Lions, Tigers & Bears, Oh My!

After looking over a brochure from this wildlife sanctuary, Jocelyn exclaimed, "We have to go".  And so we did.  It is located in Arcadia and the trip took us about an hour.  It is owned and operated by a husband and wife team and numerous volunteers.  Their mission is to give homes to unwanted exotic animals and endangered species.  You can check out their website here.

This donkey was born only a few weeks ago and was only slightly smaller when born.  Ouch!

Baby donkey on the left, mom on the right

 

 

 

 

Female lion

Is this not a beautiful animal?

Known by many names including panther & bobcat

Leopard

Such a sad face

Siberian tiger siblings; only a few months old

Jocelyn & Michelle (see the tiger in the background)

It takes about 100 pounds of meat to feed the animals at this sanctuary, every day, along with vegetables, fruits and other food items.

There are a number of other animals here, not just the ones we photographed.  Most of the animals find their way to this sanctuary after irresponsible owners obtain them thinking they will make a great pet.  Once they get too big, or take too much time, or cost too much to feed, or aren't fun anymore, or any number of other excuses, and their owners don't want them any more, these people are willing to provide them a safe place for the rest of their lives.

They also offer a Safari Dinner which provides a guided tour behind the scenes to watch the animals eat and includes dinner on the outside terrace overlooking the sanctuary.  Something fun for next winter.

Thanks for stopping by...
;o)