Florida facility with lions, tigers opens for public tours

By S.I. Rosenbaum
Published April 6, 2007

WIMAUMA – After her husband’s death last year, Robin Greenwood struggled to care for the family he left behind: three lions, four tigers, a pack of wolves, three bears and more leopards than they can count.

Ted and Robin Greenwood adopted most of them from owners who could no longer care for them. Ted’s plan was to incorporate as a nonprofit and get a federal license to exhibit their menagerie to the public. But he died in 2006 a few months after the incorporation papers came through.

Robin searched for ways to feed their four-legged charges, who consume about 100 pounds of chicken a day.

Then in January, she got the news: the U.S. Department of Agriculture had granted her license. Elmira’s Wildlife Sanctuary – named after a bear cub the Greenwoods raised – is finally open for tours by appointment on Saturdays.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children under 12.

To celebrate, the sanctuary will hold an Earth Day festival April 22. Greenwood plans live entertainment, food and drink, games and prize drawings.

The price of admission is to be determined. It will be based on how much she can raise in donations beforehand.

She invites vendors of animal supplies and services and wildlife-related crafts to set up booths at the event in return for a donation.

For more information, call 634-4115. For directions, go to www.elmiraswildlife.org.

http://www.sptimes.com/2007/04/06/Brandontimes/ Wildlife_haven_opens_.shtml