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.

Coming Memorial Day Weekend
Animal Ark Introduces New Bird Shows
Animal Ark will begin a brand new series of shows focusing on various raptors and other birds. You will be amazed at the variety of birds and the acrobatic ability of these species. You will observe a Lanner Falcon, Yellow-headed Vulture, Eurasian Eagle Owl, a Saker Falcon, and the unforgettable African Pied Crow. View the event flyer. Each of these species will showcase a special talent, including some active interactions with the audience. Animal Ark is very fortunate to be able to bring you these shows, with the help of Master Falconer, Martin Stiasny.

Starting Memorial Day Weekend (Monday included)
Saturday & Sunday @ 10:15 AM
Price: $15 Adults, $11 Children (12 and under)
Includes admission to both Bird Show & Animal Ark

Wednesday Evenings @ 6:30 PM
Price: $10 adults, $8 Children (12 and under)
Bird Show only

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.