I first met Aaron and Diana Hiibel in March 2009 when they drove from Reno to Fresno to develop their support for cheetah conservation by meeting with me at Project Survival (Cat Haven). Later in the year I had the privilege to visit their Ark – a small well managed zoo just outside of Reno, Nevada. Through their facility they took their passion for wildlife into a passion for both local and international conservation and education. The dedicated staff at the Animal Ark drives to the facility outside of Reno to work and volunteer. The Ark was almost lost when a grass fire burned the facilities to the ground, yet the support of the community rallied behind the Hiibel’s to assist in rebuilding the facility.

This year (2011), Aaron and Diana hosted us (my sister and I) at their home and gave us a tour of the “new” Ark. The two bear cubs that are off exhibit are an example of what the Ark is doing to assist in rehabilitation for the future of the species – just a part of their contribution to local conservation efforts.
I am honored that Animal Ark has chosen to support ACK along with so many other wonderful conservation projects. Look for ACK crafts for Kenya when you visit their gift shop!

Next year ACK will be a part the animal Ark “Out of Africa” celebration as a part of our 2012 fall fundraising tour.

In the meantime if you are in the Reno area please contact Animal Ark – join them for a cheetah run, for other special events or for a nice afternoon in the beautiful mountains. If you are interested in local conservation programmes they will be happy to tell you how to get involved. Animal Ark works in collaboration with Cat Haven in promotion of cheetah conservation on both Kenya and Botswana. I am very proud to be a part of this great team!

Action for Cheetahs in Kenya needs your help. To make a donation, please visit Project Survival – http://www.cathaven.com/ProgramDetail.aspx?id=433