Animal Ark, 1265 Deerlodge Rd. in Northwest Reno, is a sanctuary for animals that were disabled or abandoned and therefore, unable to live on their own in the wild.
The location of Animal Ark is remote and a bit inconvenient to reach. You’ll drive on a long and bumpy gravel road to access the property off Red Rock Road. In this rugged yet beautiful setting, you’ll see a variety of formerly “disadvantaged” animals that now appear to be enjoying tender loving care.
My party arrived late on a Saturday afternoon, just in time for a “bird talk” about Whoopi, a peregrine falcon that is partially blind.
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| Whoopi, a Peregrine Falcon |
Nearby we saw Aragon, a gyrfalcon that was raised in captivity and needed a new home.
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| Aragon, a Gyrfalcon |
Mr. Peabody, a desert tortoise that had apparently been a family pet, was found by a firefighter and brought to Animal Ark.
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| Mr. Peabody, a Desert Tortoise |
Outside of each animal’s enclosure is a framed portrait with the animal’s name, information about the species and an explanation of how and why this particular animal came to reside at Animal Ark.
Just like people, animals become bored and lethargic when they are too sedentary. Docents told us about activities designed to give each type of animal the exercise and stimulation it needs to thrive.
On our visit we were able to see El Santo, a jaguar; mountain lions named Milo and Daniel; a raccoon named Ringo; bobcats named Whiston and Piper and many more lovely animals.
Just walking around this animal refuge was peaceful and picturesque, too.
Be aware that the sand trails are somewhat steep and uneven in some places, which could be a problem for folks with mobility issues. A limited number of golf carts are available for such visitors. (A small playground and picnic area are on the property, too, for visitors with young children.)
Signage around the trails shows animals that are native to this location. So this truly is a wildlife haven in every possible way.
Animal Ark hosts a large number of learning programs for school children and families.
Examples include Wolf Howl Nights, Cheetah Chases, Ark at Dark, etc.
Membership and animal adoption programs help to offset the costs of feeding and housing the animals.
This is a delightful, educational attraction that relies on solar energy and a wind generator, making it an all-around “role model” for modern-day, environmentally-conscious, non-profit organizations. I'm glad we visited and would highly recommend it to locals or tourists; it's worth the drive from South Reno or Downtown.
Animal Ark is open Tuesday-Sunday and some holidays April-October. Usual hours are 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Some special events occur outside of those hours. Admission is free for children 2 and under; $6.50 for ages 3-12; $9.50 for adults; $8 for seniors; free for members.
July is Military Month at Animal Ark. All active and reserve personnel get free admission and military family members receive 50 percent off regular admission prices as a show of appreciation.
For more information, call (1-775) 970-3111 or visit http://www.animalark.org/animals.html .
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