Domestic and Wildlife Sanctuary
People have been bringing animals to us since the early seventies. Once at the sanctuary, each animal is placed under observation, then treated for any acute injuries or illness. Most are in need of good nutrition and lots of TLC. In the case of wildlife, it is transferred to a wildlife specialit. If the animal is able, it is quickly placed or re-located.
"Zar Zar".
John with "Rose" and "Diego"
"Butchie"
Sandy and "Thor"
"Hansel and Gretal"
"Butchie" and "Chick Chick"
Our Sanctuary is a "work in progress." ARS has been helping the citizens of Nebraska since 1996. We are continually evolving to meet our changing needs. Nearly one-hundred per cent of our resources go towards animals and their care. So far we have been able to operate on a strictly volunteer basis but each year that becomes more difficult as the economy continues downward. Our emphasis has always been on health, nutrition and lifestyle. Every effort goes into helping each and every animal reach their full physical potential. We advocate only diets which are natural and replicate what the animal would eat in the wild. Commercial foods are used on a minimal basis. Exercise and nature is encouraged. We teach people how to keep their animals from becoming "couch potatoes. " Any animal plagued with obesity is eventually returned to their optimal weight. Only a few select animals reside here; most we are able to "rehabilitate" while the animal remains in it's own home.
Meet some of our past and present residents...........
"Bebe"
"Feather"
"Scarlet"
"Twinkle the blind baby squirrel"
Our Mid-town location is convenient for people who have found an animal in distress.
No animal will be put down unless it is terminally suffering.
Animals are part of nature and should be able to commiserate with it regularly
The animals have a nice-sized enclosure to allow for plenty of exercise
The sanctuary is enjoyed year-round.
Both domestic and wildlife in the mid-town area depend on the pond year round.
Ample garden space and secret paths allow for every day to be an interesting day for the residents.
When animals are not confined together they do not require cages to prevent the spread of disease. Many animals we receive have come from "hoarding" situations and are in deplorable condition. Their first breath of fresh air is a memorable one both for them and for us!
Each animal has ample space to enjoy each day of it's life on it's own terms.
At the sanctuary we have a daytime group (jmostly birds and squirrels and an occasional falcon, and a nighttime groupmostly racoon and oppossum. When the sun goes down the sanctuary fills up with critters from all over the inner city. It is an absolute joy to watch!
"Twinkle" fell from the top of a tree as a baby and lost her vision. She experienced seizures for several weeks. Eventually her sight returned and her seizures stopped. When she was ready to go, she left. To this day she makes her home in one of the many squirrel boxes located on the property.
Tall grasses and plenty of flowers dapple the landscape. They are enjoyed by all the residents, including several bee hives and native birds that visit regularly.
Each of the animals that decice to use our sanctuary are treasured and treated with the dignity and respect they deserve. We are all part of nature and to treat an animal any less than we would like to be treated is a crime against nature and all that it stands for. Our work is a labor of love and a "living apology" for all the wrongs committed against the animal kingdom.
To treat an animal any less than we would like to be treated is a crime against nature.
......and see our "labor of love" at work........
"Scarlet" was brought to us by a citizen. She had been mangled by a dog and her prospects were poor. After extensive "water therapy" in her private pond, she eventually healed and regained her strength. She grew into adulthood and knew when it was time to leave.
"Zar Zar" was brought to us by a farmer. His mother had been killed by hunters and he eventually was run over by a truck. His pelvis had been crushed and his back legs were dead. He eventually learned to scale every inch of the property, climb stairs to the loft when it was time to sleep and even crawl to the grass when he needed to potty during winters. Unfortunately, one day he was spotted by an animal control officer and euthanized on the spot. No one inquired, no one asked questions. His beautiful life came to an abrupt end.
"Rose" the calf was an extremely sad case. She fell victim to a very disturbed farmer who routinely brought animals to his farm, neglected and abused them, and then threw them into a ravine when they died as a result. When we investigated we found no less than 75-100 animals who had met their death in this cruel and inhumane manner. Rose had been taken from her Mother prematurely and suffered from scours and pneumonia so badly we thought she would never recover. With intensive round-the-clock care, she gradually stabilized. Eventually Rose was adopted to a wonderful family where she will live out her days as the family's companion.
"Butchie and Chick Chick" were part of a small flock of five that was brought to us around Easter time. They had been dyed as baby chicks and now were no longer of any use. As they grew, their feathers eventually grew out as their natural colors. Butchie watched over his flock of four hens for eight years before he was cruelly killed by a dog after being forced to live on a farm by animal control.
"Bushy" was brought to us several years ago as a tiny, hairless baby. He had also fallen from his nest, along with a sibling. Apparently, his Mother had died. When they fell they landed on a sidewalk and the sibling had brain damage. After extensive climbing therapy she regained enough control to live a life of some quality. Bushy continued to live on the property and would come to the door each day to be fed. At the age of three and a half, he became tangled in his nesting material and passed away. Someone had thoughtlessly littered a piece of plastic string which often find their way into an animal's nest, or worse, th.eir stomach
"Quana" out for his nightly romp . He still visits the sanctuary from time to time.
"Hansel and Gretel" were brought to us from a citizen who no longer wanted to bother with them. Gretel suffered from genetic defects, most likely from inter-breeding but could still lead a somewhat normal life. They were an absolute delight to watch fly. They were never caged but had a "nest" in the sunroom. They were allowed to come and go during the warm months and would often be seen flying with the starling flock. Not believing in caging of any animal, they eventually flew away. With some luck, they ended up joining other monk parakeets in Kansas.
P.O. Box 80663
Lincoln, NE 68501
402 - 476- - 4414
info@animalrescuesoc.org
Our work is a "living apology" for all the wrongs committed against the animal kingdom.
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With domesticated or feral animals, after addressing any nutritional or behavioral issues, they are quickly placed in a new, permanent home which has been extensively screened. One of our mottos is "animals are nature;" therefore, we look almost exclusively for homes where the animal will be allowed outdoors and will have a relatively safe place to commiserate with nature, free of cages, leashes and small enclosures. Most domestic animals will stay close to their yard and territory and not roam if they have been altered. Nature is a part of them and they need nature to live a whole and balanced life. Not only do indoor-outdoor animals get more exercise, they receive unfiltered sunlight which is healthy for their bones and well-being. They are also able to find a mouse now and then which is paramount to excellent health.
"Bushy" being fed by volunteer
