Lions, Tigers and Mountain Lions...oh, my!

A Special Wildlife Foundation In honor of Earth Day, I want to introduce you to a special Wildlife Foundation dedicated to preserving the habitat and conservation of animals, both locally and globally. My hope is that you will find the inspiration to support a similar organization in your community that educates the public about protecting our planet and its creatures for generations to come.

Meet Kira. She is a 23-year old mountain lion – the oldest in captivity. When the facility that was home to Kira closed its doors, as a geriatric animal, her caretakers found it difficult to place her in a new home. Most facilities don’t have the resources to care for geriatric animals. She was nearly euthanized. Luckily, the Barry R. Kirshner Wildlife Foundation (Kirshner) found out about Kira and stepped in. At Kirshner, she has a new home and a loving group of volunteers to care for her. And although Kira has suffered from advanced arthritis, through both a special diet and herbal therapy, she is doing very well.

The Barry R. Kirshner Wildlife Foundation, a non-profit organization located in Durham, California, is near and dear to my heart. I spend as many volunteer hours as I can afford helping Kirshner care for tigers, lions, panthers and other exotic animals (85% of which have special needs) that would otherwise have to be euthanized. Almost all were abused, had severe disabilities, seized from illegal possession, or homeless and uncared for. Kirshner is home to a remarkable variety of non-releasable, endangered, and exotic animals. Each animal is housed in an enclosure that far exceeds State and Federal regulations. The animals receive daily exercise, proper nutrition and plenty of attention. It provides education to the public in 9 languages, including ASL for the hearing impaired.

The co-founder, Roberta Kirshner, is a sought-after mentor and inspirational example of how to act on one’s calling in life. Roberta started Kirshner in 1994 to honor her son, Barry, who was killed in an auto accident. Barry had started a foundation to teach the preservation and conservation of wildlife and its habitat. After his death, Roberta focused her attention on fulfilling her son's vision. Leveraging 40 years’ experience working with exotics, she now works passionately to educate children and their parents about the importance of conservation and the beauty of natural habitats. Roberta together with the volunteer staff at Kirshner, shares the wild animals with classrooms, school assemblies, churches, 4-H, scouts, senior citizens, at-risk youth, hospitals and other special groups. The animals inspire people and literally change their lives! Many times, children with disabilities can relate to an animal that also has a special need. The rewards of seeing a child smile, disabled or otherwise, is unparalleled.

This facility is truly remarkable - it is run solely by volunteers. Funding is raised through membership drives, tour fees, school programs, corporate memberships, and grants. It takes a tremendous amount of money and resources to keep such a full-service, care-focused facility functioning. I admire my fellow Kirshner staffers who, busy with careers, family, and other obligations, still find time to volunteer.

Most of us have thought about volunteering, yet just can’t seem to make the time. A year and a half ago, something clicked for me—I realized volunteering at Kirshner was a great way to give back to a planet that has been sustaining me with its' resources my entire life. I've always loved tigers, in particular, but never had the opportunity to see one up close. Now, I have the privilege to help feed, water, give tours and just be in the presence of these remarkable creatures regularly. I've developed a deep love and respect for them that I simply cannot explain.

This Earth Day I encourage you to search your own interests and resources for a way to give back to the planet that has been sustaining you and your family. Whether it be through a financial pledge, volunteer hours, or signing petitions--please take action. Be an example to children and others around you. After my experiences of the past year and a half, I can honestly say that you'll be glad that you did.

For more information, or to become a member of the Barry R. Kirshner Wildlife Foundation, please visit them at www.kirshner.org.

Other organizations you may wish to explore include:
The Nature Conservancy
World Wildlife Fund
The Sierra Club
Farm Sanctuary
Or search Yahoo! Or other search engines for environmental organizations in your community.