History
A Sanctuary for Life
Green Animal Ark
Volunteer at Animal Ark
What if Animal Ark didn't Exist

See the Animal Ark Video.

Animal Ark is 38 acre wildlife sanctuary and nature center located north west of Reno. Click on the player to view our video.

See the Discovery Channel Video.

The Discovery Channel created a 4-minute video of the Animal Ark cheetah run. Click on the player to view the "Daily Planet - Cheetah Run" video!

History
Animal Ark, Inc., a non-profit 501(c) (3) organization located north of Reno on thirty-eight acres, 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. Animal Ark emphasizes native animals with over 75% of its current species occurring now or in the past in the Great Basin. Resident’s of the Ark are housed in natural, large exhibits and act as ambassadors for their species. Through our programs and public visitations, Animal Ark has educated thousands of children and adults about ecological principles and wildlife.

Founded in 1981, Animal Ark has continually expanded and improved its facility and programs over the years. What was once a special appointment-only facility primarily for school children has grown into a public facility open six days a week from April to October with special event winter days. Animal Ark educates visitors by providing up-close encounters with wildlife, special programming events, educational tours and outreach to school children.

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A Sanctuary for Life
From the very beginning, Animal Ark has strived to provide a safe haven for non-releasable wildlife. Exhibits are designed to be comfortable, spacious, and appropriate for each animal that the Ark agrees to take in, and are constructed with the highest quality materials and workmanship possible. While providing comfortable space for the animals, these exhibits are also designed to enhance the visitor’s experience. Since many of Animal Ark’s residents are predators and therefore elusive and shy in nature, this provides a rare opportunity for the public to get very close and be able to observe the animals. Part of Animal Ark’s commitment to our resident wildlife is not just providing food and shelter, but also a stimulating and rich habitat.

Through a special enrichment program, all animals receive stimulating activities and toys to help break up boredom. For example, food is often hidden in the enclosure rather than simply given in a dish. Toys such as plain cardboard boxes and hard plastic balls are periodically provided. Unique scents are sprayed around enclosures and food items such as frozen foods and pumpkins are incorporated into daily care routines.

It is Animal Ark’s philosophy that each animal that is taken in is provided a home for life. It is not Animal Ark’s policy to engage in captive breeding for the purposes of selling or trading of animals. It is our belief that wild animals belong in the wild and for those individuals that are not capable of surviving in the wild on their own, they have the power to represent their wild cousins and educate humanity about the needs and importance of maintaining a healthy environment that includes the full representation of natural predators.

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Green Animal Ark
Animal Ark is committed to using environmentally friendly energy policies wherever possible. The majority of Animal Ark’s energy needs are met by using passive solar panels and wind generation. Water recycling policies are also in place. For full description of the Alternative energy system that Animal Ark uses, click here.

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Volunteer at Animal Ark
Animal Ark relies on the local community for support and resources. Our volunteers take care of resident wildlife, provide interpretive talks and information to the public, and facilitate the endless day-to-day tasks. Without the commitment of these volunteers, Animal Ark would not be able to operate. For more information on volunteering, visit our volunteer page.

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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
Consider Estate Planning

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