Mission
Rescue, rehabilitate, release, and guarantee the quality of life of the wildlife in Costa Rica, motivating the respect and love to these animals and also educating about their nature.
To be a self-sufficient NGO to consolidate and optimize environmental education programs while we rescue and rehabilitate wildlife at risk situations.
Vision
HOW DO WE DO IT?
Our purpose is the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of wild animals received in vulnerable conditions. Since unfortunately not all animals can be released back into the wild, we operate two independent but collaborative areas: the Rescue Center and the Sanctuary.
Our Rescue Center
The Rescue Center runs all year long, but is closed to visitors, as this is where wild animals undergoing treatments and rehabilitation stay before potentially being released back into the wild — therefore, they must not come into contact with people.
Learn more about the work carried out in our dedicated section
Our Story
Las Pumas Rescue Center and Sanctuary was founded by a couple from Switzerland: Mr. Werner Hagnauer and his wife Mrs. Lilly Bodmer. They arrived in Costa Rica in 1959 when Mr. Werner came to work at the well-known “Hacienda La Pacífica” in Cañas, Guanacaste.
In 1971 they bought the ranch, continuing with the project of sustainable farming.
At that time, deforestation in Guanacaste was at its highest point, so several wild animals lost their habitat or were caught to be kept as “pets” or for illegal trade. That’s why Mrs. Lilly, who always had a conservationist vision, started to receive wildlife from particulars, MINAE officers, and she even bought some of the animals to save their lives and provide them with a proper care.
In 1985, they decided to sell the ranch and maintained about 25 Ha where, in 1989, they founded what we now know as Las Pumas Rescue Center and Sanctuary.
Mrs. Lilly passed away in 2001 and Mr. Werner in 2015, but they both left an invaluable legacy for wildlife conservation in Costa Rica: Las Pumas Rescue Center and Sanctuary.
THE HAGNAUER FOUNDATION
In 2001, after Doña Lilly passed away, Don Werner and a group of friends decided to create the Hagnauer Foundation in her honor. This nonprofit organization is responsible for managing and funding the Las Pumas Rescue Center and Sanctuary.
The Foundation is funded through tourism admission fees to the Sanctuary area, as well as in-kind donations, sponsorships, fundraising events, and merchandise sales.
Board Of Directors
Board of Directors
The Board of Directors of the Hagnauer Foundation provides support and support to the work carried out at the Las Pumas Rescue Center and Sanctuary. It is made up of various members:
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Verena Hagnauer Bodmer
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Nicole Wilke
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German Aguilar Vega
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Andrea Mora Aguilar
Staff
Our team, trained in various areas, is made up of a dedicated group of professionals where respect, trust, and communication have been key to maintaining balance and giving our best for the well-being of the rescued animals.
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Martha Cordero Salas – Head Veterinarian
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Esther Pomareda García – Head Biologist
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Rossy Segura Bermúdez – Administrative
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Yessica Alemán Alemán – Front Desk
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Fernando Lizano Bogantes– Guide
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Raúl Cordoncillo Quirós – Animal Keeper
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Maikol Rosales López – Animal Keeper
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Dania Romero Jarquín – Rescue Center Assistant
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Frailin Rojas Sandoval – Infrastructure Maintenance
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Marvin Cerdas Cortés – Maintenance Assistant
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Ángel Duarte Duarte – Maintenance
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Wayner Delgado Díaz – Day Security Guard
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Ronald Solís Arguedas – Night Security Guard
Certifications
Thanks to our work in the rescue, rehabilitation and release of wildlife, as well as in the field of environmental education, we have managed to obtain important certifications:
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GFAS
In 2017 we obtained the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries Certification (GFAS), becoming the second Rescue Center and Sanctuary in Costa Rica with this important award.
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Ecologic Blue Flag
We currently have the award of the Ecological Blue Flag Program in the Categories of Protected Natural Spaces, Animal Welfare and Climate Change, thanks to the various actions we carry out in our Rescue Center and Sanctuary.
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