I was surprised to find out that we had a wildlife survival sanctuary in SPring Hill on 18212 Booming Road, Spring Hill, Florida (Hernando County). I had read about their 10th anniversary in the Hernando Today and then went on their web-site and this is part of their mission statement. Their web-site is www.wildlifesurvival.com.
In light of the recent controversy facing people who have wildlife in captivity, I searched their web-site for more information and this is what I happily found:
They were founded in May of 2000. The founders realized that the problems facing wildlife in captivity were significant. Often, exotic animals found in captivity, are purchased by individuals who want to own them to enhance their personal status or for financial gain by breeding them for profit. Unfortunately, most people don't know that exotic animals in captivity have complex nutritional, dietary and medical needs that are extremely costly when you own one of these animals.
Most of these situations end with the animal being euthanized or forced to live a life of misery in unsanitary conditions. There are also situations where people just run into hard times, and no matter how much they love their animals, they aren't able to provide for them anymore so they are looking to place their beloved animal(s) with a sanctuary such as ours.
There are many so-called "sanctuaries", that portray themselves as rescue facilities for exotic animals but seem to be more interested in breeding or purchasing cubs while leaving adult animals who desperately need homes with no place to go!
Their mission at Wildlife Survival is to rescue animals without prejudice. They do not intentionally breed, and they DO Not sell their animals! The animals do not have contact with the public. It is a place where the animals can live out their life without harm to them.
It is totally on a volunteer basis and all donations go directly towards the cost of care for their animals. All donations are tax-deductible.
