This weekend, Jeremy and I discovered a wildlife refuge right in our back yard! Well, kinda. It's in north Reno, but close enough. It's called Animal Ark, and they rescue wild animals (primarily predators) who are unable, for whatever reason, to remain in the wild. What an incredible place! Every animal there has a story. From the tigers who were destined to be tv stars (but didn't make the cut) to wild animals who were taken in by humans and raised as "pets" and then somehow escaped or were abandoned (or in some cases, abused by their "owners"), to wildlife that was found hurt or abandoned (in the specific case of the baby coyote, who was one of two babies found without a mother, by a local rancher), to a small black bear who tried, but just couldn't make it out in the wild. The stories are great, and the hearts of these people who are caring for these animals in such a generous manner, are greater. They strive to make sure these animals have as natural a habitat as possible, to the extent of arranging for the cheetahs to go on long runs, chasing after "prey" being towed by a high-power winch, in order to ensure maximum digestive and emotional health and well-being.

To read about some of the other animals' stories or find out more information about this unique refuge, please see animalark.org.