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

Milagro “Milo” comes to Animal Ark
On February 5, 2008, this 7 month old mountain lion was hit by a car on Kingsbury Grade near Lake Tahoe while lying on the road after possibly being hit by an earlier passing vehicle. As the concerned driver turned around to come back and check on the animal, a passing snowplow pulled up to keep the kitten from being hit yet again. Within minutes Carl Lackey, a Nevada Department of Wildlife biologist, who happened to be driving by, was also on the scene.

The animal was in shock but still alive. After a thorough exam by Dr. Nelson, a serious fracture of the femur and some pelvic injuries were revealed. Dr. Pelsue at Veterinary Specialists of Nevada was contacted and Dr. Dearmin agreed to perform the necessary orthopedic surgery. During the operation, an abscess and possible infection were also identified. The kitten arrived at Animal Ark on February 8. All that we could do is pray, offer food, water and a comfortable environment. After 2 days, he began to eat and mobility quickly returned. Unfortunately there was no way to reunite this young cougar with his mother who would teach him how to live and hunt in the wild, so he joins the Ark as an ambassador for the mountain lion species, the largest carnivore in Nevada.

The name Milagro, which is Spanish for Miracle, was bestowed upon him because of the many miracles that led to his survival. We thank each of the people above for giving “Milo” a second chance.

Tips to getting the most out of your visit to Animal Ark
Yogi the Bear eats breakfast at 11AM. You won’t want to miss seeing Yogi eat his food as it is hidden throughout his enclosure. During summer hours, visit early in the day. The animals are not active during the hottest part of the afternoon.

Special Animal Demonstrations happen at 11AM and 2 PM on weekends. Check our calendar for Special Events. These are great opportunities to experience the Ark in a unique way. Although our walkways are dirt and slightly hilly, we have golf carts and wagons to help those who need it. We thank our donors who have funded these carts specifically for seniors and handicapped individuals.

We are located at 6,000' in elevation and typically are 10-15 degrees cooler. Dress accordingly or call ahead to check on the weather.

Rent Animal Ark For Private Events
You and your guests can have the Ark to yourselves in the late afternoon with a special Cheetah Run and People food. Call or email us for further information info@animalak.org

School Field Trips
Animal Ark incorporates The Washoe County School District science curriculum into educational tours. Grades One through Six each have their own curriculum, providing six years of progressive science education. Contact us to arrange for your field trip today. We also welcome Charter and Home School programs.

Animal Ark Purchases Our Land
Phase I of the Making Tracks for the Future Capital Campaign has been successfully completed with the purchase of the 38 acres of land that Animal Ark is built on. With support from the local community we raised over $115,000.00 which was then matched by a local foundation. Soon we had the support of other foundations and individuals, enabling us to raise enough money to complete Phase I of the Capital Campaign. Animal Ark has now raised $490,000.00 and has purchased the primary 38 acres of land. Learn more about Making Tracks for the Future and how you can be a part of our once in a lifetime “Buy an Acre” program.

Animal Ark Featured in Reno Magazine’s 101 Best Places
Once again, Animal Ark has been featured in Reno Magazine’s top 101 Best Places in Reno. Our high desert location provides an ideal setting for visitors to see our resident wildlife. Many of these species are very shy and elusive in the wild. At Animal Ark, visitors get the opportunity to see these animals up close and personal. Exhibits are natural and large, providing comfortable and appropriate space for each type of animal. We offer covered picnic areas, an extensive gift shop, and many educational programs throughout the day. There are plans for a future playground and more educational signage throughout the park. Come see for yourself why Reno Magazine has voted Animal Ark as a top 101 Best Place in Reno.

Animal Ark Continues to Make a Global Impact Through our South African Partnership
Animal Ark has been partnered with DeWildt Cheetah and Wildlife Trust in South Africa for over 5 years now. Through this partnership, we have created volunteer opportunities in South Africa, set up a high-speed cheetah running program, improved the homes of resident black workers, participated in scientific studies of wild cheetahs using satellite collars and camera traps, and supported efforts of captive-born cheetahs being released to live in the wild. This dynamic partnership has also resulted in Animal Ark housing cheetahs born in South Africa who act as ambassadors for their wild cousins. We recently received a very nice letter from DeWildt Cheetah and Wildlife Trust that we would like to share.