Keepers Of The Wild on Route 66

Cruising the longest continuous stretch of Route 66 north of Kingman Arizona, one can find remnants of bygone times - rusting cars, old buildings and service stations, pieces of long abandoned sections of old Route 66 - testaments to the heyday of road trips, before the long stretches of Interstates came about. One can even spend the night in a cave at the Grand Canyon Caverns. Would you believe - right here on Route 66…there are LIONS and TIGERS? Oh my!

Nearly 30 years ago, Jonathan Kraft was performing in Las Vegas with exotic animals. In the long hours and days of a Las Vegas show, waiting in their cages, he could see that the magnificent animals deserved a better life. So, the stage lights turned off for him and he put the gloves on to do what he could to help the animals he loved.

Over the years since, the Keepers Of The Wild organization has worked to educate the public about the harsh realities of the performing animals’ lives. Throughout years of helping to create awareness of the cruel illegal animal trades and issues that affect native habitats, the organization has grown into a home for the animals located right on historic Route 66 north of Kingman near Valentine, Arizona. The current location encompasses 175 acres and houses over 140 rescued animals.

The animals come from around the world and receive top medical care. The animals are housed in habitats that give them freedom of movement, appropriate shelter and enable them to behave as they would instinctively in the wild. The organization has a strict policy of not allowing any public interaction with the animals and work to ensure that the creatures have the comforts of “home.”

Keepers Of The Wild is an accredited non-profit and is licensed by the USDA and AZ Game and Fish. Plans are currently underway for a large expansion and a larger facility for the animals. On September 9th, 2023 the Pharoahs Car Club of Arizona helped organize a large fundraiser for Keepers Of The Wild which featured many of the members’ classic vehicles, raffle prizes and discounted admissions for the day. The event raised about 2000 dollars to help the cause.

For more information on Keepers Of The Wild, or to see how you can help, visit their website at www.keepersofthewild.org or call 928-769-1800 or email [email protected].

For information on what the Arizona Pharoahs are up to in the area, visit them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1058801895413680

The Arizona Pharoahs are often seen at various car shows and events doing what they can to help out their community.

Keepers Of The Wild is located at 13441 E. Hwy 66 near Valentine, Arizona.