Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
This is Chris Redgrave for Zions Bank Speaking on Business.
It was 30 years ago now that 28 friends banded together to save over 17 million animals being euthanized every year. With no money or plan and countless lives hanging in the balance, they went on to create Best Friends Animal Society, which remains as the nation's largest no-kill animal sanctuary, headed by CEO Gregory Castle.
At any given time, they have up to 1,700 animals living in one of Southern Utah's most pristine canyons. These include horses, cats, dogs, bunnies, birds and even a wildlife rehabilitation program set up by the state of Utah. They're also working to spread their work across the United States, and it's already taking root in places like Los Angeles and many other cities.
Between the staff and the trainers, the understanding is that these animals are rehabilitated through love and kindness. Experienced trainers have been successful in teaching cats to leash up and walk. Even though their brains are smaller than dogs' they have more neuron connections, so it's easier for them to learn.
Did you know pigs are some of the most intelligent animals on the planet, outsmarting even cats and dogs? At the sanctuary you'll find pigs that were once a family pet since only 5 percent remain in someone's home. That's why Best Friends sees the potbellied pigs as educational ambassadors on behalf of their species.
If you ever have an opportunity to tour this facility you will not believe how organized and immaculate their sanctuary is. The experience of dignity and respect given between employees and volunteers to the animals is something you have to behold. They look for a certain type of employee and volunteer. That's a big task with around 7,000 volunteers coming in from around the world every year. Not to mention, with 550 employees, Best Friends Animal Society is easily Kane County's largest employer.
Now in their 30th anniversary, the goal at Best Friends Animal Society is to rehabilitate animals and place them in a loving home. So far their adoption rate is at 82 percent.
For Zions Bank, I'm Chris Redgrave, speaking on business.
Best Friends Animal Society 5001 Angel Canyon Rd. Kanab, UT 84741 435-644-2001 www.bestfriends.org
