Animalia, a Thorntown-based not-for-profit, will close its animal care facility and stop its nature education programs, according to an e-newsletter signed by zoologist and executive director Joel Vanderbush.
“2016 has been a difficult year financially as the loss of grants (both partnership and program) and lack of programming in the spring and fall has resulted in an irrecoverable loss,” the newsletter said. “As a result, Animalia’s Board of Directors made the hard decision to cease physical operations.”
Animalia offered up-close encounters with animals, provided animal training services and performed wildlife rehabilitation. According to the newsletter, they have put on 3,000 animal education events for 250,000 people over 10 years.
The organization says its 130 animals of 64 different species will be re-homed to zoos and other educational facilities. 107 of the animals already have new living arrangements in place, and Animalia is “confident” the others will soon. According to Animalia’s website, their animals include a variety of birds, mammals ranging from a cat to a kinkaju, snakes and reptiles, and one piranha.
The newsletter said that Animalia’s website and social media will remain up as educational resources, and they will continue to collect money for animals and conservation efforts. Their last public event will be on Nov. 19 at the Central Library, though the event is not currently listed on the Indianapolis Public Library’s website. The animal facility is set close by Thanksgiving.
“Thank you for letting me and the critters of Animalia make a difference in the lives of the children and families of Indiana these many years,” the newsletter ends.
Source: IndyCharter
by: Allison Carter
