Volunteer projects abound

First-time visitors to Black Pine are often surpised to learn the sanctuary operates so successfully with so few actual employees.  That's only possible when others step up in support of the mission.  Since the park recently cut back from three full-time staff to one, with just one additional part-time keeper, the continued progress on so many simultaneous projects further illustrates what an important role volunteers play at Black Pine.  Most recently volunteers have:

• Cleaned up several areas of the park, sorting, relocating, recycling, and organizing building materials used throughout the Relocation Project and ongoing rebuilding efforts
• Bulldozed and graded around new permanent habitats constructed recently, and under construction
• Excavated and plumbed two tiger pools
• Helped build new perimeter fences that protect visitors and animals, as required by governmental regulations
• Planted grass in Mae's habitat (a hamadryas baboon)
• Began laying engraved brick pavers purchased by hundreds of supporters to help fund the Relocation Project
• Added new substrates to big cat habitats in temporary holding areas
• Hooked up electricals to new Phase II cat habitats
• Cut, polished, and engraved building dedication plaques for Phase I buildings

We will not be slowing down any time soon!  Work is furiously underway to complete a four-cat tiger den to house Cita, Jai, Darly and Montrose.  A permanent habitat is also in the works for Joey, a Patagonian cavy (an Eagle Scout project).  We hope you'll plan to visit again soon to see the changes unfold!  As always we extend the most sincere THANK YOU to the dozens of volunteers and organizations who have and do contibute to these ongoing efforts.  We simply could not do what we do without them, or YOU!  If you'd like to join the volunteer effort log on to our web site and check out the volunteer opportunities, or call our office at (260) 636-7383.  We are currently seeking animal care volunteers!

Beer tasting tickets on sale now!

Join us for our second annual Lions & Tigers & Beer, Black Pine! to help raise much-needed winter funding for the animals.  Our friends at House of Spirits and The Dock, local retail establishments, will join forces with beer distributors to present a variety of different brews to sample.  Live classic rock will bring a little "wild" to the night, courtesy of Six 'til Midnight.  Our other sponsors, Whiteshire-Hamroc, Stump's BBQ, and All Events Catering will provide a plate full of fresh whole-hog roasted pork and fixings.  Enjoy visiting with the animals throughout the grounds until dark, then belly up for some tunes and tasty treats!  All proceeds will directly benefit the animals as we enter into the challenges that cold weather always bring about.  Get your tickets now by calling (260) 636-7383, or online at http://www.blackpineanimalpark.com/beer.  Tickets are also available at House of Spirits in Kendallville and The Dock in Columbia City.  Cost is $20 advance, and $25 at the door (though we expect to sell out, so don't wait!). 

  If you search the web, use GoodSearch - every search donates money to Black Pine at no cost to you!  So far, $136.52 has been raised by supporters already using the GoodSearch!

  The holidays are coming!  If you plan to shop online, register with iGive and generate cash donations to Black Pine!  Hundreds of popular stores participate.  Since March 2008, shoppers for Black Pine have already raised $246.59.  Sign up now, it's fast, easy, and at no cost to you!!

  If you have old cell phones lying around, mail them at no cost to you for recycling and generate a cash donation to Black Pine!  Dozens of phones have already been collected at the park, but you can send yours in directly, too! 

If you have a profile on Facebook, join our "I support Black Pine Animal Park" cause, and invite your friends!  The more people we can network to, the more donations we will raise.  Help reach out to others!  (You can find us under "Lori Gagen", our executive director's Facebook profile page).

Donate once, monthly, quarterly, or annually!  Quick, easy & safe!

Share Our News - Tell Other to Subscribe!

Forward this e-Bulletin to your contacts and encourage them to subscribe.  To subscribe, simply send an e-mail request to blackpine@blackpineanimalpark.com.  Or visit our home page at http://www.blackpineanimalpark.com/ and find the "Subscribe to our e-Bulletins" link.  We do not ever share our e-mail lists, so your privacy is protected!

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COMING UP...

Park open

Sat & Sun

10 - 5

through October!

Friday, Oct. 10

WISH LIST

SPECIAL THANKS

As a new feature in our e-Bulletin, we will take this opportunity to send a special "thank you" to those who have made extraordinary contributions to our mission.  This week, we send a "bear hug" to:

Erica Dekko

Dawn Sweet

Judy Ferrell

Bill Emmert

John Hoover

Kathleen Summers

Tandra Johnson

SEEKING

VOLUNTEERS

We are now seeking more volunteers to assist with weekday and weekend animal care, office tasks, and guest services.  To apply, go to our web site and complete the online form, or call the park office at (260) 636-7383.  You must be at least 16 years old and available to work at least two days each month.  Training will be provided.

CALLING

HIGH SCHOOL & COLLEGE STUDENTS

We are seeking students who are enrolled, or plan to enroll, in a university-level animal science degree program.  Black Pine's internship program offers students in high school, or college, the unparalleled opportunity to work hands-on with a variety of exotic animals.  Call Lori at (260) 636-7383 for details!

PARC, Inc.

Black Pine Animal Park

1426 W. 300 N.

P.O. Box 02

Albion, IN 46701

(260) 636-7383