Master Plans » Master Plans Phase Two

Master Plans Phase Two

Master Plans Phase Two

In order to restore and maintain the health and dignity of these victims of captivity, the sanctuary is not open to the public; however, construction of a Visitor’s Center at the entrance will enable visitors to learn about the sanctuary through web cam broadcasts from inside the animal habitats. One camera is already installed in the Asian elephant habitat which broadcasts the daily activities of the Asian elephants to the world via the internet. At least three more cameras will be installed—two in the African elephant habitat and one in the tiger habitat—before the end of 2007.

The Visitor’s Center will include an Art Gallery, Gift Shop, and “Wildlife Classroom to the World” Education building where viewers’ world wide will learn about the important captive wildlife issues that are an important adjunct to the sanctuary project. The various web cams located in the animal habitats will be utilized to transmit wildlife conservation and educational programs, informative lectures and other discussions to schools, colleges and universities.

An essential part of the San Andreas local economy is tourism, and ARK 2000’s presence has already increased business at local restaurants, motels, wineries and gift shops whenever PAWS’ partners and other invited guests visit the area for a planned event at the sanctuary.

Calaveras County is filled with colorful gold rush towns—Murphys, Sutter Creek, Angels Camp and Jackson—where ranches, farms, orchards and vineyards were established around the gold mines at that time and began the traditions of wine and agriculture that continue today. The area is rich in California history, and, interestingly, the early gold miners called hitting the mother lode “seeing the elephant”.
We anticipate the Visitor’s Center to be a place that will not only facilitate learning about captive wildlife, but  will also be a comfortable place to enjoy art, music, local wine and the peaceful refuge for the animals.

Phase Two will also include a Conference Center and Nature Walk which will be developed on the north side of the Pool Station Road entrance. The Conference Center Building will be designed to accommodate successful gatherings for the purpose of enlightenment and education regarding captive wildlife, conservation and the natural world.

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