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The aroma of fresh-baked cookies in the lobby, crisply-starched staff uniforms and hand-tufted couches welcome the most travel-weary visitors to a hotel in a new city. While we can’t say we offer fish-snacks on pillows, Quarantine is our welcome center for new animals arriving at the sanctuary. Travel and relocation is difficult on the most seasoned human travelers, but many rescued animals come to us from poor conditions, needing vet care and some space to rest. Upon arrival, new residents spend 30 days in Quarantine, where they receive veterinary treatment for any illnesses or wounds, vaccines and monitoring.
We had a dream for a better welcome experience for our new animals- outdoor access, where they could lounge in the sun, hear the lions oofing at twilight and get used to the sounds of the tractor and vehicles. We want to really roll out the welcome mat and ensure these animals are comfortable and well-adjusted. As you can see on the map, adding fenced-in outdoor areas significantly multiplies the amount of space animals can enjoy, and also the number of new animals we can accommodate at one time. By opening and closing the shift gates, we can customize a right-sized enclosure for the animal, partition off space for injured animals and be much more flexible with generous living arrangements.
Quarantine also acts as a field hospital for surgeries, exams and animal observation. Here, a tiger gets a dental check-up.
An outdoor space gives the animals a chance to adjust to the sights, sounds and smells of the sanctuary from a safe, clean space. It also gives Keepers the opportunity to learn about the animal’s demeanor and customize a permanent enclosure to best fit that animal’s needs. For example, when Caprichio, India and Carolina Tigers arrived, we noticed how charismatic they were and how they loved attention, so we knew their enclosure should be on the tour path.
Thanks to the generosity of donors, construction on the outdoor areas is well underway. The concrete pad, which protects newcomers from any bacteria found in dirt or grass, has been poured. Fenceposts have been installed and one fence wall has gone up, complete with shift gates. We are making good time and the volunteer efforts are making work much lighter. Soon, the outdoor areas will be complete and new residents will have the luxury of sunshine and a chance to get better acquainted with the sights and smells of their new home. Having an outdoor quarantine area is a crucial piece in providing superior animal care and ensuring our animals get the best welcome possible.
Construction of the main building began in 2006, when a generous gift from Karen Adams (for whom the complex is named) and other donors allowed for the structure’s groundbreaking. A main building was constructed, with four bays, a wash station and a storage area. Shift gates with grates allowed for fresh air and provided a window into the animal’s new home. Concrete floors and a separate septic tank ensured no harmful bacteria would affect the new arrivals. Everything could be hosed down, bleached down and Keepers could use the wash station to change out of contaminated clothing before re-entering the sanctuary, which protects our general populous.
We offer great thanks to the many wonderful donors who have made this project happen. Without your continued support, we would not be able to rescue and care for animals in need.
With great thanks from Anthony Leopard, Carolina Tiger, Nakobi Cougar, Ranger Bobcat, Electra Caracal and Caprichio Tiger.
