About Us

MISSION

Black Pine Animal Sanctuary exists to provide refuge for captive-raised exotic animals.

Professional Animal Retirement Center (PARC), Inc., known locally as Black Pine Animal Sanctuary was established 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.

We do not buy, sell, breed, trade, or use animals for commercial purposes.

Fun Facts

Home to over 70 animals and 60 different species, Black Pine is a “forever” home to exotic animals in need of safe refuge. We strive to educate, advocate and participate in legislation to end the suffering of all animals. Exotic animals like big cats, bears and primates should never be used as a “pet” and will never be successful in a home environment.

Black Pine has excellent veterinary practices, enrichment programs and animal care, ensuring the lives of these animals are as comfortable as possible. We are innovators and educators in the realm of exotic animal refuge. As a partner of sanctuaries across the world through our GFAS accreditation, we are committed to continuing to update habitats and protocols as science and best practices evolve.

ANIMAL CARE

Animal care at BPAS is as special and unique as each of our residents. Not only is the care specialized for each species of animal, but it is personalized to fit the individual’s needs. Habitat design, enrichment, husbandry needs, and diet are all perfectly crafted for each individual resident. These could be determined by the resident’s age, mobility, or medical needs.

HISTORY

In the late 1980’s, Karen Hoag and her husband adopted a single llama from a neighbor who could no longer care for it and agreed to raise the llama on their small farm. From that moment on, over the years the couple became known in the area as a place to surrender wild and exotic animals that people no longer could care for properly. There were multiple reasons why the animals were surrendered, which still exist to this day. The reasons for surrendering wild and exotic animals range from the animal size, temperament, care involved, and many times lack of resources or adequate space.

Originally named PARC (Professional Animal Retirement Center) in 2003, the organization became a nonprofit 501(c) 3, and was then named Black Pine Animal Sanctuary.  Due to the number of animals and need for more space, in 2006 the Noble County 4-H Club leased the current location to BPAS, and this is now the forever home to over 60 species of animals. Black Pine Animal Sanctuary is the only multi species sanctuary in the Midwest. The sanctuary includes an Avian Building, Primate House, and Reptile House, which are all climate controlled through the cold winter months.

In 2019, Black Pine Animal Sanctuary became accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries, which assures the public that BPAS is a true sanctuary.  Unlike many self-professed sanctuaries, and zoos, we do not buy, sell, breed or trade the animals at Black Pine Animal Sanctuary.  Animals who now live at the sanctuary have been surrendered or confiscated by legal authorities and will remain at Black Pine Animal Sanctuary, living peacefully and being well cared for, for the rest of their lives.

GFAS ACCREDITATION INFORMATION

Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries Mission: To accredit and recognize sanctuaries and rescue centers, support them to achieve the highest Standards of Excellence, promote collaboration, and raise awareness of their work.

The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) is the leader in sanctuary best practices. They verify that exotic animal best practices are being not only followed, but created. We are inspected every three years to ensure standards are met through GFAS and the USDA.

Both Verified and Accredited facilities must meet standards demonstrating excellence in animal care and safety, as well as policies including:

• No captive breeding (with a potential exception for only those organizations having a bona fide release/ reintroduction program to return wildlife to their native habitat)
• No commercial trade in animals or animal parts
• No tours allowed that are not guided and conducted in a careful manner that minimizes the impact on the animals and their environment, does not cause them stress, and gives them the ability to seek undisturbed privacy and quiet
• Animals are not exhibited or taken from the sanctuary or enclosures/habitats for non-medical reasons, with some limited exceptions for certain animal species, such as horses, under approved circumstances
• The public does not have direct contact with wildlife (with some limited exceptions as outlined in the Standards)

In addition to this, Accreditation involves an additional rigorous screening of compliance with GFAS standards regarding governance, finance, and other sustainability issues.