Emma the Otter's New Playground

Completed Campaign

THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR DONORS WHO MADE THIS DREAM A REALITY! 

\Who is the Toucan Rescue Ranch?

The Toucan Rescue Ranch is a licensed rescue facility in Costa Rica and continues to take in all types of rescued birds and mammals. The Ministry of the Environment and Energy (MINAE) is a government agency that continues to call on the Ranch to take in severe cases and works closely with the Ranch. The Ranch also trains veterinarians, animal handlers and educates schools and the community about the importance of preserving biodiversity in its ecosystems.

Who is Emma?

Meet Emma. Emma is known as the Toucan Rescue Ranch’s ball of energy. She’s a Neotropical River Otter that grew up with the Ranch since she was a little girl. As a baby she was separated from her mother. The separation was caused by animal cruelty. Children were found throwing stones at Emma’s mother where she was unfortunately separated from her. Emma, who was too young to swim through the current to her mom, was left chirping at her dismay. Luckily, a courageous woman stepped in and took action against such cruelty. She quickly scolded the children who were throwing stones and snatched the orphaned otter and brought her to the police.

Today, Emma is something like a puppy, she loves to chirp and chase, play and swim. She never loses a beat and loves to play with her food. Typically, at the Ranch we encourage minimal human interaction with wildlife to ensure natural behaviors and overall health. However, Emma begs to differ. She thrives off interaction and any chance she can to play under the water hose. Emma can make anyone smile with her energy, spirit and overwhelming character.

Why does she need a new enclosure?

So what’s in it for Emma? Well, to answer that simply, a better life. Since Emma first came to the Ranch she has grown… a lot! The current enclosure she lives in does not suit her need to swim and run. She’s a very active animal who requires a lot of space to run and swim. A new enclosure for Emma would allow her to be herself at her fullest capacity.

Additionally, the Neotropical River Otter as a species occupies a wide range of habitats. Most of these habitats consist of a den, essential vegetation and a place for swimming. This otter prefers clear and open rivers where they can hunt and stay active. In Costa Rica, the Neotropical River Otter is somewhat uncommon and females usually claim a territory of up to 50 miles of waterfront. 

By donating you’re not just helping one Neotropical River Otter, but future otters that suffer similar fates and need a home. MINAE is constantly dealing with cases regarding the illegal pet trade, black market trade, habitat loss, water contamination and other threats dealing with these rare mammals.

The Budget Breakdown:

• Zoning & Infrastructure permit: $1,000
• Contractor Estimate:
  • Aquarium: $8,000
  • Decor of habitat: $1,300
  • Overall Infrastructure: $500
    • Subtotal: $9,800
• Enclosure Foundation materials: $2,000
• Enclosure Foundation labor: $1,000
• Cost to operate aquarium: $900 ($75 per month)
  •  
    •  Grand Total: $14,700

(Note: The total listed is an estimate given by a paid contractor. Prices are variable to change due to zoning requirements, cost of materials and additional fees.)

You're Changing a Life:

It is the Toucan Rescue Ranch’s mission to provide the utmost care for all wildlife taken in from MINAE. Whether it is for various species, or just for one animal, all are valued equally. As a charitable non-profit organization; donations are inevitably a working part of the overall prosperity of the Ranch and its ability to care for its animals. 

The Neotropical River Otters is listed as Cities I: Endangered, as well as, IUCN: Near threatened. With this new enclosure we will be able to provide for not only Emma, but future otters as well!

We thank you for your time. Please take a minute to review our photos, videos, social media and website for more details about our mission and how you can be part of our animal rescue efforts.

With many thanks,

The Toucan Rescue Ranch

(If you or someone you know works for a company that matches funds for donations, we are a registered 501(c)3, EIN: 80-0516453)