The Unique Park Everyone In Nevada Should Visit At Least Once
By Mychelle Blake|Published October 19, 2016
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Mychelle Blake
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Mychelle Blake is a freelance writer, website designer and social media consultant. She happily tolerates the insane Las Vegas heat with her three wacky pit bulls, one fish, one bird and one husband.
Some parks in Nevada have incredible views or amazing natural spaces. Animal Ark sets itself apart by having all that and more. The Ark’s mission is to rescue and rehabilitate wildlife in need and educate the public. Visitors can take in all the beauty of Nevada and meet up close some of its animal inhabitants as well.
Animal Ark is a non-profit wildlife sanctuary and education center. The center has been active since 1981.
Animal Ark is situated on 38 acres just north of Reno. The center is environmentally friendly and most of their energy needs are fueled by solar and wind power.
The Ark focuses on native North American predators, as well as a few exotics. They take in wildlife that has been injured or cannot be released into the wild for a variety of reasons.
Providing for the animal's mental needs with enrichment activities such as toys, boxes and other items keeps the animals happy and healthy. These enrichment events are often open to the public.
One well-loved enrichment event is giving the animals pumpkins for the fall holidays. Visitors can watch foxes, bears, lynxes and cheetahs enjoying their own Jack o' lanterns (no candles, of course!)
Another incredible event is the Cheetah Dash (aka the Cheetah 500) held several times a year. Audiences can purchase tickets to watch a cheetah run at unbelievable speeds chasing a lure across the desert landscape.
The Ark is also well known for its Animal Ark Stampede, a 5K race through the scenic trails around the property with views of the animals along the way.
The Animal Ark provides education to thousands of visitors each year with special events and tours. You can see raptors, such as this stunning red-tailed hawk, up close.
