Looking at Eve now, splashing around happily in her pool at our sanctuary in Murchison, Texas, it’s hard to think that she might have had no life at all. Years ago, Eve was found as a young underweight bear, rooting around in a dumpster in California; she was suffering from such a severe case of mange that she was initially known as the “bare bear.” But now, her fur’s regrown and she is thriving at Black Beauty Ranch.
Every animal at our 1,400-acre sanctuary has a story: illness or displacement, neglect or cruelty. Their happily-ever-after endings happen here at Black Beauty Ranch, where they will always have a home. This means providing lifelong care to nearly 600 domestic and exotic animals rescued from research laboratories, circuses, the wild animal pet trade, roadside zoos and other circumstances of neglect and cruelty.
Our commitment to these animals means making sure they are safe and comfortable no matter what. So, now, as a dangerous heat wave sweeps the U.S., affecting people and animals alike, our professional sanctuary staff is providing Eve and our nearly 600 other rescued animals, spanning 42 different species, at Black Beauty Ranch with ways to keep cool, from pools to fountains to special popsicles.
A video shows tigers, bears, primates, bison, horses and pigs at the sanctuary enjoying these summer enrichments (footage that has captured the attention of news stations across the U.S.):
“We provide everything our residents need to keep cool during the summer. They always have options like resting under their large trees in the shade, swimming and wading in their ponds or pools, going into their indoor shelters, or snacking on icy treats,” said Sue Tygielski, senior director of Black Beauty Ranch. “The tigers and bears particularly love playing in their pools with a variety of enrichment items that bring out their personalities and allow them to be wild, never having to face cruelty again.”
Seeing rescued residents exhibiting their natural behaviors, staying cool and calm and undisturbed by human beings, is beyond cute: It is part of our vision for the future, our aim to create a world in which animal suffering is minimized and compassion reigns.
Humane World for Animals
Texas recently passed resolutions officially recognizing Black Beauty Ranch’s anniversary and the good the sanctuary does: “Over the past 46 years, Black Beauty Ranch has exemplified the highest standards of animal welfare and ethical stewardship, and it is indeed fitting that this exemplary organization receive special recognition for its outstanding contributions to the well-being of animals.”
These words are so meaningful to me and to everyone at Humane World for Animals. Every day, we work together with millions of supporters across the globe to tackle the root causes of animal cruelty and suffering to create permanent change. Our aim is to create a world in which taking good care of animals is part of public consciousness, a part of public life and a central value of the community.
There is always more to be done to improve the way animals are treated in the world. And so the very nature of our work, creating lasting systemic change for animals at a large scale, can make it difficult to remember to pause and reflect on our successes. But watching the video of the rescued residents of our sanctuary reminds me to, like these animals, find joy in the moment.
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