Eddie Gypsie Queenie first day in new enclosure
Due to the tragic accidental death of Dr Helen Schofield the Sanctuary is closed to the public. The Franklin Zoo and Wildlife Sanctuary is a very special place. It is a privilege to have our wonderful supporters, help us, to make it possible to care for our special needs birds, reptiles and animals. The circus lions, and now Jumbo (Mila) the African elephant, have been able to retire and rehabilitate from circus life, because we - the sanctuary - exists. Providing sanctuary for these animals is not, and has never been, easy. The challenges finding funding, managing animal health & care and dealing with the political and human elements are very real and sometimes soul destroying. However we are here primarily for the transformation of these magnificent creatures and it is so very worthwhile. They are an absolute joy!
In 2006, at our expense, we retired the circus lions Eddie and the girls. What followed was a transformation of the three lions from sadness and inactivity to active and fun loving lions. Once the girls had passed, it was then time to think about Jumbo (Mila) again!
There are several projects being undertaken by the Franklin Zoo Charitable Trust which require funding, sponsorship or donations.
Mila playing with mud
The elephant: Grumpy’s Barn - Mila’s (Jumbo’s) barn is up and she is enjoying her large indoor space anytime she likes including a nice big sand pit to play and stand in.
We are now fund raising to continue to care for Mila and secure her future move to another sanctuary to be with other African elephants. We aim to achieve this by June 2013 and require $1.15m for this elephant programme alone.
We need funds to continue to care for all the other animals until their new homes are ready for them in the next few months.
If you would like to contribute to any of these projects, you can donate directly on this web site or by direct credit to the Franklin Zoo Charitable Trust. BSB: 060401 Acc: 0327303 00 or by phoning us on 09 236 8686. Please be sure to send us all your address details so that we can send you a Franklin Zoo Charitable Trust receipt for your taxation purposes.