Eddie Gypsie Queenie first day in new enclosure
Franklin Zoo and Wildlife Sanctuary is a very special place. It is a privilege to have our wonderful supporters, help us, to make it possible to care for our special needs birds, reptiles and animals. The circus lions, and now Jumbo (Mila) the African elephant, have been able to retire and rehabilitate from circus life, because we – the sanctuary – exists. Providing sanctuary for these animals is not, and has never been, easy. The challenges finding funding, managing animal health & care and dealing with the political and human elements are very real and sometimes soul destroying. However we are here primarily for the transformation of these magnificent creatures and it is so very worthwhile. They are an absolute joy!
Click here to view complete newsletter for October 2010
A year ago we said a sad farewell to Gypsy and Queenie the last circus lions ever in NZ. We had been nursing Queenie with her Feline aids for 7 months and the time had come. Gypsy, totally blind and dependant upon her sister for everything, was euthanized at the same time. It was a dignified and kind end. Our priority when taking over the sanctuary in November 2005 was to facilitate the retirement of the exotic mammals from the circus. In 2006, at our expense, we retired the circus lions Eddie and the girls. What followed was a transformation of the three lions from sadness and inactivity to active and fun loving lions. Once the girls had passed, it was then time to think about Jumbo (Mila) again!
There are several projects being undertaken by the Franklin Zoo Charitable Trust which require funding, sponsorship or donations.
Mila playing with mud
The elephant: Grumpy’s Barn – Mila’s (Jumbo’s) barn is up and she is enjoying her large indoor space anytime she likes including a nice big sand pit to play and stand in. All that is needed now are funds to complete drainage plumbing and earth moving work around the barn. We have managed to get generous discounts on the steel and galvanizing, and other work however The Charitable Trust still needs to raise $35K to complete the facility.
The second is a new enclosure for the spider monkey, Barda, to create more space and height so that he can have a friend to come and share it with him. Approximately $25,000 for this project.
Barda, Spider Monkey
The Charitable Trust needs to raise $25K to refurbish this enclosure.
If you would like to contribute to any of these projects, you can donate directly on this web site or by direct credit to the Franklin Zoo Charitable Trust. BSB: 060401 Acc: 0327303 00 or by phoning us on 09 236 8686. Please be sure to send us all your address details so that we can send you a Franklin Zoo Charitable Trust receipt for your taxation purposes.
