We moved 138 animals safely in 4 days.
The move was necessary, but we decided to also make the experience meaningful to other animals in the future. It was structured as an exercise to train disaster responders how to safely handle a large-scale movement of potentially dangerous animals. The exercise was called “The Evacuation of a Sanctuary.”
48 volunteers gathered from all directions, including highly trained animal disaster responders from seven emergency response groups, seasoned volunteers and excellent medical and veterinary personnel….
Although we work with 13 veterinarians on a routine basis, the training exercise was led by our own lead veterinarian and advisor to our board, Barry Kellogg.
The move wasn’t without its challenges, but with our careful advance planning, we were able to make adjustments to the schedule and accomplished the move without any animal mishaps or injuries.
Here is the first newspaper article about the move from the Ocala Star Banner
What an amazing team….pictures speak louder than words….more photos to come, please check back!
What a great weekend – excellent team, incredible animals, and a unique experience!
I am so proud of all that has been accomplished! Wish I could have been there with so many of my friends making this a reality! Good luck in the new digs!!!!
Like Deb, I’m so happy for your new location – and sorry I couldn’t be there with this amazing group of friends and “animal people.” I hope everyone acclimates well to your new space!
What an amazing feat to have managed something like that with such success! Congratulations to all involved. I wish I could have been there to help, however you had THE BEST TEAM possible. Can’t wait to get to see the new digs sometime soon. I know there is tons of work still to be done. Great Job. Everyone involved deserves a big pat on the back.
wow what an experience! Thanks to the great planning of Lisa and Kurt and the awesome team! a once in a lifetime thing for me!
This was a once in a lifetime experience for me. I am so glad I was able to help out with so many professionals from the various disaster response groups. Everyone bonded together to work as a team and there were no injuries to the people or animals we moved. Everything was preplaned by Barry, Kurt, and Lisa which made things run smoothly. This sanctuary is the real deal, these animals have found a place to live out their lives in peace. They are not being exploited in any manner or fashion. They are receiving first class care here by professionals. I urge everyone to support this endeaver and donate to this sanctuary so that the animals will continue to receive the excellent care they have been receiving. Donations are really critical at this time to cover the costs of the move and the construction of future habitats.
We are so glad that the move went smoothly. You are sooo fortunate to have had such a great group of volunteers. We look forward to seeing the animals happy in their new homes!
glad you got moved
i can not wait to visit
good luck
Great achievement. Well done everyone involved. We have been following from across the Atlantic in England and finally get to see the animals new home tomorrow. Look forward to meeting up with Lisa and Kurt again. It has been quite a few years.