Wildlife Conservation United States Project #30422

Help Feed Rescued Exotic & Wild Animals in Arizona

by Keepers of the Wild

Help Feed Rescued Exotic & Wild Animals in Arizona

Project Report | Nov 1, 2024
Howling for Hope: The Nixon Fire Hybrid Pack!

By Lara Kraft | VP, Co-Executive Director, Chairwoman

Neglected. Abandoned. Saved by KOTW!

I have BIG news to share with you! Keepers of the Wild has welcomed ten high-content wolf hybrids from Riverside County, CA, rescued from the devastating Nixon Fire. This rescue was one of our largest, most significant rescue operations to date, and the coordination and effort were immense for all involved parties. The dedication and attention to detail required to save these ten beautiful lives is nothing short of awe-inspiring.

The Riverside County Department of Animal Services, based in San Jacinto, CA, truly exemplifies heroism, and I cannot praise their team highly enough. The swift, compassionate, and professional efforts they displayed saved over one hundred animals from a critical *animal hoarding predicament—these creatures would have had no hope of survival otherwise. If you haven't seen the complete account on our social media platforms, here’s what transpired:

In July, more than 100 animals from various species were rescued from an appalling hoarding situation in Riverside County, California. Among those were ten higher-content wolf hybrids suffering from neglect and abandonment. The Nixon Fire initiated their rescue; when authorities evacuated the vicinity, they discovered the property was home to the animals with no owner present.

The animals were found in desperate need of assistance while living in unsafe and unsanitary conditions unsuitable for their well-being. Every animal on site was underweight and deprived of food and water. Additionally, it was found that the owner had let several wolf hybrids loose into the surrounding wilderness, raising alarm among residents who responded by reaching out to authorities and even assisting with capturing the animals for their protection. This deplorable scenario underscores the critical importance of responsible, legal pet ownership and emphasizes the necessity for greater awareness surrounding animal welfare concerns.

Several animal rescue groups united to provide healthcare and proper housing for the animals, ultimately striving to find reputable forever homes. It was a long shot, but they prevailed! Riverside County Department of Animal Services reached out to Keepers of the Wild to request the placement of some or all of the wolf hybrids after they received a recommendation from Kele Younger, founder and director of Magic Jungle Wildlife Preserve. KOTW was enthusiastic about this challenging opportunity and consented to take in all ten wolves under our permanent care.

Three weeks have passed since the pack's arrival, and all the hybrids have adapted remarkably well to their new surroundings at the sanctuary. They now enjoy daily access to fresh, high-quality meat instead of dog kibble, a spacious natural habitat for running, playing, hiding, and relaxing, multiple freshwater sources, and pools and den boxes. Additionally, they partake in various enrichment activities each day and receive exceptional veterinary care; thus, the pack has everything necessary for a long and happy life in their new permanent home.

Welcoming ten wolf hybrids into our wildlife sanctuary is a significant endeavor that requires meticulous management, medical supervision, and financial investment. Bringing the Nixon Fire Hybrid Pack into our facility will raise our annual budget by approximately $100,000 to accommodate their dietary needs, healthcare expenses, caregiver salaries, engaging activities and toys (enrichment), and any other requirements they may have.

I urge you to view the heartfelt rescue video (linked below) created by the compassionate and talented videographer Roger Montecinos and to support this vital initiative in any way you can. Whether you spread the word to friends and family, share the story and video on social media platforms, "adopt" a wolf through our sponsorship program, or make a donation, every action taken is deeply appreciated and directly contributes to the welfare of these amazing, innocent beings.

Thank you for your steadfast support. You are among those who have given the animals at Keepers of the Wild a new lease on life, including the Nixon fire Hybrid Pack, and thus, you are also considered a hero in our book.

With much gratitude,

Two hybrids enjoying their new habitat at KOTW

Alpha enjoying his first-ever taste of fresh meat!

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Jul 9, 2024
July Bonus Day: A Brighter Future for Wildlife

By Lara Kraft | VP, Co-Executive Director, Chairwoman

KOTW July Bonus Day

At Keepers of the Wild, we’re dedicated to offering hope and new beginnings for wildlife in need. Since January, we've welcomed 20 new rescues into our care. Among these are two wild orphaned coyote pups and three wild mountain lion yearlings who faced euthanasia as a grim possibility. Our mission centers on providing these animals with the nurturing and support they deserve so they can flourish.

JULY BONUS DAY GOAL:

Raise $5,000+ to ensure the ongoing care and rehabilitation of our 20 newest arrivals.

