January 24, 2024

Dear Jonathan,

Happy Wild Wednesday! Today I am honored to share an update from Keepers of the Wild Vice President Lara Kraft regarding the fox rescue project we first told you about in November.

Lara says, "As you may have read in our recent newsletters, Keepers of the Wild is working with Save A Fox to help rehome 500 foxes saved from a cruel fur farm in Minnesota [see photo above]. Originally, we agreed to take in a family of six foxes, but with such a massive number of animals in need from this rescue, we have answered the call and agreed to take in 26 foxes in total! 

"Transportation for the first family of six foxes from Minnesota to our sanctuary in northern Arizona is currently being organized. The 20 additional individuals will be selected by Save a Fox and we will then arrange for their arrival. Updates on both of these emergency rescues will be shared here in the newsletter as well as on our social media outlets—be sure to keep up with our progress!"

As always, we are incredibly grateful for your support, which makes critical rescue missions like this possible. You are saving lives! Thank you on behalf of the animals we serve for believing in them ... and us.

With gratitude,

Keepers of the Wild Board Member

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MARK YOUR CALENDARS ... AZ GIVES DAY IS COMING!

Arizona Gives Day is still a few months away, but please circle the date on your calendar or set a digital reminder now.

This annual giving movement unites nonprofits in our state to celebrate and increase philanthropy through online giving.

The event helps raise awareness about the critical role nonprofits like Keepers of the Wild play in our community and inspires people to give generously.

Next week, we will share more about our goal for AZ Gives Day and the important project we hope to fund with your support. Save the date and stay tuned!

Photo of actual sponsors with their Legacy Bench plaque

LEGACY BENCH SPONSORSHIPS

With so many new residents set to arrive, as well as multiple major projects underway at the sanctuary, we invite you to participate in our Legacy Bench Sponsorship program. Not only will you be giving back to our park, and helping us to maintain our animal habitats and two miles of walkable trails, but you will also be able to take in the serene mountain views and relaxation that our park offers. As a thank you for your support, we will place a permanent bronze plaque with your personalized message of choice on the bench you choose to sponsor.

DINOSAUR DESCENDANTS!

QUICK FACTS:

• Keepers of the Wild is currently home to 10 emus.

• They are native to Australia.

• Emus are social, friendly, and curious animals by nature. 

• Emus are descendants of dinosaurs and are considered by many in the scientific community to be "living dinosaurs" because their DNA so closely resembles that of their prehistoric ancestors.

• They are the second-tallest bird in the world next to their relative, the ostrich. Emus typically stand around 5.5 to 6.0 feet tall—taller than many humans!

• Emus are flightless birds and have very small wings, usually less than eight inches in size.

• What they lack in flight, emus make up for in speed—they can reach running speeds over 30 miles per hour! 

• Emus have two sets of eyelids; the second (innermost) is for keeping sand and dirt out of their eyes. 

• Emus lay large, beautiful dark green eggs that resemble giant avocados. Their eggs are used by artists around the world for carving intricate design pieces due to the hard shell and multi-layered colorings the eggs provide. The outer layer is deep green and each layer thereafter becomes increasingly lighter. 

• Unfortunately, emus are farmed and killed here in the US as well as internationally for their fatty oils, meat, feathers, and other parts to produce and sell emu oil, meat/jerky, and aesthetic pieces. 

• At KOTW, our emus reside in a very large, natural habitat that allows the birds plenty of room to roam and forage for bugs in the sand and dirt. They love drinking and playing in fresh water, so our Animal Caretakers provide natural pools for them to enjoy. Sanctuary guests can often see the emus gathered around one of these pools socializing, not unlike the office water cooler for humans! 

(Species Spotlight courtesy of Lara Kraft, Keepers of the Wild Vice President, Chairwoman and Media Director)

ENTER OUR WEEKLY TRIVIA CONTEST!

Thank you to everyone who entered last week's trivia contest. The correct answer was 17,000. Congratulations to Teresa W., who was randomly selected as the prize winner!

In this week's contest, you have a chance to win the hardcover book "Animal Portraits"—per Amazon Reviews: "A fabulous, large-format, 40-page, hardback full of bold, colorful, and appealing animal portraits, from mice to elephants, pandas to reindeer. Captivating and beautiful."

HERE'S HOW TO ENTER: Visit the Tips for Visiting page on our website. How far in advance should you arrive at the sanctuary if you are planning to take a guided tour?

Email us your answer by Tuesday, January 30. One participant will be chosen at random to win the hardcover book. Good luck!

(Please allow approximately two weeks for shipping of prizes. We appreciate your patience. Thank you.) ram* s.

If you would like 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 so many amazing animals with a fur-ever home, where they always know they are loved!

Keepers of the Wild

13441 E Hwy 66

Valentine, AZ 86437

(928) 769-1800