One of the “well-kept secrets” south of Atlanta is Noah’s Ark, located on 250 beautiful, rural acres in Locust Grove, Georgia. Noah’s Ark is a two-fold non-profit organization - it is comprised of Noah’s Ark Children Care Homes, which provides residential care for up to 24 children; and Noah’s Ark Animal Rehabilitation Center, which provides rehabilitative services for local wildlife and provides a permanent residence to more than 1,000 animals (exotic, domestic, livestock and wildlife). This unique combination allows children who have been abused, neglected or abandoned to learn to nurture, heal emotionally, and open up their hearts through caring for animals that have also been abused, neglected and abandoned.
Noah’s Ark has a 40-acre animal habitat that is open to the public Tuesday through Saturday from noon until 3:00 p.m., weather permitting. First-time visitors are almost always amazed at the scope of Noah’s Ark. They come expecting a petting zoo and are amazed when they drive up to a beautifully landscaped, park-like setting. Guests are also surprised to find themselves viewing a full-grown African Lion, two pairs of tigers, a beautifully marked leopard, wolves, bears, a myriad of monkeys, and a pond of alligators, including Big Al who measures in at over 10 feet long. They may have a close encounter with free roaming deer, llamas, peacocks and pot-bellied pigs. And all of this at the low, low price of….no admission! The entire animal rehab center is funded through donations, and visitors are asked to give as their hearts dictate (the cost to feed the animals alone is $10,000+ monthly!). The animals come to Noah’s Ark through abuse cases, illegal ownership of exotic animals, surrender because owners can no longer provide care, abandonment, etc. Noah’s Ark is licensed through the United States Department of Natural Resources, the United States Department of Agriculture, and other related governing agencies.
A fun new feature in 2008 is the overnight Adventure Safari scheduled for August 29/30, September 26/27, and October 31/November 1 ($100 tax deductible donation per camper, under 18 must be accompanied by an adult). For more information call 770-957-0888 or see the website at www.noahs-ark.org <http://www.noahs-ark.org>.