by Helen Thompson
IMLAY - David and Lynda Sugasa purchased 160 acres of land about six miles from Unionville. They accept animals from all over the U.S.A. that are in need of a good home. Some of these animals have been mistreated by their owners and are no longer wanted. On the 27th of August our Senior Center was able to visit their refuge. The day was cool with some high clouds. It was a perfect day for a small trip.
The pens for the animals have been built well with a good strong mesh wire about 15-feet high. They have also been extended at the bottom and reinforced with cement so that the lions and tigers can't dig their way out of the enclosures. They have homes for three tigers, two lions, three mountain lions, two bobcats, two foxes, two coyotes, one African serval and one lynx. The serval has large untufted ears and a tawny black spotted coat. They have tried to recreate their habitat for them. They also have a male desert tortoise named Mo. In early spring they emerge from their winter burrows and usually remain active until fall. They eat an array of grasses and flowers of annual plants. They can go for long periods without water and live to be 50 to 80 years. He likes people and is friendly. He was very active when we saw him.
The Iguana's name is Iggy. When the refuge zoo got him, he had a bad skin rash that needed a special skin wash two times daily. His rash is cleared up now and he only needs a daily water bath. Iggy also lost his tail, but is in the process of re-growing it.
The Bengal tigers are really beautiful. Their coats of fur are very vibrant. I was amazed at how fast they are. We had our picture taken with Lulu the Bengal tiger in the background. The lion's paws are very large also.
The Walmart stores in Winnemucca and Elko give Safe Haven their meat that has extended its shelf life. Safe Haven keeps it in several large freezers they have. The large animals eat about 8 pounds of beef and chicken daily. It is very special that Walmart donates this meat for the animals.
We met Tom Bergstrom from Carona, Calif. He has been an intern at the refuge for six months. He will be going home soon and continuing his studies to become a vet. He was an excellent tour guide for us. Kelly Grenier has just arrived from Cape Cod, Mass. She will take Tom's place for the next six months.
Our Senior Center Volunteer council gave them a small donation to help with the animals expenses. A few bought T-shirts from them.
We took a side trip to Unionville as many had never been there. Most of the homes are built on the left side of the road where the creek is. Many years ago, when it was the county seat the store, school and community building were built on the other side of the road. The park is being kept up by Bob Wendell who is a maintenance employee of Pershing County. The grass is beautiful. They have also planted 20 red Sequoia trees in the park. A favorite of everyone was Mark Twain's house he lived in for a short time.
Everyone enjoyed lunch in Winnemucca. A special thanks to Jerry LaMiaux for being our van driver. It was a special trip for everyone.
The farmers market has been in town. We are enjoying the fruits and vegetables they had for sale. Sally Mathews and Marguerite Powrie entered some beautiful baby afghans in our fair. Some photos and oil paintings were also entered by the seniors. They got some special ribbons. We were happy to hear they are making an effort to keep the fair going. The carnival makes a nice touch also.
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