Sponsor an animal for Valentines Day and volunteer for a first-hand experience
Lavonia, GA – What did the fox say? Well, Mosey the fox at the Haven Zoo says, “I like chicken dinners.” She also enjoys playing with her blue ball and belly rubs, but most of all scratches under the chin. Asante the African serval also enjoys his chicken dinners. He hisses in appreciation. Several years ago, he was rescued by the GA DNR from an unfit home. They contacted JohnieSue Thurman, founder of the Haven Zoo, to see if she could provide a home for him.
Mosey and Asante are just two of the nearly 80 animals – exotic, domestic and native – that have found a permanent home at the Haven Zoo, a volunteer-run nonprofit in Lavonia, GA. “We all work full time jobs, but our heart and soul work overtime with these animals,” said JohnieSue as a goat leans against her. “The biggest challenges are finding reliable volunteers and donations. We have been blessed by this community and have people of all ages who show up in all kinds of weather to help keep the animals fed, watered, warm and loved."
All of the animals are rescued from the black market, unfit/unlicensed homes, surplus animals, or those that have special needs. The biggest expenses are vet bills and feed. Sponsoring an animal helps with those expenses. Plus, people feel some personal attachment to that animal or group of animals.
In February, the zoo is encouraging people to show their love for the animals and the zoo by sponsoring the animals. It makes a great gift for the animal lover in your life. And you can surprise them with a gift certificate for a tour of the zoo. There are multiple sponsor categories as well as the Haven Zoo Defender, which sponsors all the animals.
Learn more about sponsoring the animals.
