Las Pumas Rescue Center and Sanctuary is dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating Costa Rica’s wildlife from threats like illegal possession, vehicle collisions, and habitat destruction. Each year, the center cares for 350–400 animals, successfully releasing nearly half back into the wild, while also providing lifelong sanctuary for those unable to return to their natural habitat.
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Amigos of Costa Rica charges a 3% fee on donations. If you would like to cover the fees associated with your donation, please include an additional 3%.
Please make payable to Amigos of Costa Rica and mail to:
Amigos of Costa Rica
P. O. Box 748
West Chester, PA 19381
Amigos of Costa Rica charges a 3% fee on donations. If you would like to cover the fees associated with your donation, please include an additional 3%.
Don't forget to tell us what you'd like your donation to support! Please indicate the organization & project name on the memo line, or include with your check. Checks received without a designation will be used to support Amigos of Costa Rica operating costs. Receipts will be mailed to the address on the check unless you request a digital receipt.
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Amigos of Costa Rica accepts payments via Zelle to the email address: emily@amigosofcostarica.org
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Amigos of Costa Rica accepts donations via Crypto, read more. Please be sure to add the organization name to the donation notes section.
Las Pumas Rescue Center and Sanctuary has been in Costa Rica for more than 50 years; It was founded by Lilly and Werner Hagnauer, who arrived from Switzerland in the 1960s, and was one of the first places rescuing wildlife from threats such as illegal possession. Since 2003, after Mrs. Lilly's death in 2001, the Hagnauer Foundation was created, hiring professionals in the areas of veterinary medicine, biology, environmental education, keepers, maintenance, among others. Staff have several years of experience in wildlife management, such as environmental education and financing; and a loyal commitment to wildlife conservation.
Our mission is to give a second opportunity to wildlife in Costa Rica. Annually, an average of 350-400 rescued wild animals are received due to run overs by cars, electrocution, animal abuse, unnecessary rescues, forest fires and illegal possession, among others; of which between 40-50% manage to be rehabilitated and released back into their habitat, thanks to the knowledge and experience of professionals. Post-release monitoring has been provided mainly with spotted wild cats, with some specific successes with photographic and video evidence. In addition, animales that cannot be released, stay in the Sanctuary with a better quality of life. Sanctuary is an open classroom to more than 25,000 visitors annually, both national and foreign, who visit to learn about the wildlife of Costa Rica. Directly there is a solid Environmental Education Program, established for more than 20 years that works with educational centers, organized groups and communities in raising awareness of the threats of wildlife, and actions for its conservation.
Since 2015 the foundation has managed to be financially self-sustaining, after the death of Werner Hagnauer, one of its founders who financed part of the costs before that year. Diversity of funds has been through visitation income, sponsorship programs, fundraising with special events, grants, and donations in kind.
Our key programs are:
