‘Valley of the Kings Sanctuary & Retreat’ Speaker Visits CMS

By Mary Ann Inman, REPORTER

Speaker Andy Carlson captured the attention of sixth grade students from Mrs. Cernek’s English/Language Arts classes. Two sessions were held with about 40 students attending each assembly. Students had already read “The Tiger Rising” by Kate DiCamillo, so they were aware of problems created by humans for animals and prepared with questions and filled with concern. Student Marin Firn volunteered to list backstories on the library’s whiteboard as Andy talked.

Andy’s personal experience and education started when he purchased a $100 membership to ‘Valley of the Kings Sanctuary’ and adopted a leopard that was 20 years old. He has been involved for the past 10 years.

His early involvement has evolved and the sanctuary has become his passion. Carlson has made lots of friends and likes to meet and educate people who care deeply for animals. He advised students to seek out friends with shared meaningful interests.

The sanctuary is not open to the public due to USDA regulations. Volunteers do not go into the pens with the animals. When the animals enter the pens, they go through separate shelters where they are fed and their open area pens are cleaned. To become a volunteer one has to pay a membership fee first.

Student Devan Gosnell volunteered to read the brochure membership requirements and levels. Individual memberships start at $75 for six months. Family memberships range from $50 to $200. Lifetime memberships are $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for corporations.

One corporation that has been extremely generous is Roundy’s Foods. The Company freezes meat and delivers it. It is estimated that they have donated $1,000,000 worth of food over the past 10 years.

Carlson told sad stories such as Lena’s story. When Lena, a crippled Bengal tiger, was delivered to the sanctuary in Sharon, Wis., she would not come out of the rescue van because she had never seen the light of day. Carlson said, “Then the other sanctuary animals bellowed and shouted in harmony. It was their way of saying, it is okay. You can come out. You are safe. This is your home.” He added, “Animals have feelings just like us. Lena doesn’t like most women. One tiger doesn’t like men with lots of tattoos, tripods, or wheelchairs.” He told the story about the ‘Valley of the Kings’ President and Founder Jill Carnegie and her relationship with Bruce. Jill and the tiger had a special daily routine. She would get down on her knees and they would butt heads and he would roll over and show her his belly. She was telling him that he had to tell her when the end was near. Then one day they met, and he urinated in front of her, and it was a solid red color – indicating cancer. The bond they shared was mutual and intense. When Bruce was put down, there were thunderous roars lasting for at least five minutes.

In some places, like the Wisconsin Dells, cubs are used for photography with children, adults, and families. The cubs are kept away from their mothers and awake for up to 16 hours a day. This for profit activity takes place for four to five months until they have outgrown their cute and cuddly stage. Then they are castoff and replaced. This for profit venue yields about $20,000 per month. The short- term captivity creates long-term detrimental mental health and physical damage to the cub’s health. What can ordinary people do to stop this? Carlson asked students to stop standing in line for photo opportunities with animals who were never intended to serve for profit needs. He recommended that they tell their friends and families not to participate either. When lines are too short for big profit, it will stop.

‘Valley of the Kings’ is run by Jill Carnegie and her husband, Jim Tomasi. The family shares its modest southern Wisconsin farm with lions, tigers, leopards, cougars, bears, horse, cows, foxes, and other “misfits” that have found a permanent home at the sanctuary. Each animal carries his/her own sad story of cruelty and inhumanity, yet each animal reflects joy with its current surroundings. They display radiant health recoveries and proud roars echo through the retreat.

MARY ANN INMAN, PHOTO – The Clinton Topper.
The students passed around photos of rescued animals. From left clockwise: Makynzie Manthei, Kayda B., Genevieve Martin, and Kaylee Proeben.

Jill Carnegie explains, “There are an enormous number of things that must be done to keep this sanctuary going. We need funds for building materials and help with many projects we just cannot do this ourselves.”

Visit www.votk.org or phone (262) 736-9728 for a wish list of non-food items needed from bleach to galvanized stock tanks. Chicken, venison, turkey, beef (no bones please), grains, dry cat and dog food, fresh fruits and vegetables, and breads are needed.

Please mail payments to ‘Valley of the Kings,’ W7593 Townhall Road, Sharon, WI 53585.