SUPER HORSE TO THE WILDLIFE RESCUE!
Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary!
We went to a very special animal sanctuary for the first Super Horse to the Wildlife Rescue spotlight! We took a short road trip just south of Atlanta, Georgia to find a 250 acre heaven for wildlife that has not always had it easy!
We met Allison, the Animal Husbandry Manager, who was so very kind to take us around the property! Allison works tirelessly seven days a week at Noah’s Ark to make sure that the animals have great habitats, proper diets and a comfortable life. Whew, that is a lot of work! Luckily Allison has co-workers to help. There are five people who also work in the husbandry department and seven people who work in the office. The sanctuary has around 250 volunteers who help too! It takes loads of dedicate people to make sure these animals are happy!
When we first arrived at Noah’s Ark we saw a woman drop off a rooster who had been injured. We were so happy to see this nice lady help him and bring him to a place that can help!
We met some of the residents of Noah’s Ark on our tour with Allison! First up were the emus!
There are over 80 of them! Apparently during the 90s people kept emus for eggs and oil and when they decided the birds weren’t so profitable, they released them into the neighborhoods around Atlanta. Noah’s Ark now houses these big flightless birds!
As we rode on we came upon big cats and bears! Each animal has its own story of abuse and neglect. Noah’s Ark gets the animals from sieges and rescues from the Department of Natural Resources, The US Department of Agriculture, US Department of Interior and the US Fish and Wildlife. Some of these animals have been kept as pets, some were kept in circuses and some are rescues from the wild.
We met all kinds of tigers and bears and wolves.
These ladies came from a circus, where they lived in a tiny enclosure! They have a HUGE enclosure now!
Bear
Meet Doc!
Doc the tiger came to Noah’s Ark as a cub at the same time Ann the bear did. They were raised together for company and now are best friends!
Doc and Ann having fun!
Thunder- one of a pair of wolves confiscated at the airport.
We then met a herd of Llamas! Llamas are funny with their big ears!
Llamas!
Matriarch of the Llama heard. They get to free range around the property too.
We love Llamas!
Noah’s Ark also has monkeys, 20 of them, of several different species. Often monkeys are kept as pets and then people realize that is a bad idea. Monkeys definitely belong in the wild and do not make good pets. They are messy, aggressive and destructive.
We met a coati! These South American relative of the raccoon are also kept as pets and man are they cute, but they do not belong at your house. If you think your cat is bad to your couch imagine what a wild animal can do! No thank you!
Coati!
Noah’s Ark’s most famous residents are a trio of friends! It’s Leo the Lion, Shere Khan the Tiger and Baloo the Bear.
The trio’s story!
These three were found in a basement together and our now inseparable. They are quiet the trio.
Shere Khan and Leo!
Unfortunately when we were there we only met Leo and Shere Khan because Baloo was napping in their house.
Noah’s Ark also houses 350 parrots! That’s right folks, 350! Parrots and birds are a popular pet, but often people do not do their homework when getting a bird. These feathery friends are very high maintenance and require special food, housing and tons of attention. It is so important that people read, learn and educate themselves before getting a bird. The parrots at Noah’s Ark are super lucky birds because they have great aviaries to live in and many friends. It is not easy integrating a new bird in with the flock. Caregivers at the sanctuary work hard to get a new bird introduced.
What a cutie!
What a pair!
Noah’s Ark does not just take care of exotic animals, they are home to 100 peacocks , 100 sheep and goats and 100 horses . They also do rehabilitation and release of local wildlife like birds and deer. Wow, these guys must be busy, busy!
We found one of the peacocks!
Edmond said this is one great places for horses!
Check out some of the horses & ponies!
After our tour with Allison, we sat down with her to ask her a few more questions.
Us: How many animals do you have and how many different species?
Allison: We have over 1,000 animals and 100-150 different species.
Us: Who requires the most care?
Allison: The parrots and the monkeys.
Us: What animal has been here the longest?
Allison: Suzie Q the Himalayan Black Bear has been here since 1989.
Us: Can people sponsor an animal?
Allison: We have a sponsor program starting.
Us: Which animal has been your toughest case?
Allison: We have a blue and gold macaw that was afraid of everything. It took us a year to get him acclimated.
Us: What message would you like to send about wild animals?
Allison: Keep the wild in your heart and not in your home! Wild animals are never good pets.
Us: What can we do to protect and prevent the exotic animal trade?
Allison: You can educate yourself and others about these animals. Learn about them and their plights in the wild and share your passion and knowledge!
Us: Tell us about a typical day here. What is your favorite thing about working here?
Allison: I arrive at 8am and check on the animals, prep the food, feed the animals and then clean. After all that we work on enrichment for the animals. Being with the animals is my favorite part of the job. I really enjoy being with them and giving them the best life they can have.
Us: Excellent! Thank you so much for taking time to show us this special place! And Thank You for working so hard to take care of these special animals! You and the staff are doing amazing work here!
To learn more about Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary check out their website! They are also on Facebook! Noah’s Ark doesn’t charge any admission, but they do take donations! Take a road trip to visit this special place just outside of Atlanta!
Elephants & Horses love to share!
Range/Habitat: Southeast Asia/rainforest-grasslands
The Adventures of Ellie and Edmond 