Peace
River Refuge & Ranch is a non-profit 501c3 exotic animal sanctuary, fully
licensed and accredited by the
American Sanctuary Association (ASA)
and Member Society of the
World Society for the
Protection of Animals (WSPA). The
sanctuary is dedicated to the lifetime care of abused, neglected,
confiscated or unwanted exotic animals to prevent them from being
destroyed. The animals that
we rescue and come to our sanctuary range from big cats such as tigers,
cougars and leopards to wolves, bears, primates, small wild cats, bats
and more.
The animals are given permanent homes and most have come from
situations that were potentially harmful for the animals. We do
not sell, transfer or give away any of the animals we rescue and they
are not used for breeding; we simply protect them from harm. Our
highly
trained staff
ensures that their medical, nutritional, and emotional
needs are well met.
With help from our supporters, we are able to
provide
large
natural habitats
for these animals on our 90-acre compound.
There are
many other kinds of facilities who keep exotic animals, including
zoos, breeders, attractions and parks, pet owners, placement or
adoption shelters, and even hunting ranches. These facilities are
distinguished from TRUE sanctuaries in that their income is derived
from the animals they have. True sanctuaries, by their very nature,
can derive little if any income from the animals because the needs
of the animals come first.
Our
facility offers guided, educational tours by advance reservation.
Visitors have the unique opportunity to come as close as five feet away
from many of our animals, ranging from tigers, cougars, a black leopard,
lynx, and other big cats to wolves, bears, bats, primates and more. All
the while, they are learning about the animals, why they are here and
the plight of their wild counterparts.
At Peace River
Refuge & Ranch, we fully support legislation to restrict the
general public form owning exotic animals as pets. We do realize
that there are individuals that currently are in possession and
take care of exotic animals in captivity. Although we do not
promote private ownership under any circumstances, we want to
work with anyone who is currently in a position to care for
exotic animals facing difficulties. We will assist where
possible anyone who is faced with a challenge or issue that
could potentially harm an animal and we are willing to work with
those individual to provide education and support, so that they
can provide the best possible care for the animals under their
care. In the end, it is all about the animals and how we can
make their lives better and enhance their circumstances. We will
however, under no circumstances assist a facility or individual
that chooses to perpetuate the exotic pet trade problem causing
so many animals to suffer needlessly.
On the right: Even our smaller animals deserve a tree!
