About Us

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 2001, 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 4H Club leased the  current location  to BPAS, and this is now the forever home to over 60  species of animals, reptiles, and birds.   Black Pine Animal Sanctuary is one of the only multi species sanctuaries 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.