ARK provides hope for injured animals

ARK provides hope for injured animals 

ARK volunteers with painted turtles similar to those that will be used as a fundraiser for the ARK later this year.

Take an ever-changing menagerie that can range from pelicans to turtles.

Stir in a staff that consists mostly of volunteers. Add nearly $30,000 a year for food alone. That's the Animal Rehabilitation Keep (ARK) at The University of Texas at Austin Marine Science Institute (MSI).

The ARK's mission is to accept animals that are injured or ill and rehabilitate them so they can be returned to their natural habitat. In some cases this is no more than a few days' care; in other cases it's months of feeding, observation and care for 24 hours a day.

The ARK has been rescuing and rehabilitating injured and sick wildlife in the Coastal Bend of South Texas for more than 25 years. While the University of Texas provides utilities and some help from maintenance personnel, the ARK is primarily financed by donations from individuals and foundations and an endowment, The Anthony F. Amos Endowment for the Operation of the Animal Rehabilitation Keep.

Expenses include construction of facilities and materials for any maintenance and operations, supplies, medicines, food for the animals, pumps, filters, heaters, air conditioners, washing machines, ice makers, and salaries for animal attendants.

Although the ARK isn't open to the public, group tours can be arranged in some instances. Call (361) 749-6793 or (361) 442-7638 for more information or to arrange for a tour. ARK officials ask that tours be limited to a maximum of 25; a donation will be asked for to help defray expenses. Tours will usually be scheduled on Wednesdays or Saturdays.

The ARK can always use more volunteers, also. If you have time to spend helping a disabled animal (or money to donate, of course!) call the same number.

One goal is to fill the Endowment fund so that there will be a permanent source of funding for the ARK. Donors may specify that their gift goes to the Endowment to further this aim. There is no overhead and the ARK gets all funds contributed.