What is the East Maui Animal Refuge?
The East Maui Animal Refuge, also known as the "Boo Boo Zoo," is a nonprofit, no-kill sanctuary in Ha'iku, Hawaii, for injured and orphaned animals. It began in 1977 and cares for animals who have nowhere else to go.
Why is it called the "Boo Boo Zoo"?
Many of the animals who arrive at the refuge come with injuries or other “boo boos,” which is how the nickname “Boo Boo Zoo” came about.
What kinds of animals do you care for?
We care for a wide range of animals, including domestic animals, farmed animals, and wildlife. Our residents include deer, sheep, pigs, parrots, goats, cats, ducks, chickens, geese and other animals in need.
How many animals live at the refuge?
We care for about 300 animals at any given time.
Are you open for walk-in visits?
No. The refuge is not a walk-in facility. Visits must be arranged in advance.
How may I visit the Boo Boo Zoo?
Although tours are not offered to the public at this time, we can occasionally arrange visits for our supporters and community organizations. For more information, email or text Andrea, teambooboozoo@gmail.com or 808-495-1591 (text).
Is the refuge wheelchair accessible?
Not all areas are wheelchair accessible, and strollers are not allowed on the property.
What is your mission?
The refuge exists to arrange care for domestic, farmed, and wild animals in distress that have no other individual or organization available to help.
Are you a no-kill sanctuary?
Yes. EMAR is a volunteer-based, no-kill facility. An animal will not be euthanized unless the executive director, with veterinary guidance, determines that the animal is in irreversible pain.
How is the refuge funded?
We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that operates on donations. Monthly operating expenses exceed $35,000, and both one-time and monthly gifts help support the animals.
May I become a monthly donor?
Yes. We encourage monthly giving. As little as $10 a month goes a long way in supporting animal care. You may donate here.
Are there other ways to help besides donating money?
Yes. Volunteering, purchasing items from the Amazon Wish List, and shopping through Goodshop are other ways to help.
How may I volunteer?
The refuge offers volunteer roles in cat care, animal care, bird care, construction and maintenance, events, fundraising, and community outreach. To get started, text Andrea at (808) 495-1591. She will arrange a telephone interview with you about your interests and availability.
May teenagers volunteer?
Yes, but volunteers under age 16 must be accompanied and supervised by an adult.
How does the Boo Boo Zoo serve the Maui community?
We support not only animals, but also local children, teens, schools, and community groups. Educational visits and animal encounters can build empathy, self-confidence, environmental awareness, healing, and a sense of purpose.
Which schools and youth groups have visited?
King Kamehameha School Just Serve Club, Seabury Hall, Boys and Girls Club, Girl Scouts, Montessori School of Maui, and 4H Club are among the groups that have visited the refuge.
How may I contact the East Maui Animal Refuge?
Our landline as (808) 572-8308; the cell number as (808) 870-0118. Sylvan is the director, and his email is sylvanschwab@gmail.com. Andrea is operations manager, and her email is teambooboozoo@gmail.com.
Do you work with other rescue organizations?
Yes. EMAR works with other rescue organizations to help animals of various species in distress when they have nowhere else to go.