October 2009

The Associated Humane Societies (AHS), founded in 1906, is the largest animal sheltering system in New Jersey. AHS cares for approximately 15,000 animals every year, including cats, dogs, wildlife, and farm animals.

In addition to operating three shelters, the Associated Humane Societies also runs Popcorn Park Zoo – a sanctuary for abandoned, injured, or abused wildlife, exotic and farm animals. Popcorn Park Zoo was established in 1977 for the sole purpose of providing a refuge for wildlife that were sick, abandoned, or abused, and which could no longer survive in their natural habitat. As time went on, the Zoo expanded to include exotic and domestic animals. Today Popcorn Park is the only federally licensed zoo in the US that treats sick, injured and abused animals. It has become home to over 200 residents, including bears, deer, bobcats, monkeys, tigers, and lions.

All the animals at Popcorn Park once faced dire circumstances, like Dante and Gina, two tigers from Texas who were destined for a canned hunt. Both were severely neglected by their owner who eventually found them too costly to care for. Dante and Gina were sold to a game ranch with only one goal - to be shot for trophies on someone's wall. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service were alerted to the plan and had them removed to another location where they were treated no better. The USDA undertook a search and eventually found a safe haven for the tigers at Popcorn Park. Dante and Gina now enjoy big compounds with waterfalls and pools. They chase each other, climb on rocks and trees, and enjoy swimming in warm weather. To read more about Dante and Gina and the other residents at Popcorn Park Zoo, click here.

©Photo credited to Associated Humane Societies