What if Animal Ark Did Not Exist?
It is February and high in the Sierra Nevada Mountains under a sliver of moonlight two shadows move quietly and effortlessly across the snow on large padded feet. It is a mountain lion with her seven month old kitten. The spots on the kitten are fading, but there is still another year before the young lion can be on its own. It has been awhile since they have eaten so the mother is intent upon searching for a familiar scent that will lead to food. The young male although probably hungry, is very curious and having a good time exploring his surroundings while at the same time trying to keep up with mom. Who knows what the kitten was doing when the world around him suddenly lit up under the glare of car headlights. Before he could react, there was a sickening thud, a bolt of pain as his leg and hip fractured, and then darkness……………
If Animal Ark did not exist, the story would end here!
In Wisconsin a black bear cub is born in captivity. At less than two months old she is surrounded by humans, loud noises and moving vehicles. She was certainly a quick sale at the animal auction. Now headed for Northern Nevada, another transaction awaits. Upon becoming aware of the cub the Nevada Department of Wildlife must confiscate the animal due to illegal transport and permit violations. She is only nine weeks old. The little bear cub’s future is at stake. Neither release into the wild nor return to her original owner is possible. There is only one option……………
What would happen if Animal Ark could not take her?
At a rehabilitation facility in California, two six week old red foxes despite being nervous about being in a cage, scampered and played with each other. Their mother and sibling had died. All they wanted was to live. Laws in that state gave only two options: placement in an approved licensed facility or euthanasia. Time was running out……………
If Animal Ark did not exist, how would this story end?
Epilogue:
The thirty pound predator twitched its short tail in anticipation as it focused on prey. The animal’s mottled fur coat blended into the sage and rock covered hillside, making the silent hunter almost invisible. Experience had taught it that every move must count. Like a flash he unleashed tense muscles by leaping into the open area and pinning the prey under his front paws. Five feet away the observers all reacted, some with gasps, some jumping back instinctively and then all started grinning and talking excitedly. This life and death drama had played out not in the wilderness but in the Natural Habitat Bobcat Exhibit at Animal Ark, not observed by experienced wildlife watchers, but by school children, parents and teachers.
What if Animal Ark did not exist?
Thousands of children would not experience the world of nature
Disadvantaged wild animals kept as pets could not live a natural life
Orphaned black bear cubs would not get a second chance in the wild
Cheetah conservation in Africa would receive less funding and awareness
Multitudes of people would not see alternative energy in action
Thousands of people would lose the opportunity to experience up close and personal the awesomeness of a cheetah running at 60 mph or a falcon diving at over 100 mph
Animal Ark Wildlife Sanctuary & Nature Center is a non-profit facility located twenty-five miles north of Reno. Residing on 38 acres, the facility is a safe haven for injured, abandoned and otherwise non-releasable wildlife. Many of these animals would have been euthanized if Animal Ark had not provided them a permanent home. Residents of the Ark are housed in natural, large exhibits and act as ambassadors for their wild cousins.
Animal Ark is in danger of becoming “endangered” as the impact of the world economic crisis hits this very unique organization. We understand that times are challenging everywhere but we need you, especially now!
You can make a difference. Winter closes the income doors of admissions, gift sales and tours, yet the animals still need daily care. Please help us continue the mission of Animal Ark by sending a tax-deductible gift.
You can help by:
Making a Donation, Purchase a Membership, Purchase an Adoption orConsider Estate Planning
