Our love of animals-big, wild, cats in particular, led us to the gate of an animal sanctuary that is literally the "last chance" for unwanted animals. Keepers of the Wild is home to 150 who would have otherwise been destroyed. At one time Jonathan Craft was an illusionist, but seeing the abuse that was happening to the big cats used in the shows, decided to find a solution to the problem, rather than be part of the problem.
The story of how Keepers came about is indeed a tear- jerker for animal lovers. Johathan is truly my hero.
Keepers moved into their new home in Valentine, AZ where they have about 17 acres of land. Nice big habitats have been created for the 2 remaining lions, 4 or 5 cougars, and many tigers! Our adopted cats include Bobcat Angel, and Lynx-Kitty. There is a large pack of wolves and hybrids. We heard how many of the residents came to live at keepers and wonder what people are thinking when they attempt to make a pet (for a child) of a wild animal.
We were on hand for "snack time" about 2-ish, chicken bits designed to get the residents up and at'em. The cats would sleep the day away if you let them. The real meal, an 8-12 pound chunk of beef tossed over the fence, was quite a production. A team of workers placed pans of meat into spaces within the enclosures--teamwork is a must for safety. I could, would, love ,.to work here.
Over the years of travel we've spent the night where we could hear the crashing of waves, the babble of a brook, the wind in the trees, a train in the night. But this was the first time we've been able to hear the ROAR OF A LION!! Life is good.
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