Not Many Know About This Exotic Animal Sanctuary Right Here In Arizona
By Monica Spencer|Published April 11, 2017
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Monica Spencer
Author
Monica is a Diné (Navajo) freelance writer and photographer based in the Southwest. Born in Gallup and raised in Phoenix, she is Tódich'ii'nii (Bitter Water People) and Tsi'naajinii (Black Streak Wood People). Monica is a staff writer for Only In Your State, photo editor for The Mesa Legend, and previously a staff writer for The Navajo Post. You can reach her at monica.d.spencer@gmail.com.
When traveling along Route 66, there are certain places you expect to encounter: long-abandoned attractions, decades-old diners that serve burgers and malts, some pretty strange monuments, and even a few historic sites. But an exotic animal sanctuary is one spot that you probably wouldn’t expect but is definitely worth the stop. Today, we’re going to take a look at a sanctuary that not only makes a great visit but is also making a big difference in the lives of animals!
Located in Valentine (nearly 34 miles northeast of Kingman on Route 66), Keepers of the Wild is a nonprofit organization that focuses on protecting and caring for exotic and indigenous animals previously held in captivity.
Animals housed in the sanctuary previously lived in zoos, auctions, circuses, and private residences in varying states of care and neglect. Many narrowly avoided euthanasia.
The sanctuary works to make sure the animals each receive the medical care needed to ensure they live full, healthy lives while staying at the sanctuary.
This tiger, Max, was declawed by a previous owner which made walking painful as he was no longer able to fully support his weight on his paws. Some time after his arrival to Keepers of the Wild, he received surgery that, within days, had him strutting around like a normal tiger again.
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Some of the animals that come into their care are eventually released back into the wild!
This owl was one of several rescued by the sanctuary from an unsafe living environment, rehabilitated at another facility, and then released several months later.
In addition to providing a great new place to live, the animal sanctuary also works to educate visitors about exotic animals, conservation, and living with Arizona wildlife.
Since the sanctuary focuses on the animals' well-being, you won't be able to interact with them—feed, play with, or pose with any of the animals—but you can watch them go about their normal day!
Keepers of the Wild is located at 13441 East Highway 66 in Valentine. Details about hours of operation, tours, and donations can be found on their website or Facebook page.
