EXPANDING & DEVELOPING OUR NEVADA FACILITY—Updated February 2008

So many projects were successfully undertaken in 2007, that we have had to create a new page for them: Expansion 2007.

To accommodate an increased need for placement space, Safe Haven moved in November 2006 to a 160-acre property in Imlay, Nevada . The year 2007 was notable for new construction and development projects, including a new clinic and tiger enclosure, and the expansion of our perimeter fencing and one of the cougar enclosures. In spite of harsh winter weather, we have continued working into 2008, almost without pause.
 

January 18, 2008—New Fox Dens

January 18 was a major project day that included thirteen AmeriCorps members, ten young people fulfilling community service requirements for the 6th Judicial Court, and three other children, working under the direction of our Wildlife Care Intern, Catreena McCarthy, and Safe Haven volunteer Devin Dins.

Two new dens are under construction for Safe Haven's three resident foxes. One will be shared by Juno and Cheyenne, and the other is for Sydney. The dens are 5 ft. off the ground with a baffle. We will add an overhang for protection from the rain, and possibly an additional enclosed platform on top. Each fox enclosure also includes a digging box.

Several AmeriCorps members worked with younger children on constructing papier-mache enrichment items with non-toxic dyes in various colors. These will be used in an enrichment research study on the color preferences of our cougars.

Left: Volunteers from AmeriCorps, with Catreena mcCarthy (in red cap and jacket) and Devin Dins (in white cap at the far right).
Right: Young volunteers enjoy working on papier-mache enrichment items.

(Note: Persons perfoming court-required community service hours are prohibited by law from being photographed. The photos on this page include other volunteers, not those from the court system.)