The Animal Park at the Conservators Center was founded in 1999 in Mebane, NC. After volunteering and working for other wildlife oriented organizations, Douglas Evans and Mindy Stinner founded the Animal Park as an educational non-profit dedicated to providing a specialized home for select carnivore species. In 2001 the Animal Park relocated onto 45 acres of beautiful, forested land in Caswell County, of which only approximately 10 acres is currently developed. Over the next few years, the site grew to house three tigers and about 25 small wild cats and other small carnivores.
In 2004, the Animal Park at the Conservators Center assisted the United States Department of Agriculture by accepting the placement of 14 lions and tigers that were part of a larger confiscation of animals living in unacceptable conditions. These animals were coming from a facility that focused on reproduction, and four of the female large cats delivered cubs not long after their arrival. The Animal Park’s population of large cats expanded from three big cats to over 30 individuals in a matter of a few months.
Because of the decision to maintain these animals on site, the business plan of the organization was shifted to include opening the park to the public to provide enough funding to support the expanded population. With that shift, the Animal Park opened its doors to the public in 2007 with its first guided, walking tours.
Today, the Animal Park is home to over 70 animals, and more than 21 species; employs more than a dozen full and part-time individuals; and is a hub of volunteer activity. The Park welcomes over 16,000† visitors each year from all over the state and across the country. In addition, the Animal Park participates in collaborative educational efforts with other institutions that expand the educational impact far beyond the park’s borders.
