About Us
Professional Animal Retirement Center (PARC), Inc., known locally as Black Pine Animal Sanctuary was established in 2000 to provide refuge to displaced, captive-raised exotic animals for the rest of their lives and to educate people about responsible animal care and conservation.
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The sanctuary is home to nearly 100 displaced, captive-raised exotic animals. A variety of educational programs are offered throughout the year to enhance people's knowledge of exotic and endangered species, to encourage responsible captive care and behavior around potentially dangerous animals, and to protect public safety. Nearly 60 species of animals reside at the sanctuary.
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Animal residents currently include big and small cats, canines, bears, primates, birds, reptiles, and more, representing over 50 species.
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The sanctuary is funded solely by program fees (serving about 19,000 people annually), a gift shop, Park Pal memberships, proceeds of various fund raising events, sponsorships, individual and business donations, in-kind gifts, employer giving programs, and other fund raising initiatives.
Black Pine receives no taxpayer dollars. The mission is supported by many volunteers and participants in our unpaid internship program. The facility is managed by a volunteer board of directors and small paid staff. Veterinary services are provided by volunteers and paid staff members.
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We do not buy, sell, trade, or breed animals, or use them for commercial gain.
We believe that:
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Captive exotic animals have the right to be free from exploitation for entertainment, cruelty, neglect, and abuse.
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Captive exotic animals have the right to a healthy diet, protective shelter, and adequate medical care.
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Captive exotic animals have the right to live and grow at the rhythm and under the conditions of life and freedom peculiar to their species.
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Captive exotic animals should only be bred as part of a bonafide conservation program with appropriate, natural habitats that foster natural selection without diminishing genetic purity.
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Captive exotic animals should only be kept under compliance with all local, state, regional, national, and international laws.
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Testimonials
Black Pine is licensed by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) as a Class "C" exhibitor under license number 32-C-0191. (View our inspection reports.)
We are legally incorporated as Professional Animal Retirement Center (PARC), Inc. and recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a tax-exempt 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Click here to download a copy of our IRS determination letter. Our tax ID is 33-1020728.
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View your Donor Bill of Rights.
Our Indiana tax identification number is 0117958700 001.
Our D.U.N.S. number is 949338511
Our SIC code is 0752​
Transparency
Original documentary film by Brendan Connell.
Duration: 58 mins