Animal Ark
It’s not a zoo! It’s a wildlife sanctuary. This is how the Animal Ark presents its thirty acres of ecological area located at Deerlodge Road, Reno, NV. This non-profit organization does not only provide awareness to the visitors but it also educates them for a deeper understanding of wildlife and the proper ways to take care of the animals in their habitats.
Living in the philosophy of “each animal taken in is provided home for life,” Animal Ark ensures that its animals are not for sale or even used for trading purposes. The sanctuary standpoint is that wild animals belong in the wildlife. The purpose of the shelter is to take care of those animals incapable of surviving the wild on their own. It provides the abandoned and injured animals a shelter to protect its species. In fact, the sanctuary is designed similar to the habitats of the wild animals. Native trees, boulders and even vegetation are also added.
Animal Ark is the home for different animals and animal species. It includes 35 species of canids, 37 species of felids, reptiles, raptors, bear, raccoon and mustelid. The medium-sized canids are mainly carnivorous and distinctive for running fast in an open terrain. Among the species included in the sanctuary are wolf, fox, jackal and coyote. Felides are the most carnivorous compared to other kinds of animal. Its sharp canine teeth and short jaw helps to make them as efficient predators. Cheetah, Mountain Lion, Bobcat, Canada Lynx, tiger and jaguar are sheltered in the sanctuary. The cold-blooded reptiles are also visible in the area. The desert tortoises which are presently listed as Threatened, under The Endangered Species Act of 1973, are also protected in this place. Raptors including falcons and owls also inhabit the sanctuary. As the U.S. Government protects these animals, Animal Ark also does the same. Northern and tropical bears, raccoon and its family kinkajou, ringtail and coati and weasels, otters and badgers of the mustelid family also live in the place.
Animal Ark is also an advocate of using environment-friendly energy policies. It uses wind generation and solar panels. Water recycling is also implemented in the sanctuary. It is funded through the admissions, private donations, foundation grants and gift shop sales. It has a regular visitation period from spring, summer and early fall. There is also special winter visitation for guests to see the environmental activity of the wild animals.
The visitors and donations are important to Animal Ark and it also welcomes volunteers, with few paid positions, to help educate the guests. From ages 15 and above, there are different positions to choose from including docents, wildlife educator, facility maintenance, animal keeper and member of the ambassador team.
Whether a guest or a volunteer, Animal Ark is the best place to expand your knowledge and deepen your care to the wild animals.
