Gardens
Joan Marie Embery – Conservationist, Public Speaker, and Equestrian
- Deb Schlipf – Retired Director of Finance and Administration Consultant
- Jeremy Gill – Tours Coordinator & Communication and Public Affairs
- Terrie Velasquez – Retired Marriage and Family Therapist and School Counselor
Company Officers: Leslie Howle: President; Terrie Velasquez: Treasurer & Secretary
U.S. EIN: 80-0516453
Are you passionate about wildlife conservation and looking to make a meaningful impact? As a board member, you’ll play a crucial role in shaping the future of our organization and ensuring the well-being of the animals we care for. If you’re ready to contribute your skills and make a difference, we’d love to hear from you!
Costa Rica Foundation Board
- Leslie Howle, Founder & Executive Director
- Janet Sandi, Veterinarian & Animal Care Coordinator
- Fabian Pacheco, Ecologist & Environmental Activist
- Manuel Vega, Accountant
- Andres Chaves, Municipalidad Employee