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 Free Gift with Donation |
Give the gift of life this holiday season by sponsoring Ben, a black bear that was rescued from captivity after spending 5 years confined in a small cage in Linden, Iowa.
For every $10.00 contribution, you will receive your choice of a beautiful black bear ornament or a fun cuddly plush black bear with a holiday scarf!
Read Ben's story and others ways you can help! |
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Proceeds benefit The Wild Animal Sanctuary, which has given Ben his freedom.
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BEN ARRIVES AT NEW HOME
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| Ben, a black bear, arrived in his new home on October 10, 2007 and immediately settled into his new freedom. Read Ben's story and learn more about how a black bear lives. Ben is just one of the thousands of animals Pat Craig, Executive Director of the Wild Animal Sanctuary has helped, hoping to bring awareness to the increasing problem of individuals having exotic and wild animals in captivity as pets.
Follow Ben's journey with us as we watch Ben settle into his new habitat surrounded by furry friends. Learn how you can help Ben and other animals like him. You can also help RVAS animals who have special needs.
If you would like to be added to our e-news for periodic updates on Ben, simply click here.
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UPDATE: 11/1/07 |
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BEN BEGINS HIS HIBERNATION FOR WINTER |
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Ben settled into his winter routine and has begun hibernation. On November 15, Channel 7 News in Denver featured Pat Craig, Director of The Wild Animal Sanctuary sharing the documentary that his rescue team did on their own during their trip to Iowa to pick up Ben.This story brings to life, the reality of how these animals suffer, when people with good intentions interfere with the natural order of life. The news story clearly states the tragedy of Ben's captivity, as it shows his curiosity when he meets another bear. Being purchsed at 2 months, Ben was never exposed to another Bear or any other type of wildlife. |
Canine Patrol greets Ben |
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UPDATE: 10/18/07 |
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BEN SETTLES INTO NEW HOME WITH NEW FRIENDS. |
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Ben arrived in his new habitat on October 10, 2007. Pat Craig, Director, Wild Animal Sanctuary:
"Ben is doing great. He was neutered a few days ago, and was released into the habitat yesterday. He felt very comfortable, as he went swimming in one of the tanks right away, and then proceeded to go up to the far dens where all the boys hang out and played with Rusty (one of our brown bears). He also played with a pumpkin for a while, then proceeded to eat it. and then took a nap in one of the dens. He was sleeping in one of the dens with other bears this morning and seems totally at home. I'll attach pictures for you to use..." |
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Sponsor Ben Here |
10/9/07 |
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BEN LEAVES IOWA FOR NEW HOME IN COLORADO |
 Sponsor Ben Here
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After five years in captivity in a roadside zoo, Ben heads to The Wild Animal Sanctuary in Colorado. In 2004, RVAS was asked by law enforcement to assist them in a welfare check, coordinating an extensive rescue task force to get Ben in a wildlife sanctuary where he can live a full life in a natural habitat. But the owner renigged on his decision, causing Ben to remain in captivity three more years. In May, 2007, Iowa's laws changed, and Ben's owner could no longer afford the new license and insurance fees to keep the bear. RVAS once again, assisted in Ben's rescue where Ben can live among others of his kind. Learn more about the increasing problem of individuals owning exotic and wild animals as pets. |
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BE A SPONSOR FOR BEN AT THE SANCTUARY:
Ben's rescue efforts cost $1,500.00 alone. The Sanctuary will spend approximately $8,000.00 a month to provide Ben the shelter, food, medical care, and insurance that he needs. You can help by being a sponsor. Simply click on the link to the left, select "A Bear Of My Choice" from the drop-down menu, and type in "Ben's" name in the box. Exotic and Wild animals, like Ben, need our help too! |
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BE A SPONSOR FOR AN RVAS COMPANION:
Raccoon Valley handles hundreds of cases of animals in need, just like Ben. Whether it is a canine, feline, bunny and even wildlife, animals need our help in living a quality life. You can join us in our efforts to offer every animal the quality of life they deserve by contributing to one of our "special needs" companions. |
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BEN'S SPONSORS |
| Below are people and organizations who are working together with RVAS to help bring awareness to the increasing problem of wild and exotic animals being held in captivity by individuals for roadside zoos and pets. We thank you for your support in helping our partners change the way the world views and treats our animals. |
Linda R. Blakely
The Dobbins
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Chris, Julie & Paige Masimore
Raccoon Valley Animal Sanctuary & Rescue |
Joseph S. Pundzak |
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