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COVID-19 impedes exotic rescue
Rick Fulton
(4/16) When one discusses animal rescue efforts in Hamiltonban, the subject usually centers around cats and dogs, not lions and tigers, but in the case of East Coast Exotic Animal Rescue, pretty much anything one would not normally encounter at the local SPCA ends up there.
Lori Wetzel, an East Coast Exotic Animal Rescue board member and volunteer, said the array of wildlife that calls the sanctuary home, not only includes a lion and a tiger, but additionally includes bobcats, farm animals, foxes, coatimundis, sugar gliders (basically small "flying" opossums), an alligator, tortoises, cavy rodents, an elk, a herd of fallow deer, prairie dogs, primates, and an
assortment of birds, snakes and lizards.
Keisha, a white Bengal tiger, is one of dozens of exotic animals housed at the shelter.
Photo courtesy of East Coast Exotic Animal Rescue
The animal rescue facility, originally called the Gettysburg Game Park, acquires their animals a number of ways, such as surrendered former pets, abandonment, neglected exotic animals, biological lab survivors, and former zoo animals.
But like all animal rescue operations, coronavirus (COVID-19) has disrupted their operations and supply chain. Wetzel said public access to the rescue facility normally begins during the first weekend of May, "But that doesn't look like it's going to happen this year." When the operation reopens to the public, she said, will probably be determined by the board.
Regarding feeding and maintaining the animals themselves, she said the operation has asked those who plant gardens to plant extra produce for the sanctuary wildlife. "We go through tons of produce," Wetzel said. The facility's animal food budget can run as much as $500 per week.
Anyone wishing to drop off food can leave meats and other items that need refrigeration in a cooler near the main gate. Other goods can be left at the gate, which is monitored by camera.
A list of other items needed can be found on the animal sanctuary website at eastcoastexoticrescue.org. Gift cards (grocery, Lowes, or Tractor Supply), as well as checks or money orders, can be made out to East Coast Exotic Animal Rescue and mailed to East Coast Exotic Animal Rescue, 320 Zoo Road, Fairfield, 17320.
To determine when the park will reopen to the public, visit the operation's website, www.eastcoastexoticrescue.org. When open, the park offers self-guided tours, and guided tours for groups. The rescue charges $10 for adults, $5 for children, and there is no charge for children under 2.
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