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.
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.
Why are you 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.
How many animals live at the refuge?
We care for more than 300 animals at any given time.
What kinds of animals do you care for?
We primarily care for deer, goats, sheep, pigs, chickens, ducks, pigeons, small birds, peacocks, parrots and cats.
How may I visit?
We do not offer regular public tours or allow walk-ins. If you’d like to see the facility and meet some residents your donation will be supporting, please send an email to
teambooboozoo@gmail.com, and we will be happy to coordinate a site visit.
I found an animal in distress. What should I do?
1. Check out this page for other sanctuaries or wildlife rehabilitators in your area.
2. If no other option exists, please reach out here for approval to bring the animal in.
We’re often at maximum capacity and ask that you explore other options first. We are happy to assist you with this. We never refuse an animal in true emergency or with no alternatives. However, our daily operating cost exceeds $500 (food, water, off-site veterinary care), and we rely entirely on donations and volunteers. If we are unable to accept an animal immediately, we’ll help you find the next best resource.
What if I have an animal-related emergency?
Text "Emergency" to 808-495-1591.
We’ll call you right back from an area with reception, 24/7
If you show up at our facility with an animals we will do our best to either help, guide, or direct you. Although we have someone on property at all times, not all
individuals are available or qualified to intake of animals.
How do I surrender an animal?
All intake requests must be approved by our Operations Manager and Director. Once approved, you’ll receive a link to complete our online Intake Form before
bringing the animal to the refuge. Contact information appears at the bottom of this page. Please do not bring an animal without prior approval and a completed form.
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.
Are you open for walk-in visits?
No. The refuge is not a walk-in facility. Visits must be arranged in advance.
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. We are 100% donor–supported. Every dollar goes toward animal care (food, water, medical expenses).
How may I donate?
Visit the donation page or mail checks to 25 Maluaina Place, Haʻikū, HI 96708.
If donating online, you will receive all receipts and information for your taxes immediately. If you are giving a donation through check, this may take longer due to limited help with administration.
If you would like to make a cash donation and need a receipt, please ask for one when making your donation.
To drop off supplies, please email us first for drop-off instructions.
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.
Do you offer volunteer or school group opportunities?
Yes! We welcome school clubs, community groups, and individual volunteers for supervised work days.
Email us at: teambooboozoo@gmail.com
Let us know your group size, preferred dates, and any special interests.
We are also looking for steady and reliable volunteers who are committed to coming on a regular basis. We ask for a minimum 6 month commitment which allows us to properly train you to work independently. For more information, email teambooboozoo@gmail.com to first set up a phone interview and site visit before committing.
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.