If you are looking for a fun family outing—especially for the animal lovers in your family—a trip to Reno’s Animal Ark is just the ticket. Located north of Reno, this animal sanctuary and refuge strives to “inspire environmental stewardship through wildlife education” and, since 1981, Animal Ark has served as a safe haven for abandoned, injured, and other non-releasable wildlife. The sanctuary also works to educate visitors about wildlife and ecology through its educational tours and special events.
Animal Ark is located on 38 beautiful acres just north of Reno. The sanctuary’s walking trail is approximately one mile of compressed dirt and gravel, so be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes. Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy at its large playground and picnic area.
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Animal Ark is a lifetime refuge and sanctuary for animals that cannot live in the wild. They may be disabled, have been orphaned early, or simply do not have the skills to survive in the wild.
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Animal Ark strives to use native trees, rocks, boulders, and vegetation to mimic an animal’s natural habitat as much as possible.
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Animal Ark never breeds the animals in its care, nor do they sell or trade them.
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Animals are provided activities to relieve the boredom. This black bear can enjoy his pool and tetherball.
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Each enclosure has signage with the animal’s name and how s/he came to be a resident at Animal Ark.
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This black bear is momentarily distracted from searching for its lunch to take advantage of a photo opportunity. Animal Ark provides its “residents” with various activities to simulate life in the wild, such as having this bear search for his food. Visitors can watch the bears being fed twice a day.
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A gorgeous gryfalcon:
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One of the sanctuary’s rescued coyotes:
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Animal Ark provides educational programs for visitors, such as the Cheetah 500, Pinatas and Predators, and Wolf Howl Night, as well as other demonstrations.
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Most animals at the sanctuary are North American predators; however, there are a few exotic residents such as this white tiger.
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Visitors can adopt their favorite animal and provide much-needed care and food. Donors are memorialized forever in Honor Garden.
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There is a gift shop on-site that sells snacks, drinks, ice cream, and souvenirs. All proceeds go back to Animal Ark.
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Animal Ark is located at 1265 Deerlodge Rd., Reno. Its normal operating hours are 18 March 2017 – 5 November 2017, Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 a.m. – 4.30 p.m. It is closed Mondays. Admission is $11/adults, $10/seniors, $7.50/children, and children 2 and under are free. For more information, please call (775) 970-3111. Have you visited the Ark? Please share your experiences below.
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