Animal Ark in Reno, Nevada

Another Great Reason to Visit Reno

Text and Photographs By Ernie Hooker

Effie

Common Name: Arctic Fox

Scientific Name: Alopex lagopus

Gender: Female

Birth Date: Spring 2001

History: Effie arrived at Animal Ark on October 6, 2002. She was raised by humans and apparently was someone’s pet prior to her escape. After a brief stay with a wildlife rehabilitator, another home was found for Effie at a wildlife park, but her introduction to the other foxes did not go well. Animal Ark was then contacted as space was available for an Arctic fox. Effie has adjusted well. She enjoys the large enclosure and feels right at home in our winter snows.

Effie's Story and Text © Animal Ark

About Animal Ark

Animal Ark is a nonprofit wild animal sanctuary. It appears to be run primarily, if not completely, by volunteers. All the staff I came in contact with were friendly, helpful, and very knowledgeable. It was obvious that they were quite passionate about the sanctuary.

The animals arrive at the sanctuary from a variety of circumstances. A large white tiger was no longer wanted at Marine World and cost too much for the owner to feed, so Animal Ark gave it a home. Some animals were injured and could not survive on their; own others lost their mother at too early an age and were feed and cared for by humans.

Many of the animals could be dangerous if they were not fenced in. The Animal Ark sanctuary takes precautions to prevent contact with the visitors. A staff member said the cheetahs seem to be an exception and she described them as tame as a pet dog. The animals have large areas and are not normally confined to a cage except in special circumstances. This is one of the best operations I am aware of and I would recommend it to anyone interested in wildlife.

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Getting There The Details Today's Weather

1265 Deerlodge Road
Reno, NV 89508
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