Post by emily on Mar 1, 2008 0:52:40 GMT -5
from Jacksonville, FL tv station
www.news4jax.com/news/15452901/detail.html
Clay County Man Offers Volunteers Sleepover With Wolves
POSTED: 4:22 pm EST February 29, 2008
GREEN COVE SPRINGS, Fla. -- There's a pack of wolves in southern Clay County, but the man responsible for them said there is no threat to life, limb or livestock
A husband and wife have turned their property just outside of Keystone Heights into the Big Oak Wolf Sanctuary and are devoting their lives to providing a comfortable home to wolves that were seized by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
"They're starved and beaten and chained up ... and that's where we come in," said John Knight.
Knight's wolf sanctuary has turned into a wolf paradise, and he is trying to use the majestic animals to bring joy to physically and developmentally disabled people.
"It just really does get inside of you," John Knight said of his all-consuming passion of caring for these wolves. "We can't really describe what it is."
While most people would never dream of getting close enough to pet or feed a wolf, Knight said it's not only safe, but a powerful experience.
"If they can come out here and we can leash up the animals and bring them in close contact with them, it's quite an experience for them," Knight said.
They started out housing two wolves. They're now up to 18, which is a job that requires the attention of more than just Knight and his wife.
On Saturday night, they are holding a special event for some of their volunteers -- a sleepover with the wolves. The volunteers know they have nothing to fear from the animals -- some of which weigh 160 pounds.
"They're so powerful, yet they're so gentle," Knight said. "They're so sweet; they're so loving; they're so appreciative."
Knight said they are always looking for new volunteers. Anyone interested should contact them at 904-388-5245.
www.news4jax.com/news/15452901/detail.html
Clay County Man Offers Volunteers Sleepover With Wolves
POSTED: 4:22 pm EST February 29, 2008
GREEN COVE SPRINGS, Fla. -- There's a pack of wolves in southern Clay County, but the man responsible for them said there is no threat to life, limb or livestock
A husband and wife have turned their property just outside of Keystone Heights into the Big Oak Wolf Sanctuary and are devoting their lives to providing a comfortable home to wolves that were seized by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
"They're starved and beaten and chained up ... and that's where we come in," said John Knight.
Knight's wolf sanctuary has turned into a wolf paradise, and he is trying to use the majestic animals to bring joy to physically and developmentally disabled people.
"It just really does get inside of you," John Knight said of his all-consuming passion of caring for these wolves. "We can't really describe what it is."
While most people would never dream of getting close enough to pet or feed a wolf, Knight said it's not only safe, but a powerful experience.
"If they can come out here and we can leash up the animals and bring them in close contact with them, it's quite an experience for them," Knight said.
They started out housing two wolves. They're now up to 18, which is a job that requires the attention of more than just Knight and his wife.
On Saturday night, they are holding a special event for some of their volunteers -- a sleepover with the wolves. The volunteers know they have nothing to fear from the animals -- some of which weigh 160 pounds.
"They're so powerful, yet they're so gentle," Knight said. "They're so sweet; they're so loving; they're so appreciative."
Knight said they are always looking for new volunteers. Anyone interested should contact them at 904-388-5245.