Renard, refuge for wolf dogs arrives in Granville
A new and unique wildlife sanctuary has arrived in Licking County.
Walking Wild Rescue, a nonprofit that rescues and provides a safe haven for captive-bred foxes and wolfdogs, is a labor of love developed by Granville area residents Molly and David Schulz and a team of volunteers.
The one-of-a-kind rescue center “provides each animal with an indoor and outdoor space to ensure everyone is comfortable,” Molly Schulz, Founder and CEO of Rescue, told The Advocate in June.
Following:A fox in the Granville region, the wolfdog sanctuary offers a safe life; escape the fur trade
Following:Area officials experience Licking County’s unique fox and wolf sanctuary firsthand
Following:Groundbreaking for a one-of-a-kind fox rescue center in Licking County
The shrine is launching a fundraising campaign of $ 900,000 to finance the construction of two barns. Rescue held a groundbreaking ceremony in June for an approximately half a million dollar, 7,000 square foot fox facility. The air-conditioned fox barn, capable of accommodating over 60 foxes, will feature 20,000 square feet of play yards, an adjoining kitchen for food preparation, a veterinary clinic, storage space and an information center.
The adjacent 4,200 square foot wolfdog barn on their 20-acre sanctuary site will have 32,000 square feet of outdoor habitat.
In June, the sanctuary housed 24 foxes and two wolfhounds, the result of breeding a dog with a wolf or half a wolf. But Molly Schulz explained that that can change at any time. As of June, nine foxes were on a list awaiting placement at facilities in the Chatham Road area, with another 30 on a fox farm that will eventually find their home in Walking Wild. In August, the Schulze welcomed a young Florida fox to the sanctuary.
Following:Lucky Florida Fox Finds New Home in Licking County on Friday the 13th
Walking Wild aims to save foxes trapped in the fur trade, as well as foxes and wolfhounds that people bring home as pets only to realize that exotic animals are not easy to care for.
Molly Schulz described their rescue as a rescue facility for these animals.
“But it gives our community, the country, the world, a place to come and they can experience these animals, learn why they don’t make good pets for the majority of people, and understand and cultivate a love for these foxes so they join us in advocating against the use of fur in fashion… It will bring people from all over the country to the central Ohio area, ”she said.
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Twitter: @ MariaDeVito13
