The only licensed United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) animal sanctuary in Hawaii, Three Ring Ranch was established in 1998 by Ann and Norm Goody.
The sanctuary is located in Keaolani, above Kailua-Kona. The Goodys' aim is to help educate Hawaii's children about the natural world. "Our goal is to assist in the development of an environmentally responsible generation of youth," Ann Goody told Big Island Times.
Their facility has more than 80 exotic and non-releasable native animals that live there as residents.
"We provide a lifetime home for our residents, teach visitors in tours, teach students in various programs, teach residential pre-vet and vet student interns, teach international students (residential), host residential U.S. volunteers, provide consulting services and training to other agencies," Ann Goody said.
Goody and her husband started the sanctuary with just five animals. The animals were rescued from abusive owners, failed zoos or seized during raids. Animals that currently live at the sanctuary include zebras, flamingos, oryx, parrots and tortoises, just to name a few.
Ann Goody says, "If you love animals, enjoy seeing creatures who were injured, sick or abused turn into happy, healthy animals getting to live full, enriching lives, then you need to visit and support Three Ring Ranch."
Three Ring Ranch is a nonprofit organization, also known as a 501(C)(3). Opportunities to donate skills or money are available on their website, ThreeRingRanch.org. The Goodys also accept animal care questions by email at animals@threeringranch.org.