HOW IT HELPS:

Helps provide spacious habitats, ample shelter, nourishing food, and essential medical treatment for the rescued coyote pups and mountain lion yearlings.
Helps increase awareness about wildlife conservation and the importance of rescue efforts through community engagement.

Since January, our team has been heartened by taking in 20 vulnerable rescues—12 foxes saved from a fur farm, two wild orphaned coyote pups, and three wild young mountain lions among them—and giving them a fresh start. These brave survivors were teetering on the edge but are now embarking on journeys filled with hope due to our intervention. Our passionate staff and volunteers have been working around-the-clock to create an environment where each animal feels cared for and supported towards a full recovery.

Executing this vital work requires resources—not just time but also financial contributions from wonderful supporters like you. With July Bonus Day approaching on Wednesday, July 10th, we're setting out with optimism to raise $5,000 that will directly benefit their rehabilitation process. Each donation brings us closer to transforming these lives; no contribution is too modest when it comes from the heart.

Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to all our friends who’ve already shown incredible generosity toward this cause. Your kindness sustains us! We kindly appeal for your continued backing—share our fundraiser far and wide—to help achieve this milestone during July Bonus Day.

Wildlife welfare is more than just a mission; it’s deeply embedded in all we do at our organization. We're devoted wholeheartedly to ensuring every animal under our wing experiences warmth, safety—a true sense of home where they can thrive anew. Your ongoing support is pivotal as we journey forward—a collaborative effort creating everlasting positive change for wildlife in need big or small alike—we thank you immensely!

Together let's shine bright together… lighting up countless futures one pawprint—one heartbeat at a time!

A Few of Our 20 Newly Rescued Wild Animals

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Mar 27, 2024
12 New Foxes Saved From A Fur Farm!

By Lara Kraft | Vice President, Chairwoman

A fur farm fox (compliments of Save a Fox).

Dear Friends and Supporters,

Happy spring! With the arrival of my favorite season at the sanctuary, so too, is big news I have to share with you! Arizona Gives Day, a day geared toward supporting vetted nonprofits like Keepers of the Wild, is NEXT TUESDAY, 04/02/24, and we have the perfect opportunity for you to make a true difference in the lives of animals in need.

You may remember that in November of last year, I was contacted by the organization "Save A Fox", whose team inquired about our sanctuary's ability to take in some foxes being rescued from a fur farm in Minnesota. A staggering 500 foxes were relinquished from the fur farm and are in desperate need of a forever home, safe from the clutches of humans who have no regard for the life of these beautiful, sentient creatures. I couldn't say "yes" to helping fast enough!

The twelve foxes Kepers of the Wild committed to rescuing are set to arrive this week!

Foxes have always been one of my favorite animals and I feel incredibly passionate about ending the cruel and unnecessary practice of fur farming. Captive animals residing in fur farms endure a life of hell. Kept in small, cramped wire cages without freedom of movement or the ability to comfortably rest, the animals are nothing short of prisoners awaiting their fate. When the time finally comes for them to be killed for their pelt, unethical and extremely cruel methods of destruction are used, from gassing to clubbing, and worse, which I won't mention here. Much of the time, the animals are witness to their fellow farm-mates violent and traumatizing endings. Like humans, animals do experience trauma, and I can think of few scenarios more traumatic than enduring such a barbaric experience.

It is estimated by the Humane Society International that nearly 43 million animals were killed in 2021 for use in the global fur trade. The United States is responsible for approximately 2.5 million of those animals. This statistic, to me, is made worse by the fact that faux fur is considerably less expensive to produce than real animal pelts. It is time to put an end to the senseless, greedy, and cruel practice of killing innocent animals for their fur, and I'm asking you to help me spread awareness of this subject.

In response to the call from Save A Fox, Keepers of the Wild will be welcoming two families of foxes from the fur farm in MN, a total of TWELVE NEW FOXES. The families consist of the parents and their four kits (babies) who were born last spring. We have built two brand new habitats for the foxes, specifically designed to encourage all the natural behaviors of foxes: running, pouncing, foraging, climbing, and yes, even digging! With a special underground barrier, the new fox habitats prevent the animals from being able to dig out but still allow them to be able to dig within the space- something foxes love to do!

I can't wait to see the twelve foxes released from their cages THIS WEEK, into their new home at the sanctuary and to share their arrival with you...They will know love and freedom, and that their life has value beyond monetary gain. It is only with the faith and support that generous people like you give Keepers of the Wild that make rescues like the Fox families possible.

Each time you read this newsletter, share our social media, visit the sanctuary, shop in our online gift shop, and donate to our cause, you help save the life of an animal, and I can't thank you enough.

Updates on the foxes to follow soon!

With much gratitude,

Lara Kraft

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