MADISON CO., Ark. -
The owner of a wildlife refuge in Madison County says it's in danger of foreclosure.
James Orr has run the Witter Wildlife Refuge for ten years and says he has until June 2 to straighten things out with his bank. Orr says a Florida company called TV Vision had been investing in his refuge and paying the mortgage, but quit without warning.
"They wanted to turn the place into a big park, with RV spots, and start a television series," he said. "Then they just dropped the ball without telling us."
The refuge is licensed by the state to rehabilitate and release wild animals, and Orr says they have a number of cases which require specialized care.
"These animals can't be taken in just by any person or any zoo, they have to have special care, and if we have to give them up they'll be euthanized, that's my greatest fear."
Over the years, Witter Wildlife Refuge has become home to a blind deer named Helen, several abused puppies recovered by law enforcement from a science lab, and an entire pack of wolves. According to Orr, some animals they get just don't go wild again after spending time at the refuge.
"Ninety percent of the animals we receive and rehabilitate are released back into the wild. But sometimes you get ones that have a birth defect or handicap and are unreleasable," he said.
James and his wife have taken many of their animals to other rehab centers, and some humane societies have also stepped up to help. The refuge might also be able to tap into an inheritance one of their supporters left to them, but that takes time Orr's not sure he has. For more information about the refuge, visit their website at WitterWildlifeRefuge.com.
James Orr has run the Witter Wildlife Refuge for ten years and says he has until June 2 to straighten things out with his bank. Orr says a Florida company called TV Vision had been investing in his refuge and paying the mortgage, but quit without warning.
"They wanted to turn the place into a big park, with RV spots, and start a television series," he said. "Then they just dropped the ball without telling us."
The refuge is licensed by the state to rehabilitate and release wild animals, and Orr says they have a number of cases which require specialized care.
"These animals can't be taken in just by any person or any zoo, they have to have special care, and if we have to give them up they'll be euthanized, that's my greatest fear."
Over the years, Witter Wildlife Refuge has become home to a blind deer named Helen, several abused puppies recovered by law enforcement from a science lab, and an entire pack of wolves. According to Orr, some animals they get just don't go wild again after spending time at the refuge.
"Ninety percent of the animals we receive and rehabilitate are released back into the wild. But sometimes you get ones that have a birth defect or handicap and are unreleasable," he said.
James and his wife have taken many of their animals to other rehab centers, and some humane societies have also stepped up to help. The refuge might also be able to tap into an inheritance one of their supporters left to them, but that takes time Orr's not sure he has. For more information about the refuge, visit their website at WitterWildlifeRefuge.com.
