Endangered Ark Foundation

About Endangered Ark Foundation

Endangered Ark Foundation is a nonprofit at 2657 E 2070 Rd. near Hugo, Oklahoma, devoted to Asian elephants. The foundation describes itself as a private nonprofit dedicated to ensuring the future of Asian elephants in North America, providing a retirement ranch for circus elephants, and educating the public about the species. Its website says it was established in 1993 by D.R. and Isla Miller to preserve the endangered Asian elephant, and that the Miller family had more than six decades of experience caring for and living with elephants beforehand. The foundation states that it respects the bond and partnership formed between animals and humans and the need for action to save endangered animals. The foundation's website and the TravelOK listing both describe it as the second largest home to Asian elephants in America. It is not accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

History

The foundation dates to 1993, per its website, and was set up by D.R. and Isla Miller and their family after decades of working and living with elephants and other animals. Its oldest elephant is the matriarch Suzy, listed as more than 70 years old, and the website says most of the females have been together for the majority of their lives.

Exhibits and habitats

The foundation's homepage lists a herd of 15 Asian elephants, 12 females and 3 males. Named animals include Cameron Lee, the youngest, born in 2020; Suzy, the matriarch; Tommy, a male listed as over 30 years old and the father of the last four calves; and Obert, born in 2003 and named after the founder's father. Elephants are housed in two main barns. Building 1 houses the female elephants and includes special-needs areas and a birthing facility, and Building 2 houses the males. The barns provide veterinary care, shelter from bad weather and heat in the winter months, according to the website.

Conservation and programs

The foundation's stated purpose is preservation of the Asian elephant and public education. Programs listed on the site include public tours, private encounters, group and student presentations, observation deck experiences for celebrations, elephant expeditions offered with Oklahoma Awesome Adventures, an elephant adoption program and education resources. Oklahoma Awesome Adventures also offers cabin rentals next door to the foundation, which the website says feature breakfast with the elephants.

Planning your visit

The facility is not open without an appointment. According to the foundation's tours page, public tours run on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays depending on the season, last about one hour, and require reservations made online or by phone. Guests are asked to arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. A tour includes educational demonstrations about elephant care, information about the residents, photo opportunities and a question-and-answer session with staff. Photography, including flash, is permitted, and tours may be rescheduled for bad weather. Private encounters, listed as available every day of the week depending on the season and by appointment only, include meeting and feeding elephants and watching them make art; bathing an elephant or having custom footprints made are optional extras. Group visits are arranged by phone or email with the group size and purpose. Prices are on the foundation's website. Office hours are listed as Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and the phone number is 580-317-8470.