THE ARK WILDLIFE CARE AND SANCTUARY

From the Director:

   "I've always dreaded seeking donations for something, be it my kids events going through school, Church functions, or any charity, yet here I am with those shoes on my feet.  Our goal is to establish a long lasting sanctuary for wildlife which will live on after we are gone.  Like most things we are starting small and growing.  99% of our current expenses come from our personal budgets, the board members families.  We are not wealthy and face many of the same financial hardships as anyone else but we make it work.  We are actively seeking benefactors which will support what we do.  Anything donated to us is tax deductible, we are an IRS 501 (c) 3 corporation.

    Many people don't see the incredible number of hours that go into the care of just one orphaned baby animal.  These are not domestic animals which can be left at home in the living room while you go out.  Most of the animals we get are injured or sick or emaciated and need extensive care. Most require size and type specific caging which we are building at our expense with our own labor.  Some corporations ask for funds and much of those go to corporate expenses.  None of our board members takes any salary from the corporation.  Our basic expenses are food, caging and bedding, medical needs, and operating costs (elecricity, paper products, etc....).  Most people are under the impression there are state funds for facilities like ours, this is a misperception on their part.

   I had a discussion not long ago with someone who asked why we do this and didn't understand?  Most of the animals on here would be a loss if it were not for our care or involvement.  All of the pictures that are on this sight will be of animals we have had a direct influence on.  There is no greater feeling than taking a fragile, tiny life and seeing it grow and flourish and then go free.  The feelings and emotions are hard to describe to someone that hasn't experienced it.  

   If you cannot contribute to us or another facility financialy you may find that one near you is in need of physical help.  A few hours helping build pens or cleaning cages or a hand lended during feeding time is priceless to the people who live it every day.  A donation of needed materials or supplies is of great help to facilities such as ours.  Please get involved in saving wildlife, a precious resource everyone can enjoy."