"Having respect for animals makes us better humans." – Jane Goodall  

January 3, 2024

Dear Jonathan,

Happy Wild Wednesday and Happy New Year! I hope your 2024 is off to a great start.

Last week, we were very excited to announce that we raised the funds to purchase one of three emergency generators for the sanctuary. Thank you to everyone who contributed to this vital need—you are pawsome! If you'd like more information on how to help, please contact me, as we are still striving to raise enough for three generators to cover the entire sanctuary.

If there is anything you would like to see in the newsletter this year, please let us know! We hope to keep it fresh, fun and informative for you every week. Thank you for being part of our family and for being a good human who respects and cares for rescued wildlife.

With gratitude,

Keepers of the Wild Board Member

*Please consult your tax advisor

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A VERY MEOWY CATMAS!

Christmas wouldn't be the same at the sanctuary if we didn't celebrate Catmas, too! Our staff gave the big cats special purresents and the cats loved them!

It's not too late to donate a special enrichment toy to one of the awesome animals we care for at the sanctuary. Our animal caretakers are committed to providing quality enrichment activities to every animal, every day. 

With more than 130 animals currently in our care, spanning nearly 50 species, providing ultra-durable, safe and species-specific toys is extremely costly.

If you'd like to help our animal friends live their best lives by donating a toy from our Wildlife Toy Box Wish List, please click the button below. Thank you!

FOX FAMILY UPDATE!

The family of six foxes we have committed to rescuing from a Minnesota fur farm which was shut down by Save A Fox is set to arrive this month. Their new habitat at the sanctuary is ready and waiting and we can't wait to share more updates on their arrival with you!

POWERFUL PRIMATES!

QUICK FACTS:

• Keepers of the Wild is the home to Billy, the sanctuary's resident baboon.

• Baboons belong to the primate order of mammals, which also includes humans. 

• Billy is an olive baboon, one of five baboon species.

• Baboons are one of the largest monkey species and are extremely strong with a powerful grip and bite. Billy has impressively long front canines, around two inches long, as is typical for male olive baboons. 

• Unlike most species of monkeys, baboons are not found in tropical climates. Their native regions include parts of Africa and Arabia, and they spend time roving the ground, climbing trees, sleeping, and eating. 

• Billy believes he is the alpha male of the primates and humans at the sanctuary. He has a strong personality and particular social rules he expects us all to follow. Manners matter to Billy. 

• Billy eats a variety of fresh quality fruits, nuts, carbs, and proteins. He is particularly fond of grapes! 

• Baboons are highly intelligent and Billy is no exception. He is easily bored and requires a complex variety of enrichment activities provided daily by our Animal Caretakers that help stimulate Billy's mental and physical capabilities. He loves to play tricks on us humans and can snatch a pair of sunglasses faster than you can blink! 

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

WIN THIS PRIZE! ENTER OUR WEEKLY TRIVIA CONTEST

Happy New Year! Kick the year off with a visit to the sanctuary!

Thank you to everyone who entered last week's trivia contest. The correct answer was 50 different species. Congratulations to PAULA R., who was randomly selected as the prize winner!

In this week's contest, you have a chance to win an amazing prize: a Sanctuary Family Pass valued at $75! With this pass, up to 6 individuals can enjoy general admission to the sanctuary, which includes access to our animal exhibits, nature trails, and educational programs.

HERE'S HOW TO ENTER: Visit the Meet Our Staff page of our website and find the bio for Lara Kraft, Vice President, Chairwoman and Media Director. Which animal at Keepers of the Wild stole Lara's heart?

Email us your answer by Tuesday, January 9. One participant will be chosen at random to win a Sanctuary Family Pass!

EXCITING NEWS! Due to popular demand, we have extended the availability of our discounted holiday Sanctuary Family and Duo Passes! Available ONLY on our official website, the passes provide up to 60% off the gate price and are available by USPS or will-call pickup at the sanctuary. The passes do not expire and are good for one visit. Get yours while they last!  

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