|
"One touch of nature makes the whole world kin."
-William Shakespeare
June 11, 2024
Dear Lara,
Greetings, and welcome to this week’s newsletter!
"One touch of nature makes the whole world kin," penned by William Shakespeare, resonates deeply with me. This quote encapsulates the profound connections I have nurtured through my work, driven by our mutual love for nature and animals. Our intrinsic connection with nature binds us together as one collective family, and I extend my heartfelt gratitude for maintaining this palpable bond each week.
My life's journey has led me to assume the roles of Co-Executive Director and Chairwoman at Keepers of the Wild, and I'm honored to announce that I have been given the opportunity to extend my passion for animals and ecological welfare as the Arizona State Director for Animal Wellness Action (AWA). AWA is an important fellow non-profit organization that advocates the prevention of animal cruelty by enacting and enforcing laws and public policies to protect them while restoring balance to our co-existence with animals and nature. As the Arizona State Director for AWA, my "family tree" of nature and animal lovers is sure to grow, and I enthusiastically look forward to forging those bonds.
Thank you sincerely for your steadfast support as we strive towards making a lasting positive impact together. You are an invaluable member of the "Keepers Kin"!
Lara Kraft,
Co-Executive Director, Chairwoman
Keepers of the Wild
| |
|
SAVE THE DATE!
Keepers of the Wild will be participating in Global Giving's online "July Bonus Day" fundraiser, a matching gift event held annually. This year, we aim to raise $5,000 to help offset the cost of repairing our Guided Safari Tour tram, which is vital to accommodating visitors at our nonprofit sanctuary.
The July Bonus Day campaign will have a Matching Fund of $400,000 USD.
While funds remain, the following matching structure will apply:
- Donations of $100 - $499 USD will be matched at 30%
- Donations of $500 - $749 USD will be matched at 40%
- Donations of $750 - $1,000 USD will be matched at 50%
You can support the animals on July Bonus Day by donating here: KOTW July Bonus Day The more we raise, the higher the matching gift by Global Giving!
| |
SPECIES SPOTLIGHT: COUGARS | |
|
National Cougar Day is Today, June 12th!
QUICK FACTS:
- Keepers of the Wild is home to four beautiful cougars: Cindy, Jasmine, Jewel, and Joshua. Cindy arrived in 2015 after she was confiscated by the state due to implementing new laws restricting private ownership of wild cats. Jasmine, Jewel, and Joshua arrived last month when local Arizona Game and Fish authorities placed the yearlings in our care to save them from destruction, as they had become habituated to humans and were beginning to pose a public safety threat. It is highly unusual for a sanctuary or zoo to take in cougars directly from the wild because they require a different approach and level of expert care to maintain the animals' and their caretakers' health and safety.
- Did you know that cougars, mountain lions, pumas, and panthers are all the same animal?
-
Pumas are the largest cats that can purr but are incapable of a proper roar. Instead, they make loud, shrill calls known as "caterwauling," which we often hear when cats fight or are in estrus*.
- Kittens are born with spots and blue eyes! They stay with their mother for up to two years, during which time Mom is known for being playful, protective, and affectionate with her babies. She teaches them everything they need to know to survive on their own once they leave her.
- Mountain lions have a huge geographical range, from Canada to Patagonia. They prefer mountainous zones, and Cindy and the yearlings' natural mountainous habitats at the sanctuary are ideal for them because they can hide in boulder formations and slink through tall grasses, providing a sense of safety.
- Pumas are stealthy and elusive. They hunt most actively at dusk, night, and dawn.
-
In Arizona, it is legal to hunt mountain lions with a permit, and sadly, up to 28% of our puma population is killed each year for sport and trophy hunting. Cougars are intrinsic to our ecosystem, and their eradication directly impacts the natural balance necessary to sustain a properly functioning environment.
| |
|
HURRY! THE FOX ADOPTION DEADLINE IS APPROCHING!
Five lucky foxes have been named and sponsored by our awesome supporters! Seven remain, eagerly wagging their tails in anticipation of being adopted, too! There's still time to take action and sponsor YOUR precious fox today through our exclusive "Adopt-A-Fox" program!
Each official sponsorship package includes your chosen name and a "Fox Box" full of unique memorabilia created just for you by KOTW's Co-Executive Director and Chairwoman, Lara Kraft.
Click the red link to sponsor your furry friend today!
ADOPT YOUR FOX! July 8th, 2024, is the adoption deadline!
| |
|
VOCABULARY WORD OF THE WEEK: ESTRUS
Estrus is the biological term used for the reproductive phase of mammals, also known as "heat."
| |
|
HERE'S A JOKE FOR YOU!
Q. What is a mountain lion's favorite day to hunt?
A. Chewsday!
| | | |
PLEASE NOTE: We are taking a short trivia break due to being behind on shipping trivia prizes. We will get the packages out as soon as possible. We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your patience. Thank you! * s. | |
|
For more information about Keepers of the Wild and how you can get involved, please contact us or visit the WAYS TO HELP page on our website.
Thank you for supporting our mission to provide a fur-ever home for abused, neglected, abandoned or surrendered animals, where they know they are always cared for and loved!
| |
Keepers of the Wild
13441 E Hwy 66
Valentine, AZ 86437
(928) 769-1800
| | | | |
