Time to rebuild
Little Ponderosa will re-open before 2018
On Sunday, Dec. 10, less than a week after an accidental electrical fire burned the main entrance and barn of Little Ponderosa Zoo and Rescue, owner/founder James Cox formally announced intentions to rebuild.
The Monday, Dec. 4, fire destroyed tools and food supplies, and took the lives of about 40 animals.
In the wake of the fire andemotional Cox said he didn’t know if he could rebuild.
But during his announcement Sunday he said the outpouring of support from the community had made him more determined than ever.
He noted the community made sure the surviving animals did not go hungry and donations of everything from paper towels to a large tent allowed Little Ponderosa to focus on caring for the animals and getting ready for the future.
He announced the zoo is “working toward re-opening” on Dec. 30.
“The camels miss people walking by with feed buckets,” he said. “They don’t understand what’s going on.”
While Cox noted donations have been pouring in, Little Ponderosa Zoo and Rescue is still in need of monetary doantions.
Numerous businesses in Anderson County have set up donation jars and cans, and a fundraiser has been scheduled beginning at 6 p.m. Jan. 6, at the Museum of Appalachia.
Earlier this week a Knoxville-based modeling agency also pitched in:
“As the zoo seeks to rebuild and support its animals following the fire, Knoxville-based talent agency, Gage Models and Talent, announced a fashion show to raise valuable funds that will help the nonprofit zoo as it is in desperate need of supplies and donations,” a release from the agency stated.
The fundraiser is set for 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 29, at 205 MAIN in Clinton with a “Benefit Fashion Show” at 6 p.m.
“We were saddened to hear about the loss of animals at Little Ponderosa Zoo, and decided to do something to help,” said Gage Talent owner Jaime Hemsley. “We enjoy supporting fashion for a cause, and we’re thrilled to host an event to help the zoo as it pursues recovery.”
The Little Ponderosa Zoo and Rescue was originally founded as a zoo, but soon became an exotic animal rescue after people seeking help to give their exotic pets a home.
The zoo now rescues animals from across the United States and works diligently to provide safe, loving homes.
Gage Models and Talent Agency team member Adam Stair, who has worked with the Little Ponderosa Zoo, finds it takes a special kind of love to rescue animals and help the wounded heal.
“With all the dedication and determination I’ve witnessed with the Little Ponderosa Zoo starting after the fire destroyed so much, it leaves me with the knowledge that the special love of compassion still exists,” said Stair. “Nothing can break love.”
Tickets to the event are $25 with proceeds benefiting the zoo. Tickets are available at http://knoxvillefashionweek.com/ponderosa-benefit/.