This year the Wild Animal Sanctuary in Keenesburg,Colorado, in operation for 26 years, nearly closed. It is still working to protect the animals in its care. The funding which had been coming to it was diverted by other natural disasters - Katrina, Indonesia tsunami. I called the sanctuary and the person I spoke to was so hopeful that somehow funds would come. And they have been. This is one of many sanctuaries in the United States which is credible, operating without funding other than donations, has accrued acreage to manage the exotic animals it has rescued, developed a system to rehabilitate the animals --- and was nearly lost! There are elephants, tigers, lions, chimpanzees, mountain lions in shelters and sanctuaries and refuges in America that were taken from the exotic trade, taken by people who thought having a baby cub was cool or made the human unique, taken for every wrong purpose.
We should know that the cycle of life is bound by earth, water, flora and fauna. How do we help these animal sanctuaries stay solvent after the work done to create them? Do we legislate for federal monies? And the credible sanctuaries in the U.S. beg the question of those not credible. What agencies are required to monitor them?
Do a search on the 'Net using shelter, refuge, sanctuary, exotic, animal. The numbers should shake you. Two elephant sanctuaries alone. Yes, there are animals from zoos given respite but, not only those. Education is important but, not always sought.

Update on this sanctuary... I ROARD!! I heard about the sanctuary possible closeing, begining of September 06..I was not going to let it happen. In memory of Steve I posted everywhere and anywhere I could get the news out. The sanctuary through thousands of great people getting the word out, has remained open!!
I have nominated Pat Craig the director of the sanctuary as Animal Planets HERO of the year.
No one could have had as much faith as Pat. He has kept his supporters strong and has been there for the animals. He realy deserves this award.
Here is the link to the Sanctuary in CO...by the way Eddy, the star of growing up black leopard, featured on Animal Planet....lives at this Sanctuary. His home was almost ready to close down...Pat, has given his life for these animals and deserves something in return.
http://www.wildlife-sanctuary.org/