Founder of Sanctuary rehabilitates animals rescued from Puerto Rico zoo shut down following years of complaints

In a world where disasters threaten the lives of animals, one man has emerged as a modern-day Noah, orchestrating high-stakes rescues around the world. Pat Craig, the founder of The Wild Animal Sanctuary in Colorado, has become the go-to guy for saving animals in distress. This story takes us to a zoo in Puerto Rico, where Craig embarked on his most ambitious mission yet.

The Dr. Juan A. Rivero Zoo in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, was once home to the pride of the island, but years of decline, mismanagement, and neglect had left the animals in a dire state. The U.S. Department of Agriculture cited the zoo multiple times for substandard conditions and animal mistreatment. After hurricanes Irma and Maria devastated the island, the zoo closed its doors in 2018, leaving over 300 animals in desperate need of help.

Upon arriving at the zoo, Pat Craig and his wife Monica were met with a heartbreaking sight. The animals were sick, malnourished, and living in deplorable conditions. With animals dying almost weekly, it was clear that immediate action was needed. The U.S. Department of Justice intervened, sending a team to evacuate every species from the zoo to permanent homes on the mainland. Pat Craig was chosen to lead this mission, a daunting task that required meticulous planning and execution.

The rescue operation was a mix of military-style logistics and battlefield extraction. Lions, camels, kangaroos, and even hippos were coaxed into custom-built crates using patience, prodding, and even grape jelly. The animals were then transported to sanctuaries across the U.S. on charter flights arranged by Craig. The operation was not without challenges, as local resistance and sabotage complicated the rescue efforts.

Back at The Wild Animal Sanctuary in Colorado, the rescued animals found a new home. Each animal came with a sad backstory, from tigers kept as pets to bears abused in medical facilities. The sanctuary, with its 1,200-acre facility, provides a safe haven for these animals to roam free in grassy enclosures.

The rehabilitation process at the sanctuary is a delicate balance of physical and emotional healing. Animals like Mikey the bear, rescued from Puerto Rico, undergo medical treatments and behavioral therapy to overcome their traumatic past. Pat Craig and his team work tirelessly to help these animals regain their trust in humans and learn to live like wild animals once again.

One of the most heartwarming moments of the story is the release of the lions from Puerto Rico into their new habitat. For the first time in their lives, these animals experienced the freedom to run and live in a vast space with deep grass. Despite a few scuffles, the sight of lions acting like lions brought a sense of fulfillment to Pat Craig and his team.

In the end, the animals at The Wild Animal Sanctuary find more than just sanctuary; they find a home where they can live out their days in peace and freedom. Pat Craig’s dedication to saving animals in need is a testament to the power of compassion and the resilience of these incredible creatures.