Wildlands Conservancy's Menagerie Yard

Destroyed Due to Flooding

Hope for Higher Ground

On Saturday, October 8, 2005, Wildlands Conservancy's Pool Wildlife Sanctuary was flooded when the Little Lehigh Creek overflowed its banks.  The animals in the education animal yard were transported to safety, but their homes had to be left to the mercy of the floodwaters.  When the water receded, the destruction revealed was hard to behold.  Enclosures and flight pens were upended and severely damaged.  The perimeter fence was demolished.  Stone pathways were swept away.  Huge trees littered the yard.  Stored animal food and bedding was destroyed.  And everything was covered with slimy mud.  The normally tidy, volunteer-maintained complex was unsightly, unsanitary and unsafe!

While the facility was located in a 100 year flood plain, which means the location can be expected to flood once in a 100 year span, it has flooded 3 times in a little more than a year.  For the well-being of the animals and their caretakers, that carry them to safety in times of danger, the education animal yard must be moved to higher ground.

To do so, we need help.  The construction of the current yard was accomplished over a 15 year period through volunteer efforts with mostly donated materials.  The present situation requires a far more rapid response because the next flood could be deadly.  The funds are needed to purchase construction materials now.  It will cost nearly $40,000 to complete the new facility planned for a secure location behind the education building at Pool Wildlife Sanctuary.

Please consider making a contribution towards Hoping for Higher Ground.  Each donor will be acknowledged on the Wildlands Conservancy web site.  Donors of $50 or more will be acknowledged in print.  All donors of $100 or more will have their names recorded on the donor wall at the facility.  $1,000 will sponsor an interior enclosure.  $2,500 will secure naming rights for an interior flight pen.  $5,000 will guarantee naming rights for one of the exterior observation enclosures.  A donation of any size will be gratefully accepted.