Wildlife Wonderland INC.
A Nonprofit Organization
Located in East Texas
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Our Origin Story
Our journey began, as one might expect, with a lemur. In 2015, I welcomed Rupert, a charming Ring-Tailed Lemur, into my life after purchasing him from a reptile store. I was assured that raising a lemur would be effortless and that Rupert would quickly become my closest companion. Indeed, Rupert and I share an unbreakable bond. However, I was not informed about the challenges that would accompany raising such a unique and spirited creature.
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As Rupert reached sexual maturity at the age of two, he became aggressive towards anyone outside our immediate family. By the age of four, it became clear that Rupert's preference was for my company exclusively. While this may not seem problematic, lemurs express their displeasure through biting. Their deceptively adorable appearance belies the razor-sharp teeth that can effortlessly cause injury, often necessitating hospital visits.
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Lemurs' agility and dexterity allow them to access every corner of a home, from walls to ceiling fans, leaving no surface untouched. Acclimating to life with a lemur required me to make significant sacrifices, both in my social life and home environment. My experience revealed the importance of educating others about the commitment involved in caring for these captivating animals.
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As infants, lemurs are incredibly dependent on their mothers, with Rupert remaining by my side for his first three months of life. Our excursions together often prompted inquiries from curious onlookers, many of whom were unaware of lemurs and their status as the most endangered group of mammals on Earth. When my daughter's preschool invited me to bring Rupert and some of our reptiles for a Science Week presentation, I witnessed the children's enthusiasm and desire to make a difference. Inspired by their passion, I established Wildlife Wonderland the following week.
Initially volunteering at events and speaking about the challenges of coexisting with such animals, I soon expanded our mission to include rescuing and rehabilitating surrendered animals like Pebbles and Stitch, the kinkajous. Since then, we have aided countless species of misunderstood exotic animals.
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Our mission would not be possible without your support. The animals depend on us, and in turn, we rely on you to help make a difference. To contribute to our cause and become a part of this extraordinary journey, please consider the various ways you can assist from afar. Together, we can create a brighter future for these amazing animals.